A dog that became a monument, quite literally. In 1931, Japan designated nine outstanding Akitas as natural monuments. Before that, the breed had nearly been lost, first through crossbreeding for dog fights and later during the war. The Akita resting in a living room today is the result of deliberate breeding back towards the original type.
| FCI | Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds, Standard No. 255, without working trial |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Size (height at the withers) | males 67 cm, females 61 cm, with a tolerance of plus or minus 3 cm |
| Weight | not specified in the FCI standard |
| Life expectancy | median 11.4 years in a UK analysis of 584,734 dogs (McMillan et al. 2024), with Akita and American Akita assessed together |
| Coat | harsh, straight outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat, slightly longer at the withers and croup, longest on the tail |
| Colours in the standard | red fawn, sesame, brindle and white; all except white must have urajiro (whitish hair on the muzzle, cheeks, throat, chest, belly, tail and inside the legs) |
Origins
According to the standard, medium-sized bear-hunting dogs from the Akita region were used for dog fighting from 1603 and crossed with Tosa and Mastiffs from 1868. During the Second World War, owners crossed them with German Shepherds to prevent confiscation. Afterwards, enthusiasts used Matagi Akitas to restore the old type. The larger, heavier American Akita has its own FCI standard. The Akita’s smaller relative is the Shiba.
Temperament
Composed, faithful, docile and receptive: the standard’s brief description. In daily life, this means great calm indoors and marked reserve towards strangers. Obedience in an Akita does not mean immediate compliance with every command. They first consider whether it is worthwhile. They often do not get along with unfamiliar dogs, especially those of the same sex.
Exercise and activity
Long, calm walks and mentally demanding tasks are needed, rather than constant sport. Short training sessions with clear rules work better than repetition. Their strong hunting instinct makes a long line preferable to off-lead freedom.
Grooming
The dense undercoat comes out in clumps during shedding, when daily brushing is needed. Once weekly is enough during the rest of the year. Akitas handle cold better than heat.
Health
The median of 11.4 years is below the 12.0 years for crossbreeds. It applies to Akitas and American Akitas together; the study does not separate them (McMillan et al. 2024). Uveodermatological syndrome, an autoimmune condition of the eyes and skin, is a serious concern. In a US case series, 37 of 50 affected dogs were Akitas, and 57 percent were blind in both eyes at first examination (Zarfoss et al. 2018). A red eye with pale areas on the nose or lips needs prompt veterinary attention. In an Australian study, 83 percent of 18 healthy Akitas also had low platelet counts without bleeding (Bool et al. 2026). Mention this when blood tests are taken.
Who is an Akita right for?
Calm, experienced people who respect independence, patiently maintain clear rules and appreciate a dignified dog.
Who should look elsewhere?
First-time owners, families with frequent canine visitors and anyone seeking a playful off-lead companion.
Video: training an Akita Inu
Our breed profile covers temperament, care and training, and why independence and a strong will make the Akita demanding.
Assess whether such an independent dog really suits you with the breed quiz or our book “Which Dog REALLY Suits You?” (book in German). For the first weeks with a puppy, there is the free Puppy Starter Pack. For your Akita on the wall, explore dog portraits from your own photo or a magazine-cover canvas.
Further reading
- Siberian Husky: why so many reach shelters at two years old
- The socialisation period: why “as much as possible” is the wrong advice
- Autumn shedding in dogs and cats: what is normal and when it is not
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: FCI Standard No. 255 Akita (fci.be, version dated 04.07.2001, valid standard published on 13.03.2001); McMillan KM et al., Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death, Scientific Reports 2024; Zarfoss MK et al., Clinical findings and outcomes for dogs with uveodermatologic syndrome, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2018; Bool JD et al., Asymptomatic thrombocytopenia in Akitas: a prospective cross-sectional study of platelet characteristics in an Eastern Australian population, Australian Veterinary Journal 2026.
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