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Akita Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits

Written by: Kristin Hitchcock

Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Dogster Team

Akita

Akita Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits

Akitas are large, powerful dogs that originated in the mountains of northern Japan. They have exceptionally thick coats to handle the harsh conditions of the mountains, and they come in a variety of colors, too, including brindle, white, and red.

While these dogs are very adorable, they aren’t what most Westerners would think of as a family dog. They’re very loyal to their people, but they aren’t friendly to strangers. Many Akita are also aggressive towards other dogs, making them best for single-dog households.

Breed Overview

Height:

26–27 inches (males); 24–26 inches (females)

Weight:

85–130 pounds (males); 70–110 pounds (females)

Lifespan:

10–15 years

Colors:

Wide variety, including brindle, sable, white, fawn, and brown

Suitable for:

Experienced, active dog owners with plenty of space

Temperament:

Loyal, independent, protective, reserved

These spitz-type dogs are absolutely stunning and have ancient Japanese origins. They’re often considered exotic to many of those in the United States and Europe, which may be one reason they are so popular. They’re especially known for their loyal nature and are often considered family protectors. However, their protective nature can lead to some behavioral issues if their owners aren’t careful.

These dogs can also be stubborn and exceptionally alert. They’re excellent guard dogs, but training them can be a challenge.

Akitas also aren’t very low-maintenance. They may not need much grooming, but they do need tons of exercise. They don’t do well in small spaces due to their larger size, and we almost exclusively recommend them to experienced dog owners.

Akita Characteristics

Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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Akita Puppies

akita-puppies
Image Credit: sima_Shutterstock

Akita puppies are adorably fluffy, just like you might imagine. However, it’s important not to get caught up with their adorableness and adopt one purely based on their cuteness. Just like their parents, Akita puppies are very active. However, they also spend a lot of their time sleeping. You can expect them to spend the time between naps being exceptionally active, though.

Even from a young age, these dogs tend to be very independent. Training is always difficult, though it is often less difficult from a younger age. Therefore, it’s important to start training early, even if it does take a while for them to pick up on cues and commands. Getting them to figure out the commands isn’t the challenging part—it’s getting them to follow the commands in a real-world setting.

Akitas are becoming more prevalent today. There are many more breeders around than there used to be, so finding a puppy may not be as challenging as you think. However, you’ll still probably have to sit on a waiting list, especially if you want a particular color or gender.

It’s important to adopt from a quality breeder who puts the dog’s health and temperament first. These dogs tend to be exceptionally iffy with their health and temperament outside of Japan due to poor breeding practices. Temperament and health testing are absolutely required.

akita-inu-dog
Image Credit: Malen Billoni Ahum, Pixabay

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Akita

Akitas are fiercely loyal to their families. That’s one of their key traits that drives everything else. They’re exceptionally protective due to their affection for their family. However, they tend to be more reserved with strangers. They aren’t instantly welcoming like many other dog breeds.

They’re also very independent thinkers and exceptionally strong-willed. They like to think for themselves and are not necessarily the easiest to train. They require consistent training, and they don’t listen to commands quite as easily in real-world situations as other breeds.

Akitas are very smart dogs, though. They’re capable of picking up tricks quickly, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll use this intelligence during training. Their independent nature also piques their curiosity, but it may make them more bored during repetitious training. Expect a strong independent streak from this breed. They demand patience from their owners. Plan to use positive reinforcement techniques for successful training.

Early socialization is crucial to make these dogs friendly and trainable. Otherwise, they may think that everyone is a threat and ignore you if you try to tell them the opposite. Akitas are one of the more challenging dog breeds, and it’s important to keep this in mind when you’re considering adopting one of them.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Akitas are not your typical family dog, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t good for any family. Yes, they are very loyal and protective, which can be a boon. However, this comes with serious protective instincts, which can be potentially dangerous if your dog is from a poor breeder or improperly socialized. This takes a lot of time, and those with smaller children probably don’t have time to raise an Akita properly.

With their families, Akitas can be very loving and gentle. They often enjoy playing and cuddling equally, especially if you take them on plenty of walks. They may be high-energy, but they’re surprisingly calm indoors. They tend to calm down even more as they age.

That said, these dogs aren’t very tolerant of rough children. They aren’t as patient as some other breeds, and their larger size means they’re able to do some real damage. Supervision is absolutely necessary to ensure that these dogs aren’t aggressive around children.

