Do Akitas make good pets? Akitas can be great pets, as they are calm, highly intelligent, and affectionate. However, due to its size and character, Akita is not a dog for everyone. At what age do Akitas become protective? Akitas become protective around the age of 12-18 months, as they begin to bark uncontrollably at strangers and seem to want to protect you from everyone outside the family. References