Akita dog
Large breed active energy Long coat Working Group

Akita

Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal

Akitas are burly, heavy-boned spitz-type dogs of imposing stature. Standing 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder, Akitas have a dense coat that comes in several colors, including white. The head is broad and massive, and is balanced in the rear by a full, curled-over tail. The erect eโ€ฆ

โš–๏ธ 70โ€“130 lbs (31.75โ€“58.97 kg) ๐Ÿ“ 24โ€“28" ๐ŸŽ‚ 10โ€“13 yr lifespan ๐Ÿง  Intelligence #54 (Average)

Akita Characteristics

Energy

80%

Shedding

60%

Trainability

100%

Grooming

80%

Friendliness

60%

Coat Type

Long coat

Daily Brushing

Breed Data

๐Ÿง 
#54
Intelligence
๐ŸŽ‚
10.2yr
Avg lifespan
๐Ÿ’ฐ
$21K
Lifetime cost
๐Ÿ–
$710/yr
Annual food
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง
Great
With kids
๐Ÿฉบ
1
Known conditions

Known genetic concerns: hip problems

Expert Picks for Akitas

โญ Top Pick Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult

dog food

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.8

Best overall large breed food โ€” consistent quality at a fair priceโ€ฆ

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

toys

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.7

The #1 chew toy for heavy chewers โ€” nothing else comes closeโ€ฆ

K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed

beds

K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best cooling bed โ€” essential for flat-faced breeds and dogs in warm clโ€ฆ

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

health

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best DNA test overall โ€” unmatched health screening depthโ€ฆ

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

training

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.4

Best GPS collar for active owners โ€” 3-month battery is class-leadingโ€ฆ

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

grooming

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best probiotic coat spray โ€” supports skin microbiome health between baโ€ฆ

Akita Care Tips

โœ“

Needs 60-90 minutes active exercise daily; thrives with a job or sport.

โœ“

Seasonal shedder โ€” daily brushing during spring and fall coat blows is essential.

โœ“

Coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

โœ“

Highly trainable โ€” excels with positive reinforcement; start obedience classes early.

All Akita Guides