American Akitas are a large breed of dog, and understanding their size is crucial for potential owners. They typically weigh between 70 and 130 pounds.
One of the most notable aspects of American Akitas is their height, which can range from 24 to 28 inches. This makes them one of the taller breeds of dogs. Their size requires regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent joint issues.
Akita Size
American Akitas are a large breed of dog, and their size can vary depending on several factors. A female Akita typically grows to be between 61 to 66 cm (24-26 inches) in height, while a male Akita can reach a height of 66 to 71 cm (26-28 inches).
Their weight is also a significant factor in determining their overall size. A 6-month-old male Akita can weigh anywhere from 55 to 70 pounds, while a female Akita at the same age can weigh around 50 to 65 pounds.
To give you a better idea of their growth pattern, here's a chart of their weight at different ages:
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and can vary depending on your Akita's individual growth rate and other factors.
Physical Characteristics
The American Akita is a large and sturdy breed, with males weighing about 110 pounds and females weighing about 80 pounds. Their muscular bodies are slightly longer than they are tall.
Their broad chests and necks are a distinctive feature, and their heads are large with short muzzles, small eyes, and erect ears. Akitas have a thick and soft undercoat that makes them well-suited to colder climates.
The American Akita's coat is short to medium in length and comes in a variety of colors, including black, fawn, white, red, brown, and several brindle patterns. Some Akitas have a mask on their face, highlighting their intelligent eyes.
Here are some of the possible coat colors for an American Akita:
- 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
Their tails are full and curled over the body, adding to their distinctive appearance.
Akita Size and Measurement
Akita size and measurement can be a bit tricky to understand, but don't worry, I've got you covered.
Female Akitas typically weigh between 65-95 pounds at one year old, and can grow up to 100 pounds by one and a half years old.
To get an idea of how much bigger your Akita will get, look at their current age and size. If they're younger than a year old, they likely have a lot of growing left to do.
You can also check your Akita's paws - if they're still oversized compared to their legs and body, they're probably still growing.
Akitas come in two sizes: males are 66-71 cm (26-28 inches) tall at the withers, while bitches are 61-66 cm (24-26 inches) tall.
Here's a rough idea of what to expect in terms of weight at different ages:
It's also worth noting that Akitas have a specific proportion of height to body length, with males having a ratio of 9 to 10 and bitches having a ratio of 9 to 11.
Akita Care and Information
American Akitas are a relatively large breed, with males weighing between 100 and 130 pounds.
Regular grooming is essential for Akitas, as they shed heavily twice a year.
Their thick double coat requires brushing several times a week to prevent matting and tangling.
Akita Care Tips
Akitas are a relatively low-maintenance breed, but they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their thick coats.
Their thick coats shed heavily, especially during shedding season, so be prepared for regular brushing.
Akitas are prone to hip dysplasia, so it's essential to monitor their joint health and keep them at a healthy weight to reduce the risk of this condition.
Daily exercise is crucial for Akitas, and they need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to stay happy and healthy.
Akitas are generally quiet dogs, but they do bark to alert their owners to potential threats, so it's essential to socialize them well to prevent excessive barking.
Akitas are loyal and protective of their families, but they can be wary of strangers, so it's crucial to introduce them to new people slowly and under controlled circumstances.
Their thick coats also make them sensitive to extreme temperatures, so they need to be kept indoors during hot summer months and provided with a warm, dry place to sleep during cold winter months.
Akitas are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hypothyroidism and gastric dilatation-volvulus, so it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding stock.
Haga
Haga is a male Akita from Paradise Akitas in Idaho, his mom is a beautiful brindle colored Akita and his father is a massive Akita from Okami Akitas in Illinois.
Haga's father, Buster, is a big and accomplished Akita who weighs between 115-120lbs. He's a stunning dog that pictures of the breed simply don't do justice to.
Haga is a bit on the small side for a male Akita, weighing around 85lbs at 17 months old. He's a couple whiskers shy of the 26″ height mark.
Akitas can continue to grow in density until the 3 year mark, so it's possible Haga will still gain more weight, but getting taller at this point is unlikely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger Japanese or American Akita?
American Akitas are generally larger than Japanese Akitas, with males weighing 100-130 pounds compared to 65-75 pounds for Japanese males. This size difference is the main distinction between the two breeds.
Which is bigger husky or Akita?
The Siberian Husky is generally a medium-sized breed, while the Akita can vary in size, but the American Akita is typically the largest. For a more detailed comparison, check out our breed size guide.
Sources
- Akita Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- VetStreet (vetstreet.com)
- Drake Center for Veterinary Care (thedrakecenter.com)
- Akita Club of America (akitaclub.org)
- Akita dog (britannica.com)
- AMERICAN AKITA ::: Breed Standard ::: FCI 344 (amakitakennel.com)
- Paradise Akitas (paradiseakitas.com)
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