Older children who know how to interact with a dog do better with an Akita. We don’t recommend them for homes with smaller children or new dog owners.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Akitas are a mixed bag when it comes to getting along with other pets. Sometimes, they may become cherished companions of other dogs and cats. Other times, Akitas can be extremely intolerant of other animals in their space. It depends largely on the dog, but Akitas are known for being aggressive towards other dogs.

Akitas are particularly prone to same-sex aggression. Male Akitas aren’t tolerant of other male dogs, for instance. Their dominant personalities also make them rub heads with other dominant breeds. If they aren’t properly socialized and trained at a young age, they can quickly become overwhelming around other canines.

They also have a strong prey drive, so they tend to chase just about everything. That often makes them unsuitable for homes with cats, as well. Careful introductions can help, but Akitas doesn’t seem to be the best when it comes to multi-pet households.

akita-standing-on-the-grass
Image Credit: Pixabay

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Things to Know When Owning an Akita

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Akitas do well on your average commercial dog food. However, they are larger and more active, so they tend to eat more. That means you can plan on spending quite a bit more money on feeding your Akita.

High-quality protein is important, as they tend to be very active. Akitas, which are particularly high-strung, may even need a food designed for athletic dogs, which tends to have higher calories and contain more protein. Balanced fats are also important, as they provide energy and support your dog’s overall health. Foods containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are helpful for skin and coat health.

You should consider your dog’s life stage, as well. Puppies have higher nutrient needs, so they require special food. Getting a large-breed food is important, as larger dogs have different nutritional needs than smaller dogs. Feeding large breed puppies correctly is very important, as it can cause hip dysplasia and other issues otherwise.

As Akitas age, their metabolism slows down, so they may need fewer calories. Some dogs may need a slightly lower protein content to prevent obesity and joint issues. Akitas can be prone to weight gain, so it’s important to monitor their portions and body conditions. Obesity can cause extra joint issues, which these breeds are already prone to, anyway.

Exercise 🐕

Akitas are pretty high-energy dogs. They need to stay active to keep their bodies healthy. Otherwise, they can quickly become obese. Generally, they need at least 2 hours of dedicated exercise each day. However, this should be split into multiple sessions. You can count brisk walks, playtime, and hikes all count. Try to do several types of exercise each day, as this helps keep your dog on their toes.

Different dogs have individual needs, of course. Puppies need shorter, frequent sessions. You should be cautious never to overexercise an Akita, as this leads to joint issues. Older Akitas may need less exercise, as their joints may already be more worn. Don’t forget to provide mental stimulation, too. These dogs are pretty intelligent, so they require consistent mental exercise. Otherwise, they can quickly become bored and destructive.

Akitas also have thicker fur, which can make them prone to overheating. If you live in a hotter environment, these dogs may be at a higher risk of heat stroke. Be cautious when exercising these dogs in the heat.

akita, dog, pet
Image Credit: maxxxiss, Pixabay

Training 🎾

Akitas are strong-willed, independent dogs, so they require very consistent, patient training. You must get their buy-in to training, so you have to make training fun. These dogs can be well-behaved, loyal companions, but it often requires tons of training.

You should focus on socializing these dogs, first and foremost. Expose your canine to as many different animals and people as possible. Controlled, positive socialization is absolutely vital. Otherwise, they can quickly become fearful and aggressive.

Akitas can be exceptionally stubborn. Be patient and consistent with your approach, and don’t expect Akitas to always listen to commands in real-world settings—even if they know them. Keeping your expectations somewhat low will prevent you from becoming frustrated. Frustration can cause training to become a chore, which can lead to you stopping training altogether.

Short, focused sessions every day are much better than one longer session a week. Akitas have a very short attention span, so 10 minutes is plenty to teach them anything. They’ll quickly lose focus during longer training periods.

akita-inu
Image Credit: uadrienn, Pixabay

Grooming ✂️

Akitas do have a long, thick coat. However, their grooming needs are probably less than you’d expect. They shed heavily, especially when the seasons change. We recommend brushing your Akita at least two to three times a week. If your dog is shedding more heavily, you may need to bump this up to even daily in some situations. This brushing helps remove loose hair and prevents matting. It can also remove dirt and debris. If you keep your dog well-brushed, you may not need to bathe them at all.

The brush you use matters. Slicker brushes are recommended, as they help remove loose hair fairly easily. A rake brush is also a good idea for deeper mats, though we always recommend starting with the slicker brush.

