Akita

Loved by 71% of pet parents

Loyal, courageous, and dignified, this breed forms deep bonds with family and is known for its protective instincts. Reserved with strangers, Akitas excel as devoted guardians and companions.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

66–71 cm (male)

61–66 cm (female)

WEIGHT

45–59 kg (male)

32–45 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

10–13 years

Akita: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A Akita isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Akita's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

The Akita is known for its loyalty, dignity, and reserved nature, often forming strong bonds with family while remaining aloof with strangers.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Reserved, often aloof with strangers and guests

Intelligence

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level

Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks

Playfulness

Not highly playful, prefers calm environments

Adaptability

Adjusts to routine, less flexible with change

Strengths

Loyal and protective of family
Strong, muscular build for guard work
Generally quiet and rarely barks unnecessarily
Thick double coat provides weather resistance
Intelligent and quick to learn basic commands

Challenges

Can be aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs
Needs early, consistent socialization and training
High prey drive may target smaller animals
Prone to possessiveness over food or toys
Sheds heavily and requires regular grooming

Protect your Akita

Akita can develop hip dysplasia and autoimmune disorders. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.

Insure your pet

Intelligence & exercise needs

Akitas are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Learns with consistency

Overall rating

Akitas are intelligent and capable learners but can be independent and stubborn, requiring consistent, patient training and early socialization for best results.

Trainable Tasks:

Basic obedience commands

Guarding property boundaries

Leash walking with distractions

Controlled socialization exercises

Scent tracking games

Agility course navigation

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

60–90 minutes daily

recommended per day

This breed has moderate energy and benefits from daily walks, play, and mental stimulation, though it does not require excessive exercise to remain healthy and content.

Recommended Activities:

Long daily walks

Hiking on varied terrain

Structured play sessions

Supervised off-leash exercise

Nose work challenges

Mental enrichment puzzles

Is this breed right for you?

Akitas are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Akita would fit well in your home.