If you’re looking for an intelligent and loyal companion, the Akita might be just the pet for you! Akitas have a long history of being part of the family in Japan, and are known for their loyal and loving nature. In this guide, you’ll learn all the basic information about the Akita that you need to know if you’re considering getting one as a pet.

Akita Origin and History.
The Akita originated in northern Japan and is the largest native Japanese breed. It was originally used as a powerful hunting dog, with references to its use dating back to 1603. By 1918, it became a symbol of effort and courage and in 1931, it was officially designated as a natural monument by the Japanese government. Nowadays, the Akita is popular both in Japan at home and abroad.
Popular Akita Traits.
Akitas are a loyal and devoted breed that show immense affection towards the family. They are known to be highly intelligent, courageous and alert with excellent guarding instincts. If properly trained, they make great family pets as they are very gentle and patient around children. However, they can also be quite strong-willed which means consistent training is essential for them to live happily in a human home.
Training Tips for Akitas.
Akitas are a powerful breed so positive reward training is essential in order to foster a trusting relationship between you and your dog. Also, you should use consistent commands for teaching them particular behaviors. Using the same command word with each repetition will help ensure that your Akita understands what behavior is expected each time the command is given. Further, providing mental stimulation on a daily basis can help keep them focus and occupied to avoid boredom related activities like destructive chewing or excessive barking.
Common Health Problems in Akitas.
Akitas are generally a healthy breed but can be predisposed to certain medical conditions. Common medical problems for Akitas include genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, thyroid problems and allergies. Additionally, skin infections can occur due to their thick coats and are usually caused by flea bites or contact dermatitis. Regular vet check ups and maintaining good hygiene practices will help prevent any health issues from occurring.
Grooming and Feeding Your Akita Dog.
Grooming your Akita is fairly easy, since they have a thick double coat and only shed their undercoat twice a year. During this time, you should brush them regularly to prevent matting and ensure that their hair does not become tangled. Akitas should be bathed once every few months with either a medicated or hypoallergenic shampoo; frequent bathing can strip the coat of important oils. It’s also recommended to feed them high-quality dry food and add in some wet food for variety; you should also provide regular water breaks throughout the day and at least one walk per day to keep them physically healthy as well as mentally sharp.
Best dog food for Akitas:
When it comes to the diet of Akitas, it’s essential to focus on their unique nutritional needs as a large and active breed. Akitas thrive on high-quality, well-balanced food that provides them with the necessary energy and nutrients to maintain their robust health and active lifestyles.
It’s advisable to choose dog food that contains high-quality protein sources like chicken, fish, or beef as the primary ingredient. This ensures that your Akita gets the lean muscle support they require. Additionally, since Akitas have a dense double coat, incorporating food rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can support skin health and give their fur a vibrant shine.
Carbohydrates are also vital, but it’s best to opt for complex carbs like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or barley, which release energy slowly and sustainably. Furthermore, since Akitas can be prone to joint issues due to their size, foods enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health and mobility.
It’s essential to monitor your Akita’s weight and adjust their food portions accordingly. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can further strain their joints and cause other health issues. Lastly, always consult with your veterinarian about any specific dietary needs or changes, especially if your Akita has allergies or other health concerns.
Clubs Offering:
The Akita breed is known for its keen intelligence, making them highly trainable. Training classes are a great way to engage with your Akita and teach them proper obedience and behaviors. Through positive reinforcement and repetition, your Akita will quickly learn commands such as sit, stay, heel, and come while having fun in the process. That said, it’s important to remember that Akitas require consistent and firm training; if done correctly, owning an Akita can be incredibly rewarding!
Height
The Akita is a loyal and independent breed, with males standing between 26 to 28 inches tall and females between 24 to 26 inches.
Weight
The Akita is a large, strong breed of dogs that originated from the mountainous regions of Japan. These mighty dogs typically weigh between 70 to 130 pounds for males, and 70 to 100 pounds for females.
Life span of Akita Dogs
The Akita dog is known for its loyal and independent nature, making it a popular pet. It typically lives for 10-14 years, which is the average lifespan for a medium-sized dog. This breed originated in Japan and can be found in various colors such as white, brindle and red. They are obedient and highly intelligent, making them great companions for people of all ages.