Brust gently to avoid irritating your dog’s skin. Start at their head and work your way gently down their body, section by section. Start at a younger age, even if your dog doesn’t need grooming yet. Starting early helps them get used to the grooming process, which will make it easier for them to groom later.

Like all dogs, you’ll need to keep their nails trimmed, too. Too long nails are painful and prone to splitting, which can be even more painful. If you aren’t comfortable trimming your dog’s nails yourself, you’ll need to take them to a groomer to do so.

Akitas can also get dental issues, just like any other dog. Brush your dog’s teeth daily or at least every other day to prevent dental issues from occurring. Always use dog-safe toothpaste, as human toothpaste isn’t safe for dogs.

brown and white short coated dog lying on white floor Akita Dog
Image Credit: Maxim Izbash, Unsplash

Health and Conditions 🏥

Akitas are pretty healthy dogs. However, they are prone to certain health issues, largely due to their size. Some of these health conditions are somewhat preventable, but others are mostly about breeding.

The most common health concern is hip dysplasia, which is a malformation of the hip joint. It causes uneven wear in the hip socket, leading to pain, arthritis, and lameness. This condition is both genetic and caused by issues while the dog is growing. Poor nutrition and overexercise can cause puppies to develop this condition. Responsible breeding practices are also vital, as there is a genetic component.

Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is another common problem. It affects the elbow joint instead of the hip.

Patellar luxation can also occur. When your dog has this condition, their kneecap will slip out of place. In minor cases, this isn’t a huge concern. However, in more serious situations, it can cause excessive wear and tear, leading to arthritis-like symptoms.

Like all large dogs, Akitas are prone to bloat. This condition is very serious. It causes the stomach to fill with gas and then expand, cutting off the blood supply. This condition can be deadly in a matter of hours and requires emergency surgery. So, if you believe your dog is experiencing it, it’s vital to rush them to an emergency vet right away.

Von Willebrand disease is another somewhat common condition in Akitas, but this one is completely genetic. It’s a clotting disorder, so dogs with this condition are prone to excessive bleeding. There isn’t a cure for this condition, but if you know about it, managing it is often pretty straightforward. Genetic testing can help identify affected dogs, but vets may also do a “bleed” test in their office to determine your dog’s clotting ability.

Minor Conditions
  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye problems
Serious Conditions
  • Bloat
  • Von Willebrand disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia

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Male vs. Female

There are several differences between male and female Akitas. Males are substantially larger than females. Practically every male is larger than every female. Males can weigh upwards of 130 pounds, while females rarely get larger than 100.

Males are less likely to get along with other males, while females are less likely to get along with other females.

There are many anecdotal reports of males and females differing in other temperament traits. For instance, some claim that females are less stubborn. However, there is no evidence that this is true. Temperament is far more dependent on how the dog is raised than genetics.


3 Little-Known Facts About the Akita

1. They were originally bred to hunt bears.

One reason Akitas are so large is that they were originally bred to hunt bears! Today, they’re not used for bear hunting at all, largely because that sport now relies on powerful rifles. However, they’re still impressive canines and are still called “Matagi Inu” in the Akita region, where they are from, which translates to “bear dog.”


2. Akitas are featured in many famous artworks.

Akitas have been utilized in many famous Japanese patterns, including Katsushika Hokusai, which used Akitas in some of his woodblock prints. Their cultural significance in Japan is significant.


3. Hachiko, an Akita, faithfully waited by a train station for over a decade for his deceased owner.

The story of Hachiko shows just how loyal these dogs are. Hachiko waited every day at the Shibuya train station for his deceased master. He’s become a national sensation in Japan and around the world. There was even a statue erected in his honor after his own death after over a decade of waiting.

brown and white short coated dog on brown grass field during daytime
Image Credit: mtsjrdl, Unsplash

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Final Thoughts

Akitas are very imposing dogs, and they have some serious cultural significance in Japan. However, they are pretty overwhelming dogs, especially for first-time owners. We don’t recommend them for families with small children or those without tons of experience with dogs. They’re exceptionally active and hard to train, making them a bit much. Simply put, they’re a lot of dog.

Still, if you’re looking for a very active, loyal dog, Akitas are a great choice. They are some of the most loyal dogs around, and we highly recommend them for more active adults.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Jae Lee, Unsplash

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