Discover Akita Dog Facts and Breed Information

The Akita is a majestic breed, originating from Japan, and is often referred to as a national treasure. Their thick double coat is a distinctive feature, with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat that sheds heavily.

Akitas are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent family pets. They are naturally wary of strangers and can be aloof with people they don't know.

In terms of size, Akitas are a large breed, with males weighing between 70-130 pounds and standing between 24-28 inches tall at the shoulder. This size, combined with their powerful build, makes them a formidable presence.

Despite their intimidating size, Akitas are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a great fit for families with children.

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The Akita is a substantial breed for its height with heavy bones. Their large, bear-like head is a characteristic physical trait of the breed.

Their ears are erect and triangular, set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck. Akitas have thick double coats and tight, well-knuckled, cat-like feet. Their tails are carried over the tops of their backs in a gentle or double curl down the loin.

Mature American-type Akitas typically measure 26-28 inches at the withers and weigh between 100 and 130 pounds.

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The breed name of the Akita has been a topic of debate among fanciers, with the American Kennel Club now considering American and Japanese Akitas to be two separate breeds.

American Akitas are often referred to as the Akita in some countries, whereas others, like the Japan Kennel Club, use this name specifically for the Japanese Akita.

The Federation Cynologique Internationale formally recognized the breed split in June 1999, designating the American type as the Great Japanese Dog, later renamed the American Akita in January 2006.

The breed split is especially contentious in Japan, where the issue has sparked heated debate among fanciers.

The United Kennel Club, The Kennel Club, the Australian National Kennel Council, the New Zealand Kennel Club, and the Japan Kennel Club all consider Japanese and American Akitas as separate breeds.

The breed standards for American and Japanese Akitas have distinct differences, with American Akitas generally being heavier boned and larger than Japanese Akitas.

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The Akita is a substantial breed with heavy bones, making it a sturdy companion.

Mature American-type males typically measure 26-28 inches at the withers and weigh between 100 and 130 pounds.

Their thick double coats require regular brushing, but they shed minimally.

The eyes of the Akita are small, dark, and deeply set, triangular in shape.

Akitas have erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck.

Their tails are carried over the tops of their backs in a gentle or double curl down the loin.

The Japanese type is a little smaller and lighter than the American type.

All dog breed coat colors and patterns are allowable in the American Akita, including the common Shiba Inu coloring pattern known as urajiro.

The urajiro pattern features whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of jaw, neck, chest, body, and tail, and on the inside of the legs.

The Japanese Akitas, as per the breed standards, are restricted to red, fawn, sesame, brindle, and pure white, all with urajiro markings.

When you're thinking about getting an Akita, one of the first things you might wonder about is their size. Males stand 26 to 28 inches tall.

Females are slightly smaller, standing between 24 to 26 inches. They can weigh anywhere from 70 to 110 pounds, which is still a pretty substantial size.

The Akita is a high-energy breed that needs at least an hour of daily exercise, including long jogs or vigorous play, and mental challenges like agility or scent work.

A well-fenced yard is essential to prevent escape attempts, as Akitas are capable jumpers. They especially enjoy colder weather and snow, but can be prone to overheating in hot temperatures.

Coat care involves brushing once or twice a week, with occasional bathing, but twice a year they experience heavy shedding that may require daily brushing.

Akitas are prone to certain health issues, including gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), patellar luxation, and hypothyroidism, so regular veterinary check-ups are crucial.

Regular nail trimming and teeth brushing are also important for an Akita's overall health.

Akitas have a reputation for being fairly odorless, but if they spend a lot of time outside, their coat can get dirty and require frequent grooming.

This breed requires moderate exercise, and if they're not getting enough physical activity, a daily jog or long walk will suffice.

Training should start early and happen frequently, with calmness, consistency, and positive reinforcement being key to developing a well-behaved Akita.

Akitas have a strong instinct to protect their family and territory, so it's essential to socialize them well and provide a securely fenced yard to prevent unwanted visitors.

To prevent boredom and behavior problems, include your Akita in family activities and avoid leaving them alone for long periods at a time.

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The Akita is a generally healthy breed, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain conditions. Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition that can cause arthritis as the dog ages.

Akitas are also at risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and cuts off blood supply. If your dog experiences GDV, you'll need to get them to the vet immediately, as surgery can be expensive - $8,000-$10,000.

To prevent GDV, consider a surgery called gastropexy, where the side of the stomach is tacked to the abdomen wall. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care can also help identify potential health issues early on.

In addition to these conditions, Akitas may also be prone to hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy, and sebaceous adenitis. Regular grooming is also essential, as Akitas are heavy shedders and require regular brushing and bathing to keep their coat healthy.

Akitas are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they're prone to certain conditions and diseases. Hip dysplasia is a common issue, where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint, leading to arthritis as the dog ages.

Hip dysplasia can be inherited, so it's essential to work with reputable breeders who have tested their parents for the condition. In fact, dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat, is another life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Akitas. It occurs when the stomach twists and cuts off blood supply, often after eating a large meal or exercising vigorously after eating.

Symptoms of bloat include a distended abdomen, excessive salivation, and retching without vomiting. If you suspect your Akita has bloat, get them to the vet immediately, as it can be fatal if left untreated.

