Akita
Also known as Akita Inu, Japanese Akita
- Height at the withers
- 58 to 70 cm
- Weight
- 30 to 50 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Japan
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- young children, without close supervision
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
Overview
A large, powerful spitz-type dog from Japan, with a dense double coat, small erect ears and a tail curled over its back. With a finer head than the American Akita, it stands out for its dignity and its brave, loyal temperament.
History and origins
An ancient Japanese breed from the mountainous Akita prefecture, used to hunt big game such as wild boar and bear, then as a guard dog. A symbol of health and happiness in Japan, it was declared a “natural monument” in 1931. Almost extinct after World War II, it was preserved by Japanese breeders; the dogs taken to the United States gave rise to the American Akita, now a separate breed.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 13 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Uveodermatologic syndrome (VKH)
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Well, 4 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very quiet, 1 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Akita FAQ
How big does the Akita get?
The Akita stands 58 to 70 cm at the withers and weighs 30 to 50 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Akita shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Akita live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Akita need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Akita good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Akita live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 13 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
