The Akita Japanese Dog Breed Complete Guide

The Akita is a majestic breed with a rich history that dates back to the 17th century in Japan. Originally bred to hunt large game such as bear and deer, the Akita is a powerful and agile dog with a strong prey drive.

Akitas are known for their distinctive fox-like face and erect ears, which give them a regal and alert appearance. Their thick double coat is one of their most distinctive features, with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat that sheds heavily in spring and fall.

The Akita is a loyal and affectionate breed that thrives on human interaction. They are naturally protective of their family and territory, making them excellent watchdogs.

Additional reading: Japanese Akita Temperament

The Akita is a substantial breed with heavy bones, making them well-suited for their original function as cold-weather dogs.

Their large, bear-like head features erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck. The eyes are small, dark, deeply set, and triangular in shape.

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

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

Their large, bear-like head is a characteristic feature of the breed, with erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck.

Akitas have small, dark, deeply set, and triangular-shaped eyes that add to their distinctive appearance.

Their thick double coats are a cold-weather adaptation, keeping them warm in harsh climates.

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

Females are slightly smaller, measuring 24-26 inches and weighing between 70 and 100 pounds.

The Japanese type is slightly smaller and lighter than the American type.

Akitas have tight, well-knuckled, cat-like feet that are well-suited for their original function as working dogs.

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

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

The Japanese Akitas, however, are restricted to specific coat colors and patterns, including red, fawn, sesame, brindle, and pure white with urajiro markings.

The Akita is a large breed, with males standing 26 to 28 inches tall and weighing 85 to 130 pounds.

Females are slightly smaller, standing 24 to 26 inches tall.

The Akita is a bold and willful dog, naturally wary of strangers but extremely loyal to their family. They are alert, intelligent, and courageous.

Akitas tend to be aggressive toward other dogs, especially those of the same sex, which makes them best suited to a one-dog household. This strong instinct can be overwhelming for some owners.

Despite their reputation, Akitas are not born to be aggressive - they just need proper socialization and training from an early age. If left untrained, they can become destructive and defensive.

Akitas are naturally protective of their territory and can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if strangers enter their space uninvited. This is why it's essential to introduce them to new people and environments gradually.

With family, Akitas are affectionate and playful, enjoying the companionship of their loved ones and wanting to participate in daily activities. They make great companions for active families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and attention.

However, Akitas are not the dog for a first-time owner or for the timid - they need an owner who can provide firm, loving discipline and understand their strong personality. Training and socialization are key to unlocking their full potential.

Akitas are also known to be mouthy and enjoy carrying toys and household items around, which can be a fun and entertaining quirk for owners who appreciate their unique personality.

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

Reputable breeders offer proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems. If you're thinking of buying an Akita puppy, we'd recommend getting one from a Kennel Club Assured Breeder, as they meet extra requirements including health screening.

Some common health problems in Akitas include gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), which is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, excessive salivation, and retching without vomiting.

To minimize the risk of bloat, it's essential to feed your Akita smaller, more frequent meals and avoid exercising them vigorously after eating. A balanced diet with many different nutrients, including minerals and vitamins, can also help prevent stomach problems.

Here are some common health issues Akitas are prone to:

Akitas are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in Akitas, where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint, leading to arthritis.

Reputable breeders should offer proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems. This is crucial in preventing the condition from being passed down to future generations.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat, is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Akitas. It's essential to be aware of the symptoms, such as a distended abdomen, excessive salivation, and restlessness.

To minimize the risk of bloat, it's recommended to feed your Akita smaller, more frequent meals, and to avoid vigorous exercise after eating. This can help prevent the stomach from twisting and becoming distended.

Some Akitas may also be prone to skin problems, such as sebaceous adenitis, which can cause dry, scaly skin and hair loss. This condition is difficult to diagnose and often mistaken for other issues, but a biopsy of the skin can help confirm the diagnosis.

In addition to these health issues, Akitas can also be prone to eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause gradual loss of sight over several months or years.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Akitas:

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify any potential health issues early on, and prevent more serious problems from developing.

The Akita breed requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Thirty minutes to an hour of daily exercise, such as brisk walks, jogging, and romping in the yard, is sufficient.

A securely fenced yard is essential for the safety of the Akita and strangers who may enter their territory. Include your Akita in family activities to prevent boredom, which can lead to behavior problems.

Akitas are intelligent dogs that need a varied routine to keep them engaged. Avoid leaving them alone for long periods, as this can lead to destructive behavior.

To prevent bone disorders, feed your Akita puppy a high-quality, low-calorie diet. They should also avoid running and playing on hard surfaces, such as pavement, until their joints are fully formed at around two years old.