The Akita Husky Mix:
The Akita Husky mix, often referred to as the “Huskita”, combines the strength and loyalty of the Akita with the endurance and agility of the Siberian Husky. With their striking appearance, which can vary from the thick double coat of the Akita to the piercing blue eyes of the Husky, these mixes are both majestic and captivating. Their personalities reflect a blend of the two breeds: they can be fiercely loyal and protective like an Akita while also displaying the playful and sociable nature of a Husky. However, potential owners should be prepared for a dog that requires consistent training, ample exercise, and a lot of mental stimulation. With the right environment and care, the Akita Husky mix can be a delightful and loyal companion.
Affectionate With Family
Akitas are known to have a wide range of personalities, from highly affectionate and devoted to their owners to more independent-natured. Generally though, this breed is loyal and devoted to members of their family and those they know well, and can form close bonds with their handlers or owners.
Good With Young Children
The Akita is a friendly and affectionate breed, typically patient with children and loyal to its family owners. However, like any other large dog breed, Akitas should always be supervised around young kids or those who may not have had much contact with canines before. With the right upbringing and socialization from an early age, the Akita will make an amazing companion for any family.
Akita as Guard Dog:
Akitas have an innate protective nature that dates back to their ancient roots in Japan, where they were often used as guard dogs for royalty and nobility. Their strong build, combined with an acute sense of alertness, makes them excellent watchdogs even today. While they exude a calm and composed demeanor, they are quick to spring into action if they perceive a threat to their family. Akitas are not just about brawn; they’re intelligent, making them highly discerning about potential dangers. Their loyalty is unparalleled, and they form deep bonds with their families, making their protective instincts even more profound. However, it’s essential for owners to provide proper training and socialization from an early age to ensure that their protective nature is well-directed and doesn’t become overbearing.
Good With Other Dogs
The Akita breed is generally considered friendly towards other dogs; however, they should always be supervised while interacting with other canines and introductions should be done carefully. This breed is known to be innately sociable and happy to meet other dogs both in shared living spaces as well as in public.
Shedding Level
The Akita is a low shedding breed of dog. These dogs have thick, long coats that are usually well-maintained and require minimal brushing and grooming. They do not shed much and will not typically trigger pet allergies, making them an ideal pet for allergy sufferers. Despite their lowshedding coat, Akitas may still need regular vacuuming to keep the fur from accumulating in their home.
Coat Grooming Frequency
The Akita is a large, strong-boned breed that requires daily brushing and regular grooming. They have thick double coats that should be brushed several times a week to reduce shedding. Akitas also need frequent nail trimming, along with occasional bathing and trimming of their fur as needed. This can require a significant amount of time, patience, and budget for necessary grooming and coat maintenance.

Drooling Level
The Akita is an ancient Japanese breed of dog that is not known for its slobbery drooling around the house. This breed has a reputation for being incredibly loyal and easy to train, but also requires plenty of exercise and activity. Akitas are independent dogs who do not require constant attention and they have a low tendency to cause messes around the house.
The Akita is a large sector of the Spitz family, originating from Japan and boasting a thick double coat. This two layer fur has been designed to foster the cold temperatures of its homeland, with an outer thick topcoat sheathed by a warmer underfur. The medium length coat comes in various colours and requires regular brushing while shedding seasonally.
The Akita is a large and powerful dog breed originating from the mountainous region of northern Japan. It has a double-layered coat that typically stands off the body with some length, although it can be kept trimmed short for convenience. Regular grooming is important to keep its coat free from tangles and mats, especially in long-haired breeds like the Akita.
Playfulness Level
The Akita is a breed of dog with an independent and dignified personality. While they are typically very good with kids, they can also be a bit reserved and aloof towards strangers. But despite their dignified demeanor, the Akita is still playful and loves to engage in activities such as fetch, since they are one of the breeds that retain its love for play into adulthood.
Watchdog/Protective Nature
The Akita is an ancient Japanese breed known for their alertness and fearlessness when it comes to protecting their family. They will sound the alert if there is a potential threat, whether it be another person or animal. However, they are also loyal and will warm up to any newcomers if they have been accepted by their family.
Adaptability Level
Akitas are known for their patience and adaptability to change, making them a great fit for many households. They are able to handle unpredictable changes in environments such as noise levels, weather, daily schedule and living conditions with ease.
Barking Level
The Akita is a breed of dog that originates from Japan and has been known for centuries for its loyal and affectionate personality. While most Akitas are relatively quiet, they do have an instinctual side that can make them vocalize quite frequently. They may be seen to bark in certain situations or express themselves with howls, which can be attributed to their natural hunting instincts.
Mental Stimulation Needs
The Akita is a purpose-bred dog that requires significant mental stimulation. Without the necessary brain exercise, they will take matters into their own hands and make their own projects, which may not always be what you would like. Thus, it’s important to make sure they get enough mental stimulation to remain healthy and happy.