Akita Inu

also known as Japanese Akita, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog

Pros History


The Akita Inu is a large and powerful breed of dog that originated in Japan. The breed has a rich history and cultural significance in Japan, and is known for its strength, loyalty, and courage.

The origins of the Akita Inu can be traced back to the 17th century in the Akita prefecture of Japan, where the breed was used as a hunting dog for large game such as bears and wild boars. The Akita was also used as a watchdog and companion, and was highly valued by the ruling samurai class.

The Akita Inu was officially recognized as a breed by the Japanese Kennel Club (JKC) in 1927 and later by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1972. It is also recognized by many other kennel clubs and organizations around the world, including the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the United Kennel Club (UKC).

The breed name "Akita Inu" is derived from the Akita prefecture in Japan, where the breed originated. "Inu" means "dog" in Japanese.

The Akita Inu is a large and powerful breed, with males typically weighing between 70 and 130 pounds and standing 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed has a thick and dense coat that can be white, red, sesame, brindle, or black. The Akita Inu is a strong and athletic breed, known for its endurance, and is used for hunting, as a watchdog, and as a companion.

The Akita Inu has a strong and independent personality, and requires proper training and socialization from an early age. The breed is known for its loyalty and devotion to its owners, and is considered a "natural guardian" by the Japanese.

One of the most famous Akita Inu in history is Hachiko, also known as Hachi, a purebred Akita who was born in 1923 in Japan. Hachiko was known for his loyalty and would wait for his owner at the Shibuya train station every day, even after his owner's death. The story of Hachiko's loyalty and devotion was turned into a movie and book and Hachiko is considered a national symbol of loyalty in Japan.

Breed Information


Type

Is Akita Inu a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Akita Inus originally used for?

Hunting Game, Dog Fighting

Lifespan

How Long Do Akita Inus Live? What is average life expectancy for an Akita Inu? How long can Akita Inus live?

10-14 years

The average Akita Inu lifespan is somewhere between 10-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Akita Inu Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Akita Inu?

What is the average height of an Akita Inu? How big is an Purebred Akita Inu height? Akita Inu dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 26-28 inches (66 - 71.1 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 25.5 inches (64.8 cm) 27.0 inches (68.6 cm)
Female 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
What is the average weight of an Akita Inu? How much should Akita Inus weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 100-130 pounds (45 - 59 kg) 61.0 pounds (28 kg) 77.5 pounds (35 kg) 110.0 pounds (50 kg)
Female 70-100 pounds (32 - 45 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg) 65.0 pounds (29 kg) 82.5 pounds (37 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Akita Inus get fat easily?

The Akita Inu is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Akita Inus Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Akita Inu is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an Akita Inu personality? What are Akita Inu dogs best known for?

Alert
Dignified
Friendly
Responsive
Courageous
Docile
Intelligent
Vigilant
Independent
Faithful
Willing
Protective

Shedding Level

Are Akita Inus heavy shedders? How Much Does an Akita Inu Shed?

Akita Inu dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Akita Inu.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an Akita Inu dog?

The Akita Inu dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Akita Inus come from?

Japan

Ancestry

What are Akita Inus descended from?

Northern Spitz

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Akita Inu breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Akita Inus first bred? How old is the Akita Inu breed?

1600s

Akita Inu Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Akita Inu eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Akita Inu nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Akita Inu coat be naturally?

Brindle
White
Silver
Fawn
Red
Black
Brown

Coat Length

How long is an Akita Inus coat?

The coat of an Akita Inu falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Akita Inu Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an Akita Inu?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an Akita Inu have in a litter? How many puppies can an Akita Inu have in her first litter?

10-14 puppies per pregnancy

An Akita Inu can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Akita Inus are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Akita Inu Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Akita Inus have a lot of health problems?

The Akita Inu is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an Akita Inu?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Von Willebrand's Disease
Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Akita Inus?

Elbow Dysplasia
Pemphigus
Sebaceous Adenitis

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Akita Inu breed?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood
Dna For Vwd
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Akita Inu Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Akita Inus have a lot of energy?

Akita Inus are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Akita Inus need socialization? How social are Akita Inus?

Akita Inus have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Akita Inus get?

The Akita Inu dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an Akita Inu have? Do Akita Inus sleep a lot?

Akita Inus dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does an Akita Inu drool a lot?

The Akita Inu is a breed known for excessive drooling which can cause a lot of drool to be left on clothes. If this is unappealing to you, it may be best to consider a different breed of dog.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Akita Inus are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Akita Inus exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Akita Inus mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an Akita Inu running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Akita Inu dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Akita Inus enjoy doing? How do I keep my Akita Inu busy?

Run, Frisbee, Chase, Sniff, Swim, Play, Walk, Fetch, Walking, Tug-of-war, Running, Training, Listen to me, Belly rubs

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an Akita Inu? How much energy does an Akita Inu have?

Medium

Akita Inus are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an Akita Inu walk each week? How many miles should an Akita Inu walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Akita Inu, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an Akita Inu should exercise a day? How much activity does an Akita Inu need?

60 minutes

In general most Akita Inus usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an Akita Inu?

The Akita Inu is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an Akita Inu?

Weekly

Akita Inu should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Akita Inus?

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an Akita Inu eat?

3 cups

For an average 100-130 pound (45 - 59 kg) Akita Inu feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an Akita Inu Cost Daily?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an Akita Inu is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an Akita Inu Cost Per Month?

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an Akita Inu is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Akita Inu Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an Akita Inu?

Akita Inus has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Akita Inu is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an Akita Inu dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Akita Inu dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Akita Inu do well in apartments? Are Akita Inus good indoor dogs?

Akita Inus are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Akita Inus good with kids? Are Akita Inus good around children?

Akita Inus are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Akita Inus good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Akita Inus good with cats? How friendly Akita Inus are toward cats?

Akita Inus are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Akita Inu dogs get along with other dogs? Are Akita Inus OK with other dogs?

Akita Inus are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Akita Inu dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Akita Inus friendly with strangers?

Akita Inus are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Akita Inus are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Akita Inus will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Akita Inus like to play? Are Akita Inus playful?

Akita Inus have an average level of playfulness. The Akita Inus, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Akita Inu easily trained?

Akita Inu dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rarely barks
    If you're in search of a quiet breed, the Akita Inu dog may be a suitable option as they are known for being quiet.
  • Apartment Friendly
    Living in an apartment is ideal for Akita Inu breeds.
  • Loyal
    Akita Inus are very loyal and protective of their family.
  • Good watchdogs
    Akita Inus make great watchdogs and will alert their owners to any potential danger.

Cons

  • Shedding
    Akita Inus have above average shedding compared to other dog breeds.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    The Akita Inu's weight can become an issue if not kept in check.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Akita Inus may struggle to adapt to an office environment.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be cautious when considering a Akita Inu, as they may cause allergic reactions.
  • Not suitable for first-time dog owners
    Akita Inus require a confident and experienced owner who can provide proper training and socialization.
  • Prone to certain health issues
    Akita Inus are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat.