Akita Dogs Information

Written by: Shawna L. Krautheim

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: Japanese Akita, Akita Inu, Japanese Akita Inu, Akita-Inu

Common Misspellings:  Aketa, Japaneseakita, Japanese-Aketa

Learn all about Akita Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Akita dog breed. You'll find solid information about Akita dog history, Akita life expectancy Akita dog appearance, Akita temperament and personality, Akita health problems, Akita puppy care, training Akita puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Akita dog breeder.

The Akita is considered a national monument in it's native homeland of Japan where it is revered as a symbol of health, happiness and longevity. At one time the exclusive property of Japanese nobility, this breed was used to hunt large game including Wild Boar and Deer. Akitas have since found their way into the hearts and homes of people world-wide, and have proven to excel as police dogs, guard dogs, guide dogs, and - most importantly - family pets.

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Akita Facts

The Akita Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: Japan

Akita Height: Up to 26 inches at the shoulder

Akita Weight: 70-130 pounds

Akita Color Variations: All colors are accepted, including white, brindle and pinto.

Akita Size Variations: Standard only

Akita Exercise Needs: Demanding

Akita Grooming Demands: Moderate

Akita Trainability: Medium Difficult

Akita Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

Average Akita Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes, with supervision.

Good With Other Pets: No

Breed Group: Working

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Akita Dog History

Largest of the Japanese Spitz breeds, the Akita was originally bred to hunt large game such as bear, deer and wild boar. The Akita breed dates back approximately 300 years and takes its name from the Prefecture of Akita in northern Japan. In 1931, the Japanese Ministry of Education proclaimed the Akita dog to be a natural monument and all necessary steps were taken to preserve the Akita breed. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to North America in the 1930s after she was given the dog on a visit to Japan. However, it was returning servicemen who had been stationed in Japan who brought the Akita breed back in numbers at the close of World War II.

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Akita Dog Appearance

The Akita always makes a lasting first impression. Akitas are large, powerful dogs with substantial bone and musculature. The broad chest and neck of the Akita serve as a solid base for the Akita's large head, the Akita's most distinguishing feature. The broad skull and the short muzzle form a blunt triangle when viewed from above. The massive head in combination with the small triangular shaped eyes and small erect ears give the Akita dog an intimidating, yet dignified, expression.

The Akita is a very balanced looking dog, being only slightly longer than it is tall. The tail is curled and carried over the back, which serves to balance with the dog's head. Typically the male Akita is substantially larger than the female. The males range in weight from about 100 to 130 pounds, while the females range from 70 to 100 pounds.

The double coat of the Akita has the appearance of the typical northern breeds. It is short to moderate in length, but very dense and consists of two layers. The Akita's undercoat is very soft and is the primary insulator, while the outer coat, or the guard hair, is slightly longer and coarser. The Akita is very well suited to the coldest of climates, and while it might not enjoy hot weather, its coat does lighten considerably in the warmer months to compensate for the heat.

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Akita Grooming

Their dense, double coat requires regular, thorough brushing at least once a week.

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Akita Exercise Needs

Active and agile, this rugged and athletic dog requires lots of outdoor exercise. Akitas are not a good choice for couch potatoes - but will certainly help their owners embark on a new exercise program!

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Akita Temperament

Akitas are extremely intelligent, large, energetic, very territorial and highly devoted to their owners. Akitas are loyal family dogs and fearless guardians of the home that excel in obedience work. These highly intelligent, affectionate dogs make excellent companions.

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Akita Training

While the Akita is a very loving and loyal companion, he is still a large breed of dog and requires responsible training so that he knows how to behave on a leash and when in public. Additionally, the Akita tends to be aggressive towards other dogs, particularly males. For this reason, early socialization and obedience courses are essential. Owning an Akita can be a very rewarding experience, but you must be prepared to make a commitment to these large and loving dogs.

Akita Health

Like any breed of dog, the Akita is subject to a variety of health concerns. Your best bet is, when deciding to choose a new Akita puppy, check around with several breeders and ask about the various health issues that can affect these beautiful little dogs. A reputable breeder should be well-versed in the health concerns and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you the sire and dam of your potential puppy. Some of the health problems that can affect Akitas include:

Aquired Myathenia Gravis
Bloat
Hip Dysplasia
Hyperkalaemia
Uveo-Dermatological Syndrome (VKH)
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)
Susceptible to anesthesia, due to small heart size

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Is the Akita Right For You?

The Akita is an amazing dog for the right family; known for their cleanliness and quiet personality, they are a popular house dog in their native Japan, as well as throughout the world. Akitas do require special consideration, prior to bringing one home however. For starters, the Akita can be a very reserved and aloof dog, particularly around strangers, and tend to dislike excessive noise and excitement. High-traffic homes or families with very young children may find a more social pet better suited to their needs. Additionally, Akitas are not recommended in homes with other animals, particularly other dogs - Aggression is common towards canines and they may cause injury to cats or other pets.

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Akita Prices

Average Akita Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Akita dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Akita puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Akita dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Akita puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Akita breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Akita prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Akita puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding Akita Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Akita puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Akita Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Akita breeders. We actively screen Akita breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Akita breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Akita puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Akita puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Akita dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional Akita Resources:

• Akita Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Akita Breed Profile
• Akita Pictures
• Akita Videos

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