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Akita
A dignified Japanese spitz originally bred to hunt bear and boar.
♥ Swipe on the AkitaQuick facts
- Origin
- Japan
- Size
- Large
- Energy
- Medium
- Bred for
- Guarding and hunting
- Lifespan
- 10–13 years
- Temperament
- Dignified, loyal, courageous
- Exercise
- 60 min/day
- Grooming
- Medium
- Shedding
- High
- Training
- Challenging
- With children
- Supervise
- Apartment
- No
Where the Akita comes from
The Akita comes from the mountains of northern Japan, where it hunted bear and boar and guarded nobility. The famous Hachiko, who waited for his owner at a Tokyo station, was an Akita.
Personality and daily life
Dignified, loyal and courageous. Akitas are devoted to family but aloof or aggressive with strangers and other dogs unless well socialised.
Akitas are devoted but aloof with strangers. They need confident handling and early socialisation.
Exercise, grooming and health
Moderate exercise, regular brushing and a lot of shedding. They need confident handling. Autoimmune problems and hip dysplasia occur.
Is a Akita right for you?
Experienced owners who can commit to socialisation. Not for first-time owners.
- Needs space, so not ideal for small apartments
- Best with older children, always supervised
- Can be stubborn, better for experienced owners
- Sheds a lot
Similar breeds
Profiles are general guides. Individual dogs vary, so always meet the dog and talk to a breeder, shelter or vet.