Akitas can be wary of strangers, so it's crucial to socialize them from a young age to ensure they grow into well-rounded dogs. A balanced diet with various nutrients, including minerals and vitamins, is also essential for their health.

The recommended daily amount of food for an adult Akita is 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food, depending on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Grooming the Akita requires regular attention to prevent excessive shedding and matting. Weekly brushing helps reduce the amount of hair in your home, and it keeps the plush coat of the Akita healthy.

The Akita is a double-coated breed, with a dense undercoat and a short topcoat. Heavier shedding occurs two or three times a year, so be prepared for frequent vacuuming. You can expect to find Akita fur on furniture, clothing, dishes, in food, and forming dust bunnies on floors and carpets.

To keep your Akita's coat in the best condition, consider getting them professionally groomed every three months or so. This will help prevent matting and tangling, and keep their coat looking its best.

Explore further: Akita Dog Shedding

Grooming is a crucial part of owning an Akita, and it's not just about making them look good - it's also about keeping them healthy and happy.

The Akita is a double-coated breed, with a dense undercoat and a short topcoat, which means they shed a lot.

You'll need to brush your Akita weekly to keep their coat in good condition, and more often during the warmer months when they shed more.

Frequent vacuuming will be your new lifestyle if you choose this breed, as Akita fur will be found on furniture, clothing, dishes, in food, and will form myriad dust bunnies on floors and carpets.

Heavier shedding occurs two or three times a year, so be prepared for some extra cleaning.

Weekly brushing helps reduce the amount of hair in your home, and it keeps the plush coat of the Akita healthy.

You may want to get your Akita professionally groomed every three months or so to keep their coat in the best condition.

The nails need to be trimmed once a month, and the ears checked once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection.

It's also essential to wipe the ears out weekly, using a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner, to prevent problems.

As with all breeds, it's essential to begin grooming the Akita at an early age to make it a positive and soothing experience.

A fresh viewpoint: Shiba Inu Ears

Training your Akita requires a lot of effort and consistency, especially when it comes to socialisation and obedience training. They have a strong hunting instinct, so a good recall is crucial to train, but management is equally as important.

Akitas are very intelligent and pick up new things quickly, but this can also mean they learn bad habits as well as good ones. This is why ongoing positive, reward-based training is essential.

They can get bored easily, so it's a good idea to get brain puzzles and rotate their toys regularly to keep them interested. Akitas get attached to their families, so leaving them alone for more than four hours can be detrimental to their well-being.

You'll need to take a firm but fair approach to training, setting clear boundaries and avoiding being too soft or permissive. This will help your Akita understand what's expected of them and prevent them from becoming stubborn.

Socialisation from a young age is vital, especially for Akitas, as they can be wary of strangers and other dogs. This means exposing them to lots of different people, dogs, and experiences to help them become confident and calm in new situations.

Owning an Akita can be a costly endeavor. The minimum monthly cost after purchase and set-up is £105. You'll also need to consider the lifetime cost, which can exceed £17,000.

When it comes to the monthly costs, you'll need to factor in expenses such as food, veterinary care, and supplies. The lifetime cost includes not only these ongoing expenses but also the initial purchase and set-up costs.

It's essential to have a solid understanding of these costs to ensure you can provide the best possible life for your Akita.

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If you're considering bringing an Akita into your family, it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics. Akitas are known to be hard to read, so you'll need to socialize them thoroughly and manage their behavior to avoid mistakes.

To be a successful Akita owner, you'll need to be prepared for regular grooming, as they have a thick double coat that sheds heavily. This means you'll need to vacuum frequently and be okay with dog hair covering your furniture.

Akitas require moderate exercise, which includes regular walks and playtime. They're not high-energy dogs, but they still need to stay active to stay happy and healthy.

In terms of training, Akitas can be independent, so they require consistent and firm training from an early age. This will help them understand what's expected of them and prevent unwanted behaviors.

Here are some key characteristics to consider when deciding if you're an ideal Akita owner:

Ultimately, owning an Akita requires a significant amount of time, patience, and effort. However, if you're willing to put in the work, you'll be rewarded with a loyal and loving companion for life.

Owning a dog can be a costly venture, and it's essential to consider the expenses involved before bringing one home. The cost of owning an Akita, for example, can be a significant financial burden.

You can expect an Akita to cost you a minimum of £105 per month after purchase and set-up costs. This amount can vary depending on several factors, including the size of your dog and your location.

Food and treats are a significant expense, and you'll need to budget for high-quality dog food that meets your Akita's nutritional needs. A good starting point is to assume you'll spend around £50-£70 per month on dog food alone.

The lifetime cost of owning an Akita can be substantial, with estimates suggesting it can cost over £17,000 across their lifetime. This amount includes not only the initial purchase and set-up costs but also ongoing expenses such as food, vet bills, and other supplies.