Akita dog behind a white, transparent background

Akita

Everything you need to know about Akitas

Size
Large
Life Expectancy
typically 10+ years
Shedding
Medium length with heavy shedding

Akitas are typically energetic dogs. They are large and strong with dense fur. Akitas can be a range of colours including red, white, cream and brindle. There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Akitas, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving. 

Thinking about giving an Akita a forever home? Here are some Akita facts that might help you decide.  

Caring for Akitas 

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of an Akita. 

Health issues 

Before you give any dog a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.    

To find out more about potential health issues for ...

How much food does an Akita need? 

The amount of food an Akita needs depends on their:  

  • age  
  • size  
  • activity levels  
  • fitness  
  • weight.   

You can use the informatio...

An infographic showing the key indicators of healthy body condition for a dog

How much exercise does an Akita need? 

Akitas are typically high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy. They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play.  &nbs...

How much grooming does an Akita need? 

Akitas have dense fur that sheds easily. They will need regular brushing and are likely to need professional grooming every few months. 

To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introdu...

What size crate do you need for an Akita?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: 

  • sit and stand up at their full height 
  • turn around without touching the sides 
  • lie down fully stretched out&...

Akita behaviour and training  

Even if you think you know about Akitas, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.  

What’s the temperament of an Akita? 

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every Akita temperament is different.  As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop the...

Are Akitas easy to train? 

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s small food treats, toys or lots of praise, tra...

Are Akitas good with children? 

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...

Related dog advice

Buying a puppy safely and responsibly
Choosing your dog
Buying a puppy safely and responsibly
Should I get a dog? 10 questions to ask yourself
Are you ready for a dog
Should I get a dog? 10 questions to ask yourse...
Top 10 benefits of adopting from us
Are you ready for a dog
Top 10 benefits of adopting fr...