A composed, self-assured dog that bonds very closely with its own people and carries itself with quiet dignity. It is watchful and brave, reserved with strangers, and tends to prefer being the only dog in the home, so it suits an experienced owner who enjoys a thoughtful, independent companion.346
how to spot oneAkita coat and colours
double coat, short to medium
A plush, soft and dense undercoat sits beneath a straight, rather harsh outer coat that stands slightly away from the body. The hair is a little longer over the shoulders and rump, about 5 cm, and the tail is thick and carried curled over the back.34
Comes inred fawnsesame (red fawn with black tips)brindlewhitepinto (AKC American type)34
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for an Akita. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery week
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
how busy a day looksAkita exercise needs
Moderate to high. Club guidance says a good daily walk or jog keeps it content and it is not a hyper breed; The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than 2 hours of exercise a day. Leashed walks and structured activities usually suit it better than busy dog parks.652
where they are happiestAkita at home
Best in a large house with a large, securely fenced garden; can live in town or country. Its thick coat makes it comfortable in cold weather.5
who they like aroundAkita with people and other pets
Forms strong bonds with its household and likes to be with its people. Early and ongoing socialisation is important; many Akitas are happiest as the only dog, and same-sex pairings need careful management.64
the hands-on bitsAkita grooming and care
Brush about once a week, more often during the seasonal coat 'blows' when the undercoat sheds heavily; a force dryer helps lift loose undercoat. The Akita keeps itself tidy much like a cat. Ears are naturally erect and are never cropped.526
what goes in the bowlAkita food and feeding
A balanced complete dog food suited to a large breed, with portions adjusted to keep a lean body shape. Puppies do well on a large-breed growth formula that supports steady, moderate growth.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Akita, and at what times?
Feed your Akita at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Sticking to set times helps their digestion and routine. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.27
What should an Akita eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced complete dog food for large breeds is best, with a large-breed growth formula for puppies. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these away from your Akita.28
How often should I bathe an Akita?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your Akita gets very dirty. Their double coat cleans itself well, so avoid over-bathing.9
How often does an Akita need brushing?
Brush your Akita about once a week, and daily during the heavy seasonal sheds when the undercoat blows. A force dryer can help remove loose fur during those times.526
How do I trim an Akita's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain, and ask your vet or groomer if unsure.9
How much exercise does an Akita need?
Your Akita needs about 60 minutes of exercise daily, such as a good walk or jog. They are not hyper, so structured activities on leash suit them better than busy dog parks.652
How do I look after an Akita's teeth and ears?
Brush your Akita's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal.9
How long does an Akita live?
An Akita typically lives between 10 and 12 years. With good care and regular vet check-ups, they can enjoy a healthy life.25
Is an Akita good with children and other pets?
Akitas bond closely with their family and can be good with children if raised together, but they are reserved with strangers. They often prefer being the only dog, and same-sex pairings need careful management, so early socialisation is key.346
Can an Akita be left alone?
Akitas form strong bonds with their people and like to be with them, so they may struggle with long periods alone. How well they cope varies, so ask a good breeder or trainer for advice on your specific dog.64
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchAkita health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Akita. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint forms loosely and wears badly, which can mean stiffness and arthritis later in life. Listed by the breed club and the UK Kennel Club; no published rate ↗
Autoimmune thyroiditis (hypothyroidism)
The immune system damages the thyroid gland, so the dog gains weight, loses coat and slows down; it is managed with daily tablets. Listed by the breed club; yearly thyroid test advised; no published rate ↗
Uveodermatologic (VKH-like) syndrome
The immune system attacks pigment cells, causing painful eye inflammation and loss of colour on the nose and skin; it needs lifelong treatment. Akita Club of America says Akitas are the most affected breed; no published rate ↗
Sebaceous adenitis
Skin glands are destroyed, giving scaly skin and hair loss; it is managed with special baths and oils. Named by the breed club as an autoimmune concern; no genetic test; no published rate ↗
Inherited eye disease
Cloudy lens (juvenile cataract) or leftover eye membranes can dim sight; yearly eye checks pick them up early. Listed by the breed club; no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Hip evaluation (OFA, PennHIP or BVA/KC) CHIC / Akita Club of America; UK Kennel Club Best Practice ↗
Eye examination (CAER or BVA/KC/ISDS) CHIC / Akita Club of America; UK Kennel Club Best Practice ↗
DNA test for amelogenesis imperfecta (ACP4 enamel defect) Japanese Akitainu Club of America ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat an Akita costs
Running costs for an Akita, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Akita legal where you live?
