Understanding Akita Dog Size and Growth Patterns

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Posted Oct 16, 2024

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Bearded African American male owner with dreadlocks sitting on sofa with book while stroking Akita Inu in living room with wooden table
Credit: pexels.com, Bearded African American male owner with dreadlocks sitting on sofa with book while stroking Akita Inu in living room with wooden table

Akitas are a large breed of dog, with males weighing between 70-130 pounds and standing 24-28 inches tall at the shoulder.

On average, an Akitas growth rate slows down between 6-9 months of age.

As a result, their adult weight is typically reached between 12-18 months of age.

Akitas can take up to 2 years to reach their full height, with some individuals taking longer to mature.

Take a look at this: Akita Protection Dog

Physical Characteristics

Akitas are large, sturdy, and powerful dogs, with males weighing around 110 pounds and females around 80 pounds.

Their bodies are muscular and slightly longer than they're tall, with straight and strong legs.

Akitas have broad chests and necks, as well as large heads with short muzzles, small eyes, and erect ears.

The tail is full and curled over the body, while their coat is short to medium in length and quite dense, with a thick and soft undercoat.

Their coat colors include a wide range of possibilities, from black to fawn, white, red, brown, and many others, as you can see below:

  • Black
  • Fawn
  • White
  • Red
  • Brown
  • Brown Brindle
  • Red Brindle
  • Fawn Brindle
  • Black, Brown Undercoat
  • Black, Silver Undercoat
  • Black, Red Undercoat
  • Black, Fawn Undercoat
  • Brown, Black Overlay
  • Fawn, Black Overlay
  • Red, Black Overlay
  • Silver, Black Overlay
  • White, Red Shading
  • Silver
  • Black Brindle
  • Silver Brindle

In terms of size, male Akitas typically range from 26 to 28 inches in height, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 24 to 26 inches.

Growth and Development

Credit: youtube.com, American Akita Dog Breed 0-12 months old GROW PROCESS

As an Akita owner, it's essential to understand your furry friend's growth and development. Akita puppies grow at a rapid rate, and monitoring their size is crucial to ensure they stay healthy.

At one month old, an Akita puppy typically weighs between 7 and 12 pounds. By two months, they'll have more than doubled in weight, ranging from 17 to 27 pounds.

As they approach their full height, male Akitas usually reach 26 to 28 inches, while females reach 24 to 26 inches. A 6-month-old male Akita will weigh around 55 to 70 pounds, while a female will weigh about 50 to 65 pounds.

Here's a rough estimate of an Akita's growth chart:

By 2 years old, an Akita's weight will usually stabilize between 100 and 130 pounds, depending on their diet and environment.

Size and Age

Akitas take longer to reach their full adult size than smaller dogs, and most will be close to their full adult size around ten months to a year of age.

Credit: youtube.com, American Akita - from puppy to 1 year

Their growth doesn't stop there, though - they'll continue putting on weight until they are two years old.

If your Akita is younger than a year old, they likely have quite a bit of growing left to do, so don't be surprised if they continue to fill out their chests and put on muscle.

You can also check the size of their paws - if they still look oversized next to their legs and body, they are likely still growing.

Reaching out to your Akita's breeder can also give you a good idea of their maximum adult size, as puppies rarely grow larger than their bigger parent.

Care and Lifestyle

Akitas are adaptable to small homes as long as they get enough daily exercise. They're originally from northern Japan where they were bred to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

Their calm nature means they're relatively silent dogs. They love to nap for hours throughout the day, especially when they're not chasing smaller animals.

Akitas are also meticulous about their cleanliness and are easily housebroken, making them a popular choice as pets.

See what others are reading: Types of Akitas

Living with an

Brown and White Akita Dog on White Snow
Credit: pexels.com, Brown and White Akita Dog on White Snow

Living with an Akita can be a wonderful experience, especially if you're willing to provide them with enough daily exercise.

Akitas are surprisingly adaptable to small homes, as long as they get to run around outside.

They're relatively silent dogs, which is a plus for city dwellers or those who value a quiet living space.

Akitas love to nap for hours a day, so be prepared for a lot of snuggles and snoozing.

They're also very clean dogs and are easily housebroken, making them a great choice for first-time pet owners.

Their affection and loyalty are unmatched, making them a beloved companion for many families.

For more insights, see: Akitas Good Service Dogs

Food & Diet

Owning an Akita is pretty straightforward when it comes to their diet. Smaller Akitas typically need 4 cups of high-quality kibble daily.

You can feed your Akita kibble, wet food, or fresh food, just ensure it's high-quality and nutritionally complete. This will prevent future health problems.

Larger Akitas need 5.75 cups of kibble daily, which is about an extra cup and three-quarters compared to smaller Akitas.

Expand your knowledge: Is Canidae Dog Food Good for Dogs

Breed Overview

Credit: youtube.com, AKITA 101! Everything You Need To Know About Owning A Akita Puppy

The Akita is a large breed, weighing in at 70-130 pounds, which is quite impressive. They come in a variety of colors, including black, fawn, red, white, brown brindle, and many more.

Their size is just one aspect that makes them appealing to many people. Akitas are often described as fiercely independent, which can be both a blessing and a challenge for pet owners.

In fact, their independent nature can make them stubborn at times, which is something to consider if you're thinking of bringing an Akita into your home. But with the right care and attention, they can be loving and loyal companions.

As for their temperament, Akitas are known to be wary of strangers, which makes them a great watchdog for those who need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are American Akita bigger than Japanese Akita?

American Akitas are generally larger than Japanese Akitas, weighing between 55-75 pounds, with a height range of 25-27.5 inches. This size difference is noticeable, but not drastic.

Are Akitas big Shibas?

Akitas are significantly larger than Shibas, with males weighing up to 130 pounds and standing 12-15 inches taller. While they share some physical characteristics, their size difference is quite notable.

How heavy is a full grown Akita?

A full-grown Akita typically weighs between 70-130 pounds (32-59 kg), with males being heavier than females.

Bryant Blick

Senior Writer

Bryant Blick is a talented writer with a passion for storytelling. With a keen eye for detail, he brings readers into the heart of the stories he tells. His writing career has taken off with a focus on exploring the rich tapestry of food culture.