Dog Breed
Akita
Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Dignified and devoted
Loyal, dignified and deeply devoted, Akitas form incredibly strong bonds with their families. They can be aloof around strangers and aren’t usually interested in being everyone’s best friend, but with their favourite people they’re affectionate and loving.
Akitas are confident, independent dogs with strong guarding instincts. They need an experienced owner who can provide consistent training and early socialisation to help them grow into calm, well-adjusted companions.
Caring for your Akita
Nutrition
Choosing the right food
Every dog is unique. From small companions to large, active breeds with different nutritional needs. ROYAL CANIN® Size Health Nutrition is designed to support dogs based on their size and life stage, helping maintain overall health, vitality and wellbeing. These formulas use carefully selected protein sources, targeted nutrients and tailored kibble to support digestion, energy levels, and bone and joint health across small, medium and large dogs.
Exercising your dog
Akitas aren’t the most active dogs, but they still need regular, moderate exercise. Around 30 minutes to an hour of activity each day can help keep them happy and healthy.
A jog or brisk walk of around 30 minutes, followed by some outdoor playtime, is a good way to get them moving. Akitas love spending time outdoors with their people.
Don’t expect your Akita to entertain themselves just because there’s a garden to explore. They’re more likely to enjoy playtime when you’re involved too.
Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity. Puzzle toys and interactive games can help keep their independent minds occupied.
Training your Akita
Akitas are large, strong and powerful dogs, so consistent training should begin while they’re still puppies. Their intelligence means they can learn quickly, but their independent personality can sometimes make them stubborn.
Positive reinforcement works best. Reward good behaviour with treats, praise or playtime, and keep training calm, consistent and positive.
Early and extensive socialisation is especially important because of their natural guarding and protective instincts. Introduce your Akita to different people, dogs, sights and experiences while they’re young.
Akitas can be aggressive towards other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. Keeping them on a lead in unfenced areas and maintaining control around unfamiliar dogs is important.
Your dog's health
By recognising health problems in Akitas early you can seek advice and treatment from a veterinarian.
Reduce the risk of health problems by purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder. Always inspect breeding facilities and breeding dogs, and never buy from a distant online seller.
Health Issues to watch out for:
Bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)
Joint problems, including hip dysplasia
Eye issues, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Immune disorders
Grooming your dog
Akitas have a thick, luxurious double coat that needs regular brushing. A thorough brush at least once a week helps remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition.
Their undercoat sheds seasonally, and during these periods you can expect plenty of loose hair. More frequent brushing helps remove dead hair and manage shedding around the home.
Akitas are known for being clean dogs and don’t tend to have much of a doggy smell, so frequent bathing isn’t usually necessary. A gentle dog shampoo and thorough drying is enough when they do need a bath.
Regular nail trims and daily teeth brushing should also form part of their grooming routine.
Key characteristics of Akitas
Akita FAQs
Akita FAQs answer common questions not covered above, including their size, family compatibility, living arrangements and Japanese heritage. Find out whether an Akita could be the right fit for your household.
What is the difference between a Japanese Akita and an American Akita?
Japanese Akitas and American Akitas share common ancestry but have developed into distinct types with differences in appearance. American Akitas are generally larger and heavier and come in a wider range of colours, while Japanese Akitas, also known as Akita Inu, tend to have a more fox-like appearance and a more restricted range of accepted colours.
Are Akitas good for first-time dog owners?
Akitas are generally better suited to experienced dog owners. Their size, strength, independence and protective instincts require confident handling, consistent boundaries and an understanding of the breed.
Are Akitas good with children?
Akitas can be loyal and affectionate with children in their family, particularly when raised and socialised with them. Because they’re large, powerful dogs with protective instincts, interactions with children should always be supervised.
Can Akitas live with cats?
Some Akitas can live successfully with cats they have been raised with, but the breed can have a strong prey drive. Introductions should be gradual and supervised, and individual temperament should always be considered.
Can Akitas live in apartments?
Akitas can adapt to apartment living when their exercise and mental stimulation needs are consistently met. Their large size means having enough indoor space is important, along with regular opportunities to get outside.
For experienced owners who understand their independence and protective nature, an Akita can be an incredibly loyal and devoted companion.