• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

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
User Ratings
Compare the Akita With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Akita dog profile picture
OriginJapan flagJapan
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is an Akita known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
American AkitaJapanese AkitaGreat Japanese Dog
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Akita? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
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 Classification
What size category is an Akita? Learn how big the Akita breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does an Akita weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Akita breed.
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 Range
How much does an Akita puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Akita costs.
$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

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Akita? Discover the Akita's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
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.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Akita? Learn about the Akita's trainability and response to training methods.
Akita dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an Akita as a watchdog? Learn about the Akita's alertness and guarding instincts.
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.
Territorial Protection
Is an Akita protective of its territory? Learn about the Akita's guarding instincts and behavior.
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

Personality Traits
What personality does an Akita have? Learn about characteristic Akita temperament and behavior traits.
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

Barking Frequency
Does an Akita bark a lot? Learn about typical Akita vocalization patterns and triggers.
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.

Playful Nature
How playful is an Akita? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Akita 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.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Akita live in an apartment? Learn about the Akita's suitability for apartment living.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Akita to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Akita's flexibility to new situations.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an Akita be left alone? Learn about the Akita's tolerance to solitude.
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 Risk Assessment
What is an Akita biting potential? Learn about the Akita's bite risk factors.

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.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an Akita mouthy? Learn about the Akita's tendency to use mouth during play.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Akita bite? Learn about the Akita's bite force measured in PSI.

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.

Akita Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Akita live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Akita breed.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Akita handle different weather? Learn about the Akita's climate adaptability.
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.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Akita? Discover typical conditions affecting the Akita breed.
The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Akita need vet visits? Learn about the Akita's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
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

Akita Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Akita? Understand daily activity needs of the Akita breed.
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

Obesity Tendency
Is an Akita prone to weight gain? Learn about the Akita's obesity risks.
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.

Food Consumption
How much food does an Akita need daily? Learn about the Akita's feeding requirements.
Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Akita Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Akita hypoallergenic? Learn about the Akita's suitability for allergy sufferers.
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.
Coat Colors
What colors does an Akita come in? Discover all possible Akita color variations.
Black Red White BrownFawn
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Akita need? Learn about Akita coat maintenance requirements.
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.
Drooling Tendency
Does an Akita drool a lot? Learn about the Akita's drooling habits.
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.

Stinkiness Rating
Does an Akita smell bad? Learn about the Akita's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an Akita have? Learn about the Akita's fur characteristics.
FluffyDenseWaterproofStraight
Bathing Needs
How often does an Akita need baths? Learn about the Akita's bathing requirements.
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.

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.

Akita Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an Akita good with children? Learn about the Akita's behavior around kids of different ages.
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Akita get along with other pets? Discover the Akita's compatibility with other animals.
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.
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 Capability
Can an Akita be a service dog? Learn about the Akita's service work potential.

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 Work Suitability
Is an Akita good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Akita's therapy work aptitude.

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.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Akita good at detection work? Learn about the Akita's scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Can an Akita do search and rescue? Learn about the Akita's SAR capabilities.

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.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an Akita good on boats? Learn about the Akita's maritime capabilities.

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.

Draft Work Capability
Can an Akita pull carts? Learn about the Akita's drafting abilities.

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.

Military Service Background
Was an Akita used in military service? Learn about the Akita's military 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

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Akita usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
3-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Akita pregnant? Learn about the Akita's gestation period.

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.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an Akita have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

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.

Akita Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Akita in? Learn about the Akita's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Akita in? Learn about the Akita's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize an Akita? Learn about the Akita's official recognition.
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
  • Training Difficulty: Akita dogs are easy to train.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Watchdog Rating: Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: 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
  • Allergy Friendliness: 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.
  • Obesity Tendency: 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.

 

Rate The Akita Breed

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: