Akita Inu Dogs | Breed Appearance, Personality & History (2024)

FAQs

Akita Inu Dogs | Breed Appearance, Personality & History? ›

Akitas are strong, striking dogs who, centuries ago, hunted formidable prey like boar and bears. Today, they remain beloved companions known for their loyalty and intelligence. Putting those traits together, you're likely to find that yours feels a strong drive to protect your family.

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.

As they age, their aloofness starts to show through, and they tend to dislike strangers very much. However, many female Akitas have a powerful maternal instinct, even with human children. So, they tend to carry a strong loyalty and make it their mission to protect and devote themselves to their owners.

Akitas are alert, courageous, and protective. They tends to be one-family dogs, utterly devoted to those in their inner circle but aloof toward and often suspicious of strangers.

Originally the Akita's job was to hunt, guard, and herd. This swift, powerful dog was unsurpassed in his ability to track large game including deer, elk and black bear. The Akita continues to be regarded as a loyal and courageous dog, and the Japanese now use the Akita as a police dog.

Fawn Brindle: Black stripes on a fawn background. This pattern includes what are called "blue brindles" which can be quite exotic looking. The background is a pale fawn and the stripes are a pastel gray blue. This is a very uncommon color.

Akitas frequently direct aggression toward strangers in the home, particularly children. They also display dominance aggression in and outside the home.

Remember, a Japanese Akita famously returned to the train station his owner used to commute home to long after his owner passed away - that's a pretty intense level of love, isn't it? Although Akitas can be aloof, they reserve their affection for close family members and will be very cuddly and sweet with them.

Akitas Are Independent and Intelligent. Independent and sometimes aloof with strangers, Akitas are close with their owners and form strong bonds. Highly intelligent, strong-willed, and proud, the Akita responds best to respectful commands and positive-training techniques that rely on motivation.

The Akita may at first seem aloof and standoffish, but he isn't. He's merely independent and reserved with people. Though loving, the Akita is not considered a clingy breed.

Why are Akitas so special? ›

Originating from Japan, Akitas are known for being incredibly loyal family pets. They're large dogs and very strong.

Akita Dog as a Loyal Guardian:

Their loyalty extends not only to their immediate family but also to their larger social circle, making them affectionate and gentle towards children and other pets when properly socialized.

Akitas are known for their attentiveness and clever personalities. Their build and size also makes them powerful guard dogs. Like Chow Chows, they can become suspicious of strangers, guests, and even other pets. Their love for their families is what fuels their protectiveness.

A native Japanese breed known as Matagi (hunting dog) was used along with the Hokkaido Inu breed to mix back into the remaining Akita dogs to restore the breed. There were many lines of Akita, but the most influential were the Dewa and Ichinoseki.

In young pups, it is usually because they are teething or playing. In the wild, they cut their teeth biting and chewing on anything they can find and will learn to control play biting with the help of their litter mates. But in your home, this is just not acceptable behavior.

Although Akitas are not naturally strong swimmers, most Akitas do enjoy swimming, however it will likely take some time for them to warm up to it. Because swimming isn't in the Akita DNA and it doesn't come naturally to them, don't be surprised if your Akita is hesitant to test the waters of swimming… literally!

Geographical location and market demand can also affect the price of Akitas. In areas where Akitas are popular, prices may be higher due to higher demand. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for an Akita puppy from a reputable breeder.

The main difference between these two Akitas is their size. The American Akita can weigh 70 to 130 pounds and, despite this extra weight, stands at 24 to 28 inches, which is slightly larger than the Japanese Akita Inu.

Akita Inu Breed Appearance

Their coat color goes through the spectrum from white through fawn and brindle to black. They always have brown eyes and their nose can either be black or brown.

Akita dogs are covered with a slightly firmer coat that protects the skin and a softer coat that helps retain heat. Depending on their environment, they generally shed in spring and fall twice a year. As large dogs, they shed a lot of hair, making them difficult to care for.

What are the two breeds of Akitas? ›

The two separate varieties of Akita are a pure Japanese strain, called Akita Inu or Akita-ken, and a larger mixed strain, commonly referred to as the "American Akita".

They have a fluffy double coat designed to endure freezing temperatures in the mountains of Northern Japan, which helps them look like giant, fluffy bears. They also sport a curled tail like the Shiba Inu, another Japanese breed. The American Akita's thick coat can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.