Akita at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 61–71 cm
- Weight
- 31–59 kg
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Garden, Typical lifespan.
Is the Akita right for you?
Like every breed, the Akita is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You would like a dog that tends to be quiet.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Akita fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Akita
The Akita is a large, very strong dog with a short, dense coat and an impressive presence. It is known for being incredibly loyal to its family and for a fearless, courageous character, which, together with its size and strength, makes it a breed best suited to experienced owners.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
Independent
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Can be selective
Can be selective about other dogs.
- Good with cats
Strong chase instinct
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Tends to be quiet
Usually a fairly quiet dog around the home.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed originates in Japan, where it was developed for hunting bear, deer and wild boar and, unfortunately, was also used in fighting competitions. It was also bred as a guard dog, thanks to its loyal and fearless nature.
There are two Akita breeds. The original Akita Inu was bred in Japan, while the Akita as it is seen today was developed further in America, becoming stronger in bone and substance. It is the largest breed in the Royal Kennel Club's Utility group. Like many Japanese breeds, brilliant, clear coat colours are highly valued.
Akita temperament
Akitas are typically loyal, loving and very attached to their families, and they like to be included in everything. They can be wary of strangers and of unfamiliar dogs, so they need thorough socialisation from a young age and throughout their lives.
They are very intelligent and easily bored, and a bored Akita may take it out on your home and furniture. Akitas have a reputation for barking only when they think it is necessary, although this varies between individual dogs. Their history as hunting dogs means many still have a strong prey drive.
Size and appearance
The Akita is a large dog, typically standing 61–71 cm and weighing around 31–59 kg.
The coat is short but dense. A wide range of colours is accepted, including red, fawn, brindle, silver, black, white and pinto, many with white markings, masks or overlays.
How much exercise does a Akita need?
Akitas are active dogs and need at least two hours of exercise every day, spent running and walking, plus training and play to keep their brains busy. They usually enjoy time in a large, secure garden, and many love to swim.
Because they still love to chase, it is safest to keep them on a lead on walks and only let them off in secure areas. Their thick coats suit cold weather, so watch them closely in hot weather, as they can overheat.
Training a Akita
Akitas are very intelligent and pick things up quickly, including bad habits. They are also independent, which is often mistaken for stubbornness.
- Use ongoing, positive, reward-based training, and keep it consistent across the household.
- Take a firm but fair approach and set clear boundaries.
- Keep them interested with brain puzzles and a rotating selection of toys.
- Socialise them widely from a young age with dogs, people and new experiences.
- If you are a first-time owner or not an experienced trainer, ask an accredited trainer for help.
Akita grooming
Although the fur is short, it is dense, and Akitas shed a lot. Brush at least once a week to remove dead hair, and more often in warmer months when shedding increases. Some owners have their Akita professionally groomed every three months or so. Akitas are known for being clean dogs.
Living with a Akita
Akitas can fit well into family life thanks to their loyal and loving nature, but PDSA does not recommend the breed for homes with young children. Their size and strength mean they could knock a child over by accident, and they can be protective and possessive over toys and food. They usually do best with people who understand the breed.
Many Akitas do not cope well alone and should never be left for more than four hours. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Akita. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Can be selective about other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Akita health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Like many pedigree dogs, the Akita is prone to some health problems. Knowing about them helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every Akita will be affected. The Royal Kennel Club asks breeders to prioritise genetic diversity.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not fit together perfectly, which eventually leads to arthritis. Breeding dogs should be X-rayed under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)
A condition where the stomach twists. It is an emergency and needs urgent veterinary attention.
Inherited eye conditions
Akitas can have several eye problems, including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
A gradual loss of sight over several months or years.
Glaucoma
A disease that damages the nerve of the eye and gets worse over time. It is thought to be linked to pressure building inside the eye.
Entropion and ectropion
Entropion is an inward rolling of the eyelids that causes constant irritation and pain. Ectropion is an outward rolling that makes the eyelid look droopy and can dry the eye.
VKH-type syndrome
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada type syndrome can cause eye and skin problems, often seen as a loss of colour around the eyes and nose.
Sebaceous adenitis
An auto-immune skin disease in which the skin's own glands become inflamed and sore.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid, which can cause problems with weight, skin and energy levels.
Skin problems
PDSA also lists skin problems more generally among the conditions Akitas are prone to.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Akita home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Akita cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Akita home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, not just the first year.
Buying a Akita
If you have decided the Akita suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Akita
Akitas do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Akitas looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Akita adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Akita FAQs
Is the Akita good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Akita live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Akita need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Akita shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Akita need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Akita easy to train?
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Akita be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Akita bark a lot?
Tends to be quiet. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Akita good with cats?
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How big does the Akita get?
Adults typically stand 61–71 cm at the shoulder and weigh 31–59 kg.