Akita
CourageousDignifiedProfoundly Loyal
Japan · 10–13 years
About the Akita
The Akita is a powerful, noble Japanese breed that originated in the mountainous northern regions of Japan, where they were bred to hunt large game including boar, elk, and bears. Revered in Japanese culture as a symbol of health, happiness, and long life, the Akita is dignified, courageous, and profoundly loyal. The most famous Akita, Hachiko, waited for his deceased owner at a Tokyo train station every day for nearly 10 years, embodying the breed's legendary devotion. Akitas are reserved with strangers but deeply affectionate with their family.
Breed stats
- Height
- 24–28 in
- Weight
- 70–130 lbs
- Lifespan
- 10–13 years
- Group
- Working
- Coat
- Thick double coat, dense undercoat
- Origin
- Japan
Coat colors
- White
- Brindle
- Pinto
- Red
- Fawn
- Sesame
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
45–75 min
per day recommended
Daily food
3–5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Sebaceous adenitis
Not every Akita will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Akitas eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Akitas are generally not good with other dogs, especially dogs of the same sex. They have a strong dominant streak and can be dog-aggressive, a trait that was part of their original breeding for guarding and hunting. Same-sex aggression is particularly common and can be difficult to manage even with extensive socialization. Some Akitas can coexist with a dog of the opposite sex if raised together from puppyhood, but introductions should always be carefully managed. Dog parks and off-leash areas with unknown dogs are not recommended for Akitas. This is a breed best suited to being the only dog in the household.
- Hachiko was an Akita born in 1923 who became Japan's most famous dog and a global symbol of loyalty. His owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, commuted daily from Shibuya Station in Tokyo, and Hachiko would meet him there each evening. When Professor Ueno died suddenly at work in 1925, Hachiko continued returning to Shibuya Station every day at the time his owner's train was due, waiting faithfully for nearly 10 years until his own death in 1935. A bronze statue of Hachiko stands at Shibuya Station today and is one of Tokyo's most popular meeting spots.
- Akitas are extremely heavy shedders. They have a thick, plush double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and massively twice a year during seasonal coat changes, often called 'blowing coat.' During these periods, which can last two to four weeks, enormous amounts of fur come off in clumps, and daily brushing is essential. Outside of shedding season, brushing two to three times per week helps manage loose hair. Akita owners often describe finding tumbleweeds of fur around the house. A high-quality vacuum cleaner and lint rollers are essential investments for Akita owners.
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