Despite being originally bred for fighting and hunting, the Akita has evolved into a loving and loyal companion. With its thick, double-layered coat, this tough dog is well-equipped to handle cold weather conditions. They are known for their devotion and protectiveness towards their family, making them excellent companion dogs. Additionally, they are naturally clean animals and require minimal grooming. Brushing them once a week and trimming their nails regularly should suffice, with bathing only necessary on rare occasions or when they become excessively dirty.
Akita dogs are active by nature and need regular exercise, so be prepared to take them on long walks or to the park. During colder months, they may have even more energy and enjoy spending hours outdoors, exploring and playing in the snow.
Below, we look at Akita Inu dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Akita Inu, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Akita Inus!
| Dog Breed | Akita Inu |
| Size | |
| Weight | 70-100 lbs (average) |
| Height | 24-26″ (average) |
| Location | Japan |
| Ancestry | Northern Spitz |
| Date of Origin | 1600s |
| Group | Hunting Game, Dog Fighting |
| Life Expectancy | |
| Price | |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
This courageous breed is known as the Akita, named after the Akita prefecture in Japan where they originated in the 1600s. Originally referred to as snow country dogs by the locals, they were found in the snowy mountains. There is a debate regarding the breed’s name between the United States, Canada, and the rest of the world. According to the US and Canada, there is only one breed of Akita with two types – American and Japanese. However, the rest of the world considers them as separate breeds.
The Akita Inu Hozonkai Society of Japan was established in the late 1920s, and in 1937, the breed was designated as a national treasure of Japan. This decision was influenced by the loyalty of the famous dog, Haichiko, who would wait for his owner at the train station every day, even after his owner’s death. The first Akita in the United States was gifted to Helen Keller by the Japanese government during her visit. Her name was Kamikaze-Go. However, it wasn’t until 1972, almost 40 years later, that the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.
The Akita comes from the Northern Spitz breed and was originally bred for hunting large animals like elk, bear, deer, and wild boar. Hunters would have the dog chase and corner the game until they arrived to shoot it. Some even bred them with a fighting dog breed called the Tosa for fighting purposes. However, after a deadly outbreak of rabies in the early 1900s that claimed the lives of over 3,000 Akita dogs, this tradition was stopped. During World War II, soldiers brought many Akitas home from war to save them from being killed for food or shot.
🐕 Akita Inu Appearance
The Akita has a robust bone structure, a sturdy build, and a powerful look. The dark brown eyes are tiny and attentive, the nose is deep, and the ears are sharp and slightly inclined. Some claim that their enormous triangular head resembles a bear. They have a tough exterior that matches their obstinate disposition. They feature a lighter (ideally white) mask over a wide, black nose. With a level or scissors bite and a robust jaw, teeth are sturdy. They have enormous, cat-like paws that are well-knuckled and have thick foot pads. The breed is distinguished by its thick, hairy tail, which wraps over the back and is unique to each dog. Some people have two curls. Double coating covers the medium-length coat. The guard hairs, a lengthier protective hair coat, are found in the undercoat, which is dense and silky. These lack the undercoat’s softness. In the hardest environments, like as the mountains in Japan, where they originate, it is dense enough to keep them warm and dry. Red, gray, black, silver, pinto, white, black brindle, blue brindle, brown brindle, red brindle, fawn, and fawn brindle are just a few examples of the many different coat colors that are available. Some people wear masks that are white or a lighter shade than their coats as a whole. Additionally, the undercoat and outer coat could have various colors.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black, Brown |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Brindle, White, Silver, Fawn, Red, Black, Brown |
⚡ Fun Fact:
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Akita Inu
This watchful dog has a history of attacking other animals, so it shouldn’t be trusted near cats, chickens, or ducks. Even though they have never been taught to hunt, all Akita are hunters. Because they view tiny animals as game, they will hunt, assault, and consume them. Children who should be taught not to taunt the dog should be under the supervision of an adult. Leave them alone when it comes to eating since they are highly possessive of their food. You will need to socialize your dog with friends and family members since your watchful pup will be leery of strangers. This aggressive dog is a loving and devoted friend that will defend the family at all costs. Although they don’t bark, they do communicate well with their owners. They can be challenging to train since they are so tenacious and obstinate. However, they are highly intelligent, and with the appropriate instruction and a lot of your patience, your dog can learn anything.
🤝 Are Akita Inus Friendly or Aggressive?
🐩 Akita Inu Care & Maintenance
Even though Akitas are tidy dogs that groom themselves frequently, you should still brush them at least once a week to prevent excessive shedding. With a soft brush, only a quick brushing will do. Since they take care of the majority of their own grooming, they seldom need to be bathed. It is advised to shampoo every few months. This cute puppy sheds quite a little many times a year. They are not regarded as hypoallergenic as a result. A dog-safe toothpaste will be suggested by your veterinary care provider, but brushing your dog’s teeth once a day is always a good idea. Because dogs are prone to several eye diseases, pay close attention to your dog’s eyes. If there is any whiteness, redness, or discharge coming from the eyes, contact your veterinarian. This energetic dog requires a lot of exercise, so you should make plans to take them for quick walks or jogs every day and let them run about in a big enclosed yard. In colder climates, they can really live outside (and prefer to). While your animal friend is outside, make sure to provide them with cover (like a dog house), shade, and enough of water. They enjoy playing and going on hunts, especially when it snows in the winter. They tend to eat too rapidly since they are so big and full of activity, which causes them to become hungry quickly. The veterinarian might suggest a unique dish and suggest a feeding regimen to assist break this habit. Depending on their size, it is advised that you feed your dog twice daily for a total of roughly six cups of food each day. Feeding fresh food together with a high-end commercial dog food that has meat as the first component is recommended. Hard-boiled eggs, rice, and cubed veggies like peas, carrots, potatoes, and yams are all healthy fresh meal options for your pet.
🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $2.00 – $2.25 daily, or around $60.00 – $67.50 a month.
🐾 Exercise:
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 8 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know:
❤️🩹 Akita Inu Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Akita Inu Dog Breed can be:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis
While minor concerns include:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Pemphigus
- Sebaceous Adenitis
🤧 Important: Is Akita Inu hypoallergenic? .
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Akita Inu.
⚡ Akita Inu Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Akita Inu a great choice for families with young children?
The Akita Inu is a great choice for families with young children because they are loyal and protective of their family. They will be devoted to the children and ensure their safety.
Is the Akita Inu breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Akita Inu breed is not considered suitable for apartment living due to their energetic nature and need for daily exercise. They thrive better in a larger space with a yard where they can roam and play.
How much exercise does a Akita Inu require compared to other breeds?
The Akita Inu requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are energetic and need daily walks and playtime to fulfill their exercise needs.
Is the Akita Inu breed known for being good with other pets?
The Akita Inu breed is known for being aggressive towards other animals, so they are not typically good with other pets, especially smaller animals like cats, chickens, and ducks.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Akita Inu?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Akita Inu include the Shiba Inu, Basenji, and the Greyhound. These breeds require less grooming and have similar energy levels.
What are the common health issues that Akita Inus are prone to?
Common health issues that Akita Inus are prone to include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and autoimmune disorders. Regular vet check-ups are recommended to monitor their health.
Are Akita Inus known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Akita Inus can be difficult to train compared to other breeds due to their determination and stubbornness. However, they are intelligent and with proper training and patience, they can learn anything.
Are Akita Inus more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Akita Inus are not more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. However, they are known to be very loyal and attached to their family, so proper training and gradual separation should be implemented.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Akita Inu that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Akita Inu that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dog, and the Yorkshire Terrier. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats and are less likely to trigger allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Akita Inu are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dog breeds similar to the Akita Inu, such as the Shiba Inu or the Basenji, would be more suitable. These breeds can adapt well to smaller living spaces.
Is the Akita Inu breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Akita Inu breed can be good with children with special needs, as they are protective and loyal. However, proper supervision and training should be in place to ensure the safety of both the child and the dog.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Akita Inu?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Akita Inu are moderate. They have a thick double-layered coat that requires brushing once a week to prevent matting. They are clean dogs and groom themselves like cats, so bathing is not required often. However, they do shed heavily twice a year during shedding seasons.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Akita Inu dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
