Akita

Coat and looks how to spot one

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.14

Personality what they are like

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.146

Daily activity how busy a day looks

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.653

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

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.536

Home where they are happiest

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

Food basics what goes in the bowl

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.3

Company who they like around

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 story where it all began

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.1726

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

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.1

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 2020.7

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 1927.2

Popularity AKC rank 62 of registered breeds (as 'Akita')8