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland that can cause a range of symptoms, including epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy, and skin conditions. It's typically treated with medication and diet changes.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a family of eye diseases that affects the retina, leading to night blindness and eventually complete loss of vision. Some affected dogs adapt well to their limited vision, but it's essential to monitor their condition closely.

Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is a genetic condition that causes inflammation and destruction of the sebaceous glands in the skin, leading to dry, scaly skin and hair loss. It's often mistaken for other conditions, but a biopsy can confirm the diagnosis.

Here are some breed-specific conditions to be aware of:

The Akita's coat color is quite varied, with options like black, white, chocolate, and brindle, or a combination of colors with white. This diversity is just one of the many things that make the Akita such a beloved breed.

The Akita is a double-coated breed, which means they have a thick undercoat and a short topcoat. This double layer can make grooming a bit more challenging, but it's not impossible.

As a shedder, the Akita will require frequent vacuuming to keep your home hair-free. This is especially true during shedding season, which occurs two or three times a year.

Weekly brushing can help reduce the amount of hair in your home and keep the Akita's plush coat healthy. It's also a great way to bond with your Akita and make grooming a positive experience.

Bathing your Akita every three months or so is a good rule of thumb. However, if your Akita gets into something smelly or dirty, more frequent baths may be necessary.

Don't forget to trim your Akita's nails once a month and check their ears weekly for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that could indicate an infection.

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Akitas are generally alert, courageous, and protective dogs, making them naturally wary of strangers.

They tend to be one-family dogs, utterly devoted to those in their inner circle but aloof toward and often suspicious of strangers.

Akitas can be overly protective and may misinterpret some innocent actions as threats, which is why they're not always the best fit for children or the elderly to manage.

They can be aggressive toward other dogs, though they're not excessive barkers.

Despite their strong-willed nature, Akitas are relatively easy to train, but they may not always be eager to perform.

A well-trained Akita should be accepting of nonthreatening strangers, otherwise they may treat all strangers in an aggressive manner.

Akitas are large, strong, independent, and dominant dogs, which can make them challenging to manage.

They're naturally territorial about their property and can be reserved with strangers.

A survey on canine behavior in five 'ancient' breeds in Poland found that 59% of Akitas display aggression towards other dogs and animals.

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A Japanese study found that the CAG repeat polymorphism in the AR gene in the Akita Inu was correlated with increased reports of aggression in male Akita dogs, but not females.

Akitas are bold and willful dogs, naturally wary of strangers but extremely loyal to their family.

They tend to be aggressive toward other dogs, especially those of the same sex.

With family, the Akita is affectionate and playful, but they need an owner who can provide firm, loving discipline.

They're not the best fit for first-time owners or the timid, and they require plenty of exercise to keep them from becoming bored and destructive.

Training the Akita is essential, and so is proper socialization from an early age.

They're naturally protective, so if allowed or not raised properly, they can become aggressive.

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The Akita has a rich history that spans thousands of years, with evidence of the breed dating back to the Jōmon Period (14,000–300 B.C.). They originated in the Akita prefecture in Japan, where they were bred as strong, hard-working hunting dogs.

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The Akita's loyalty is legendary, with one famous example being Hachiko, an Akita who waited nearly 10 years at a train station for his owner's return, unaware the owner had passed away. This story inspired Helen Keller to adopt an Akita, which she named Kami.

In Japan, the Akita is revered and often presented as a symbol of good health and long life. Visitors to the Akita prefecture can meet Akita dogs at various businesses, including the Akita Dog Museum and the Royal Hotel Odate.

Here are some notable celebrity Akita owners:

The Akita breed has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The Akita's known existence goes back to the 1600s, when the breed guarded Japanese royalty and was used for hunting fowl and large game.

The Akita's origins can be traced back to the Akita prefecture in Japan, where its lineage dates back to the 17th century. The breed was originally bred as strong, hard-working hunting dogs, but they soon became known for their loyalty.

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In the 1930s, the Akita made its way to the U.S. for the first time, courtesy of Helen Keller, who brought a pup named Kami home after a tour through Japan. The breed remained a rarity in the U.S. until after World War II, when returning American soldiers brought them back from overseas.

The Akita was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972, after a long battle to establish the breed's standard. The breed has since become one of seven dog breeds designated as a natural national monument in Japan, where it is revered for its spiritual significance and symbol of good health.

In Japan, the Akita is considered a symbol of health, happiness, and long life, and families of newborn children are often presented with a statue of an Akita as a gift.

The Akita prefecture in Japan is a haven for Akita dog lovers, with several businesses offering opportunities to meet and interact with these amazing dogs, including the Akita Dog Museum, the Akita Dog Visitor Center, the Ani Ski Resort, Furusawa Hot Springs, and the Royal Hotel Odate.

Helen Keller was deeply moved by the story of Hachiko, the loyal Akita who waited nearly 10 years at a train station for his owner's return, and when she traveled to Japan in the 1930s, she was gifted an Akita as a companion.

Some famous Akita owners include Henry Cavill, who has an American Akita named Kal, and Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr., who have adorable Akita Inus named Kumi and Sato.

Here are some of the businesses in the Akita prefecture where you can meet and interact with Akita dogs: