Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is Japan's national dog — a large, powerful, dignified spitz-type breed that has been designated a Natural Monument of Japan.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Japan
Lifespan
10–15 years
Weight
30–50 kg (66–110 lbs)
Height
58–70 cm (23–28 in)
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality large breed dry or wet food; avoid overfeeding as weight gain stresses joints. Raw diet popular with breed enthusiasts.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Akita Inu is Japan's national dog — a large, powerful, dignified spitz-type breed that has been designated a Natural Monument of Japan. The most famous Akita is Hachiko, who waited at Shibuya Station in Tokyo for his deceased owner every day for nearly 10 years (1925–1935) — a story of loyalty that made the breed a symbol of fidelity across Japan and the world. The Akita Inu (Japanese Akita) is distinct from the American Akita — they diverged after WWII when American soldiers brought Akitas back to the US and bred them differently. The Japanese standard maintains the original lighter, more refined type; the American Akita is heavier and broader.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Akita Inu is a large, well-muscled, bear-like dog with a broad head, small triangular eyes, erect triangular ears, and a thick double coat. The tail curls over the back in a full plume. The distinctive Urajiro (pale cream or white) markings on the cheeks, muzzle, chest, and underside are an essential breed feature. The coat is double-layered — a harsh, straight outer coat and a dense soft undercoat.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Very High
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
The Akita Inu is profoundly loyal to family but naturally reserved or aloof with strangers — they are not gregarious dogs. They are independent thinkers and can be stubborn. They have a strong prey drive and are typically not dog-friendly, particularly with same-sex dogs. They require experienced, confident ownership.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Daily exercise — at least 1–2 hours. The double coat requires brushing 2–3 times weekly and daily during the twice-yearly heavy shedding ("blowing coat"). Early and extensive socialisation is critical. Strong recall training essential before off-lead exercise. Not suitable for first-time dog owners.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Hip and elbow dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Hypothyroidism. Auto-immune conditions including sebaceous adenitis (skin disease) and pemphigus are elevated. Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus — GDV). Akitas are particularly sensitive to certain medications including some anaesthetics — inform your vet.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
Hachiko, an Akita Inu who waited at Shibuya Station in Tokyo every day for his owner Dr. Hidesaburo Ueno for 9 years and 9 months after Ueno's death in 1925, became the most famous dog in Japanese history. A bronze statue of Hachiko stands at Shibuya Station and is one of Tokyo's most visited landmarks.
In Japan, when a child is born, it is traditional to give the family a small Akita Inu figurine as a gift — symbolising good health, happiness, and longevity.
The Akita Inu was brought back from the brink of extinction after WWII — wartime scarcity and a government order to collect dogs for fur almost wiped out the breed. A small number were hidden in remote mountain areas and used to rebuild the breed.
