Origin : JAPAN
Group :Spitz and primitive types Section : Asian Spitz and related breeds
Akita Dog Breed
Lifespan: Akita Inu: 10 – 12 years
Weight
32 – 39 kg (Male, Adult, Japanese Akita),
23 – 29 kg (Female, Adult, Japanese Akita)
Height
64 – 70 cm (Male, Adult, At the withers, Japanese Akita),
58 – 64 cm (Female, Adult, At the withers, Japanese Akita)
There are two types of Akita breeds
American Akitas, Japanese Akitas Inu
Japanese Akita Inu facts
Up until relatively recently, the Japanese Akita was only owned by the imperial leaders of Japan. This would certainly explain why they own every room they walk into! The Japanese strand of Akita has a fox-like face, with straight, forward-pointing triangular ears. Despite their dainty facial features and ballerina's feet, these pups are strong and agile. In fact, Japanese royalty would use them to hunt huge game, like elk and even bears.
The Japanese Akita Inu female tends to weigh 60-80lbs and stand at about 22-24″ at the withers, while the male Japanese Akitas weigh between 80-100lbs and standing 24-26″ at the withers.
American Akita facts
The American Akita didn’t exist until halfway through the 20th Century. Bred with German Shepherds which produced an Akita with larger, more bear-like features. This also offered a wide variety of new coat colors, meaning the American Akita can be found in a whole new spectrum of patterns. As well as being bigger than their Japanese siblings, they are known to be stronger but also quiet dogs - basically, if an Akita is barking, you know something is up.
American Akitas are typically 80-100lbs for females, and 100-130lbs for males, with Males growing to be up to 28″ at the withers (aka the shoulders). and female American Akitas coming in a couple of inches shorter.
American Akita Puppies vs. Japanese Akita Inu Puppies
It comes as no surprise that in America, the American Akita is more popular. In fact, the Japanese Akita is a very rare breed here in the US. There are about a dozen reputable Japanese Akita breeders in the United States recognized by the Japanese Akita Club of America, and most of the breeders have extensive waiting lists.
No matter which breed you decide to go with, picking a reputable breeder is extremely important, so make sure to check out our Get an Akita page to find the perfect American Akita or Japanese Akita Inu for you and your family!
