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Japanese akita inu

The Japanese Akita is the larger of Japan's six native spitz breeds, from the mountainous Akita prefecture, where it hunted bear and boar.

It is a designated Natural Monument in Japan, and it is the breed of Hachikō, the dog that waited at Shibuya station for nine years after his owner's death.

It stands 61 to 70 centimetres, weighs 32 to 45 kilograms and lives ten to thirteen years. It is a separate breed from the American Akita in most registries, being lighter, foxier in the head and limited to fewer colours. Temperament is the defining consideration: Akitas are dignified, deeply loyal to their household, aloof with strangers, and frequently intolerant of other dogs.

Origin
Akita prefecture, Japan; a designated Natural Monument
Size
61–70 cm; 32–45 kg
Lifespan
10–13 years
Coat
Thick double coat; enormous twice-yearly moult
Temperament
Dignified and loyal; aloof, and often dog-intolerant
Health
Autoimmune conditions, sebaceous adenitis, anaesthesia sensitivity

Related: Akita · Japanese chin · Japanese spitz · Japanese terrier

2 japanese akita inu photos, newest first

  • Hazel II, a japanese akita inu

    Hazel II

    Hazel II was promoted to scientist monitoring a bubbling but harmless experiment; unfortunately, a heap of wooden spoons spills from a cupboard.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Hazel II, a japanese akita inu

    Hazel II

    Somewhere under all that is Hazel II.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a japanese akita inu

Dog tolerance is the honest issue. Many Akitas will not accept another dog of the same sex, and some accept none at all. This is temperament rather than training failure, and households with other dogs should think carefully.

They are sensitive to anaesthesia and to some drugs — tell any vet the breed before sedation or surgery.

Autoimmune disease is over-represented: sebaceous adenitis causes hair loss and scaling, and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome affects eyes and pigment. Ask about both in the lines.

The coat blows twice a year in a startling volume. Brush weekly, daily through the moult, and never shave it.

They are quiet, clean and undemanding indoors, and they need firm, fair, early socialisation.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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