American Akita
A massive, heavy-boned guardian of Japanese descent: loyal, quiet and protective, best with an experienced owner.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at the withers
- Males 66–71 cm · Females 61–66 cm
- Weight
- Males 45–59 kg · Females 32–45 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–13 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- A few times a week
- Coat
- Double coat, medium
- Colours
- Most colours
- Bred for
- Guarding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- United States
- FCI
- Group 5, no. 344 · Spitz & primitive types
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with other dogs | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good with cats | 1/5 – Very low |
| Open to strangers | 1/5 – Very low |
| Energy | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Playfulness | 2/5 – Low |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 4/5 – High |
| Watchful and protective | 5/5 – Very high |
| Barking | 1/5 – Very low |
| Shedding | 5/5 – Very high |
| Grooming effort | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Drooling | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good for first-time owners | 1/5 – Very low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with being alone | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 5/5 – Very high |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- have experience with large guardian breeds
- want a calm, devoted housemate
- can provide secure fencing and structure
Think twice if you …
- have other dogs or plan to add more
- want a dog that welcomes everyone
- can't manage a dog of 40-plus kilos
Care
Temperament
Loyal, courageous and protective, it is affectionate with family and wary of strangers. It is often intolerant of other dogs and has a strong will.
Exercise
An hour or so of daily walking on lead plus scent games or obedience work keeps it content. It is not a jogging partner in warm weather.
Grooming
The dense double coat needs brushing a few times a week and daily during the heavy seasonal moult.
Training
Intelligent but independent, it responds to calm, consistent, reward-based training. Socialisation from puppyhood is not optional.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, autoimmune skin and eye conditions, PRA and bloat are known concerns in the breed. Ask the breeder for hip, elbow, eye and thyroid results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Eye examination
- Thyroid
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The American Akita descends from Japanese Akitas brought to the United States around the mid-twentieth century, many of them heavier, mastiff-influenced dogs. American breeders kept that bigger, bear-headed type while Japan returned to a lighter, foxier one. The two were eventually split, and the FCI recognised the American Akita as a separate breed in 2000.
It is a big, strong and self-assured dog that is gentle and calm with its family but watchful and reserved with outsiders. Same-sex dog aggression is common. Life with one runs smoothly with secure fencing, early socialisation, steady leadership and an owner who plans ahead for visitors.
Did you know?
The American Akita accepts almost any colour, including pinto and brindle with a black mask, while the Japanese Akita allows only a few colours.