Height: The average Akita is 20 to 28 inches in height (50.8 to 71.1 cm).
Weight: The average male Akita weighs 100 to 130 pounds (45.36 to 58.97 kg), and the average female Akita weighs 70 to 100 pounds (31.75 to 45.36 kg).
Life Expectancy: The Akita has an average life span of 10 to 14 years.
Good with Kids? Yes
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Colors: The Akita's coat can be red, white, and streaked. Pinto is accepted for the American breed, but not for the Japanese breed.
Physical Traits: The Akita is large, heavy-boned, and possesses a powerful presence. Akitas are poised and regal. Japanese Akitas resemble the larger Shiba Inu.
Hair Type: The Akita has a double coat. The outer coat is composed of straight, coarse hair, and the undercoat is soft and dense. The hair on the head and legs is short. The Akita sheds twice a year.
Nicknames: The Akita may also be known as the Japanese Akita, the Akita Inu, and the Akita Ken. A common adage for the Akita is 'tender in heart, strong in strength.'
Bred For: The Akita was originally bred as a fighting dog in the medieval times. It was later redeveloped in the 1800's as an effort to restore several ancient Japanese breeds.
Personality / Temperament: Akitas have strong hunting instincts, and are intelligent, calm, and spontaneous, which makes them good watchdogs. The noble, kind qualities of the Akita make it a great companion. Akitas are generally obedient, and barking is infrequent. Akitas may be described as loyal, devoted, affectionate, friendly to family and friends, independent, reserved with strangers, courageous, dignified, responsive, alert, spirited, and intelligent.
Origination: The Akita originated in Japan, and is the largest and most widely recognized Japanese breed. In medieval times the Akita was bred as a fighting dog. It was redeveloped in the 1800's in an effort to restore several ancient Japanese breeds. The Akita Inu Hozankai Society of Japan was created in 1918 to preserve the breed. The Akita was designated a natural Japanese monument in 1931.
Maintenance / Special Needs: The Akita needs to be brushed weekly to remove dead hair, and requires grooming witha metal-toothed comb twice a year during shedding. The Akita should be bathed lightly with a mild shampoo only when absolutely necessary to avoid removing natural oils from the coat. The hair on the bottoms of their webbed feet needs to be trimmed occasionally. Akitas are prone to hip dysplasia, and they may also encounter eye and knee problems. Akitas require much exercise, and a lot of food. It is important to develop the dominance hierarchy early. The Akita has considerable stamina and requires as much physical and mental stimulation as possible. They either need to be walked on a leash or provided an enclosed are in which they can play. Akitas enjoy spending time interacting with their family. Akitas may adapt after not being exercised for a while, but this may cause them to be less quiet and obedient. A confident and consistent approach is required when training an Akita. Repetitive drills or overly harsh methods may hinder the training process. Akitas are easy to housetrain, but must be socialized young if they are going to be living with other pets.
Identifying Traits: The Akita is known for the qualities that make it both a great dog for companionship and protection. The love and loyalty Akitas feel for their owner makes them excellent companions. The first Akita to arrive in the United States (in 1937) was Helen Keller's guide dog. The Akita became more popular after World War II because many soldiers returned home from Japan with them in tow. One famous Akita, Hachiko, has a statue standing in honor of him. He greeted his owner at a train station after work every day. After his owner's death, Hachiko continued to faithfully visit the train station every day to wait for his owner until the day he died nine years later. An annual ceremony is held at the train station in his memory.
Ideal For: Akitas are great as a family pet, for companionship, and for protection. The Akita can handle any climate, and can tolerate apartment life provided they are given enough exercise.
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