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Akita Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Akita so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
Popularity Rank47
Reviews9
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Compare the Akita With Other Dogs
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Akita dog profile picture
OriginJapan flagJapan
Other Names
What other names does the Akita have?
American AkitaJapanese AkitaGreat Japanese Dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred The Akita is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed. We have compiled a list of Akita Mixes.

Photo Gallery of the Akita Breed

Akita Size and Weight

Size
Is an Akita small, medium or large dog?

How big do Akita get?

What is the average size of an Akita?

Large
Weight
How much does the Akita weigh? How much should an Akita weight? What is the normal weight of an Akita? How much does a full-grown Akita weight?
Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Akita?
Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height
How tall is the Akita? Akita height:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Akita?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Akita Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Akita puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an Akita in the United States? How much money is an Akita?

Where to buy an Akita with a good pedigree?

$800-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Akita, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Akita for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Akita gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Akita? How many Akita are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Akita Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Akita? Is the Akita breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Akita ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Akita dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an Akita?
Akita dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Akita good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Akita dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Akita dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Akita can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Akita will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Akita Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Akita have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
DignifiedIndependentProtectiveAlertCourageousIntelligentFriendlyResponsiveDocileFaithfulVigilantWilling
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Akita sensitivity:
Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Akita a good family dog?
High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the American Akita need? Akita social needs:
Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Akita to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Akita roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Akita have high prey drive?
Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Akita dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Akita Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Akita dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my American Akita bark?
Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. Perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Akita good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an Akita in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Akita Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an Akita be left alone? How long can you leave an Akita alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Akita Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Akita has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an Akita? How much bite force does an Akita have? How strong is an Akita bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Akita measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Akita is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Akita bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Akita bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Akita puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Akita, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Akita bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Akita can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Akita bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the American Akita? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Akita? Why do dog bites happen?

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Akita do?
Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Akita dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Akita Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Akita dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Akita breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Akita breed? Most common health risks of Akita:
Hip Dysplasia HypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)BloatSebaceous Adenitis
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Akita breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Akita see the vet?
Average
The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Akita dogs live? How old can a Akita be? What is the age limit of the Akita? How many years can the oldest Akita live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an Akita?

How long is the lifespan of an Akita?

10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.

Akita Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Akita have? What is the activity level of the Akita?
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Akita need? How much exercise do Akita dogs require per day?

Do Akita dogs need a lot of exercises?

Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Akita breed need?
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Akita Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an Akita need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an Akita breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Akita? How much food should I feed my Akita?
Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Akita risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Akita weight regularly.

Akita Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Akita have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FluffyDenseWaterproofStraight
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Akita coats?
Black Red White BrownFawn
Grooming
How to groom the Akita and how often? How often should I take my Akita to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Akita is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Akita dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the American Akita? Do Akita dogs shed a lot?
Akita dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Akita need a bath? How often should you give an Akita a bath? Can I bathe my Akita every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Akita breed hypoallergenic?
No
Akita dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Akita drool?
The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool much more than others, just like the Akita.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Akita Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Akita dogs get along with other pets? Are Akita dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Akita temperament with other people:
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Akita dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Akita temperament with children:
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Akita dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Akita breed live with a cat?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Akita good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Akita dogs get along with other dogs?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Akita breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Akita breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Akita dogs good office canines? Do Akita dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Akita dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the American Akita temperament with senior people? Are Akita dogs good for elderly owners?
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Akita As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Akita be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Akita is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Akita be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Akita be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Akita is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Akita be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Akita is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Akita be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Akita is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Akita be a boat dog?

Not really

Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Akita be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Akita is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Akita dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. A combat dog is a specially trained dog that is used in warfare to help protect military personnel and assets. Combat dogs are often deployed in areas where there is potential for contact with the enemy, such as during raids or search operations. Combat dogs are typically assigned to either infantry or special operations units. They are used for a variety of tasks including area security, sentry duty, trackers, and explosive detection. In addition to their combat roles, combat dogs also play an important role in troop morale by providing companionship and emotional support.

Akita Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an Akita pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Akita breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Akita: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Akita have in a litter? How many puppies can the Akita breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an Akita have? How many puppies can an Akita give birth to?
3-12 puppies

Akita Recognition

AKC Group
Is Akita recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Is Akita recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Akita breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.North American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel Club

Akita Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Akita dogs are easy to train.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Watchdog Ability: Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Akita dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Office Friendly: Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Akita History

Akita is an ancient Japanese, originating from the island of Honshu in Japan. The dog was bred for hunt bigger wild animals such as bear, moose and wild boar. They allegedly fought alongside the samurai. The Japanese government declared the breed as a national treasure in 1931.

In the United States, thanks to Helen Keller, the breed became known. Helen Keller met with Akita in Japan in 1937 and brought a puppy to the States.

Unfortunately, in the Second World War, many Akita were killed because of the fine hair, but the breed survived and was popular among US soldiers who brought more puppies to the states. Nowadays Akita is used as a guard or police dog.

Interesting: The most famous Akita is a Japanese named Hachiko, who is respected in the country. Hachi escorted its owner, every day to the train station and went every afternoon and went home together. One time his owner did not come by train, he died, but he waited and waited patiently. He spent the rest of his life at the train station, hoping to return once to his master. It also made a film about Hachi's life with the starring role of Richard Gere.

 

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Akita Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Luka videos

    Apr 7, 2023, 7:55:05 PM:

    I really like akitas

  • Selena

    Apr 17, 2022, 2:37:56 PM:

    You should change this to American Akita cause the American Akita and Japanese Akita are not the same.

  • Selena

    Jan 20, 2022, 5:13:49 PM:

  • Jean Dillman

    Sep 16, 2021, 7:31:53 PM:

    Best well train dog I ever own or known

  • Loren Shinsato

    Aug 24, 2021, 3:38:08 AM:

    Akita’s are not heavy droolers as this suggests. They are not droolers at all. Maybe messy water drinkers but that’s it.

  • Ryan

    Jun 13, 2021, 11:19:58 PM:

    This is all facts, BTW the guys who said akitas don't drool is a fool, mine does it all the time. Your akita just doesn't like the food you give it

  • Adam

    Mar 21, 2021, 12:04:59 AM:

    All is true except Akita do not drool at all, even when dishing their food up the drool is minimal and it’s more like clear patches of spit on the floor, seriously I don’t know where you heard that they drool but this is wrong

  • Paige

    Dec 5, 2020, 11:52:29 PM:

  • Gareth

    Apr 23, 2020, 11:36:00 AM: