Akita
Japan's quiet, dignified guardian.
- Weight
- 70–130 lbs
- Height
- 24–28 in
- Lifespan
- 10–14 yrs
In short
The Akita is a large Japanese working breed, developed in the mountains of northern Japan to hunt big game and guard, weighing 70–130 lbs and living 10–14 years. The key fact for owners: many Akitas will not tolerate another dog of the same sex, so plan for a one-dog home or careful management.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a quiet, watchful guardian for the home
- prefer a one-dog household
- enjoy cold-weather hikes and long walks
Think twice if you…
- already have a dog of the same sex
- host frequent guests or visiting kids
- want an off-leash dog-park companion
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Training
- 2–3 × 5–10 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 150–240 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityQuick study8.0/10
EnergyActive6.0/10
Calm at homeNeeds outlets5.0/10
SheddingHeavy shedder8.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Curled plush tail
The thick tail curls over the back and is a breed hallmark; a dropped tail often signals the dog is unwell or uneasy.
-
02
Bear-like head
The broad head and small, deep-set eyes give Akitas a hard-to-read face, so learn their body language rather than expecting obvious signals.
-
03
Quiet guardian
Akitas rarely bark without cause, so when one does, it is worth checking what set it off.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 100–130 lbs | 70–100 lbs |
| Height | 26–28 in | 24–26 in |
| Lifespan | 10–14 yrs | |
| Coat | Thick double coat with a dense undercoat and harsh outer coat | |
Personality
At home Akitas are calm, clean and often aloof, closer to a cat than a retriever in how they show affection. They take everything seriously, including house rules and perceived threats. Expect a dog that decides for itself whether your request makes sense.
With kids
Often patient with their own family's children, but their size and possessiveness over food and toys mean supervision is non-negotiable, especially with visiting kids.
With other pets
Same-sex dog aggression is common and can appear at maturity even in well-socialized dogs. Many have a strong prey drive toward cats and small animals unless raised with them.
With strangers
Reserved and watchful. A well-socialized Akita accepts invited guests politely but rarely seeks their attention.
Alone time
Usually tolerates being alone better than many large breeds once mature, but a bored Akita can dig and chew. Build alone time gradually from puppyhood.
Training
Akitas learn quickly but get bored with repetition and resist force, which tends to provoke a standoff. Short, fair sessions with a clear payoff work best.
-
How often
Two or three short sessions a day, 5–10 minutes each, ending before the dog loses interest.
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Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Between 8–16 weeks, focus on calm exposure to many people and neutral, well-mannered dogs. Keep socializing through adolescence, because guarding and dog intolerance often sharpen at 1–2 years.
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Self-control
Teach a solid 'leave it' and a calm trade for food and toys early to head off resource guarding. Practice handling and a reliable 'place' for when guests arrive.
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What it works for
Most Akitas work for food more readily than for praise. Use small, high-value pieces such as freeze-dried liver for new or hard skills, keep treats within 10% of daily calories, and stop while the dog still wants more.
Exercise
Akitas need steady, purposeful exercise: long structured walks, hikes and short play, rather than hours of fetch. They enjoy cold weather and are often at their best in snow.
Exercise a day
60–90 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Long leashed walks or hikes
- Pulling a sled or cart in cool weather
- Securely fenced free play
Brain work
- Scent work and nose games
- Food puzzles and snuffle mats
- Short trick sessions that change often
Best home
A house with a securely fenced yard suits best; apartments are possible for experienced owners, and hot climates need careful planning.
Watch for Avoid off-leash dog parks because of dog intolerance, and limit hard exercise in heat, since the dense coat makes Akitas prone to overheating.
Feeding
Adult maintenance for a typical Akita (70–130 lbs) lands around 1,500–2,375 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.
Puppy (to 12 mo)
- Daily calories
- 1,875–2,975 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 16–20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 190–300 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 9–15 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 1,500–2,375 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 14–18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 150–240 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 8–12 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 2,050–3,275 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 18–22%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 205–330 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 10–16 pieces a day
Senior
- Daily calories
- 1,300–2,075 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 12–16%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 130–210 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 7–10 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (to 12 mo) | 1,875–2,975 kcal | 26–30% | 16–20% | 190–300 kcal | 9–15 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 1,500–2,375 kcal | 24–28% | 14–18% | 150–240 kcal | 8–12 pieces |
| Active / Working | 2,050–3,275 kcal | 26–30% | 18–22% | 205–330 kcal | 10–16 pieces |
| Senior | 1,300–2,075 kcal | 24–28% | 12–16% | 130–210 kcal | 7–10 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
Akitas are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye disease and autoimmune conditions affecting the skin and eyes, and their deep chest puts them at risk of bloat. A breeder who screens and a lean body weight matter most.
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation | Once, in both parents (ask the breeder) |
| Inherited eye disease, including PRA | Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (CAER) | Yearly in breeding dogs |
| Hypothyroidism | OFA thyroid panel | In breeding dogs, repeated every few years |
| Bloat (GDV) | No screening test; learn the signs and ask your vet about preventive gastropexy | Discuss at spay or neuter |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Akita breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Hip evaluation
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Thyroid panel
Also recommended
- Elbow evaluation
- Kneecap (patella) check
Grooming Moderate weekly, then a heavy undercoat blowout about twice a year
Brush weekly with a slicker and undercoat rake, then daily during the twice-yearly blowout. Bathe only occasionally, trim nails every 3–4 weeks, and brush teeth several times a week. Do not shave the double coat.
History
1600s–1800s
Mountain hunter
In the Akita region of northern Japan, ancestors of the breed hunted bear, boar and deer and guarded homes.
1920s–1930s
Hachikō and preservation
Japan named the Akita a natural monument in 1931, and Hachikō's years of waiting for his late owner at Shibuya Station made the breed a national symbol.
1937–1972
Arrival in America
Helen Keller brought one of the first Akitas to the US in 1937, servicemen brought more after World War II, and the AKC recognized the breed in 1972.
Questions owners ask
Are Akitas easy to train?
Not easy, but trainable. Akitas learn fast and remember well, but they ignore commands they see no point in and push back against harsh handling. Short, fair, reward-based sessions get the best results.
Are Akitas good with kids and other pets?
With caution. Many are gentle with their own children but need supervision around visiting kids, and same-sex dog aggression is common. Cats and small pets are safest if the Akita was raised with them.
How much exercise does an Akita need?
About 60–90 minutes a day of walks, hikes and short play, plus some mental work. They do not need marathon sessions, but an under-exercised Akita gets restless and destructive.
Do Akitas shed?
Yes, heavily twice a year. Outside the blowouts, a weekly brush keeps the double coat in shape; during a blowout, plan on daily brushing for a couple of weeks.
What health problems do Akitas have, and how long do they live?
Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye disease, autoimmune skin and eye conditions, and bloat are the main concerns. With good breeding and a lean weight, Akitas typically live 10–14 years.
Is an Akita good for apartments or first-time owners?
Usually no to both. Their size, guarding instinct and dog intolerance suit experienced owners who can manage introductions and training. Apartment life works only with a committed daily routine.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Akita needs only 8–12 pieces a day, well inside the 150–240 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Akita ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Akita
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