7 of the 61 countries we check have a rule that names the Akita. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.
Muzzle and leash requiredControl of Dogs Regulations 1998: restricted breeds (and their crosses) must be muzzled in public, on a strong lead of max 2 m, held by a person over 16, with a collar showing the owner's name and address.
Permit requiredReal Decreto 287/2002 (Ley 50/1999) 'perros potencialmente peligrosos': municipal licence (adult, clean record, psychological and physical aptitude, liability insurance of at least 120,000 EUR), muzzle and non-extensible leash under 2 m in public, one PPP per handler; a 2025 draft decree under Ley 7/2023 would let dogs leave the category by passing aptitude tests but is not yet approved.
Insurance requiredCabinet of Ministers resolution 'Deiaki pytannia shchodo nebezpechnykh porid sobak' (10 Nov 2021) lists 51 breeds and their mixes as dangerous: owners must hold compulsory liability insurance when registering, and use a leash and muzzle where the dog may endanger people.
Insurance requiredPart 1 licensing conditions: leashed and muzzled in public, sterilised over 6 months, insurance of at least 100,000 SGD, 5,000 SGD banker's guarantee, obedience training.
Insurance requiredLey 4078 CABA: registration before 3 months of age, muzzle and non-extensible leash of max 2 m in public, liability insurance, secure enclosure; abandonment is a serious offence.
Import bannedDepartment of Veterinary Services Malaysia: these breeds and their crosses are banned from import (as published on the Australian government MICoR page for Malaysia).
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Akita tip
Akitas can be prone to weight gain, so keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories and choose single-ingredient options like fresh fruits or vegetables. Because they are at risk for bloat, feed two or three measured meals a day and avoid exercise right before or after eating.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Hachiko, an Akita born in 1923, went to Shibuya Station in Tokyo every day for about a decade to wait for his late owner, and a statue of him stands at the station.10
2
Since 1936 a ceremony honouring Hachiko's devotion has been held every year on 8 March.1
3
Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the United States in 1937.6
4
The Akita was declared a Natural Monument of Japan in 1931.3
5
Akitas have webbed toes that help them move over snow.6
I woke up early, as always, and checked my domain. My human smiled and gave me a gentle pat. I followed them to the garden, where I sat calmly, watching the birds. They know I'm the guardian here. We went for a quiet walk, and I walked beside my human, my head high. I greeted a neighbor with a dignified nod, but I didn't linger, I'm not one for small talk. At home, I kept an eye on everything, my loyal heart content. My human gave me a scratch behind the ears, and I leaned into their hand. I may be reserved, but my love runs deep. A peaceful day, just how I like it.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
for a film nightOn screen
Films and series picked by Oskar, who made Pet Wiki.
Hachiko Monogatari1987
The original Japanese telling of the loyal Akita Hachiko and his professor.
The Akita comes from the snowy mountains of Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, where from the early 1600s medium-sized 'Matagi' Akitas helped hunters track bear and other large game. From 1868 some were crossed with Tosa and mastiff-type dogs, which made them larger, and dog fighting was banned in 1908. Worried about the breed's purity, Japanese enthusiasts founded the Akita Inu Hozonkai in 1927, and in 1931 the Akita was named a Natural Monument of Japan. The Second World War cut numbers drastically, with only a small number surviving; devoted breeders such as Morie Sawataishi rebuilt the breed, returning to Matagi-type lines. Helen Keller brought the first Akitas to the United States in 1937, and American servicemen later brought home larger dogs that became the American lineage. The AKC recognised the Akita in 1972, and in 1999 the FCI separated the Japanese Akita from the American Akita.31016
Standard no. 255 (Akita), Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds; standard published 13.03.2001. FCI lists the heavier American type separately as the American Akita.3
AKC
Recognised as 'Akita' in 1972 (American-type lineage; current standard effective 8 Aug 2022). The Japanese Akitainu entered the AKC Foundation Stock Service in 2020.10
The Royal Kennel Club
Listed as 'Akita' in the Utility group (American-type lineage); the Japanese Akita Inu is listed separately.5
Akita Inu Hozonkai (AKIHO)
Japanese preservation society for the breed, founded 1927.1
Popularity AKC rank 62 of registered breeds (as 'Akita')13
Sources (13)
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Wikipedia: Akita (dog)en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight (American type), history dates, Hachiko ceremony (secondary)
Shiba Inu
Hokkaido
Kishu
Alaskan Malamute