Akita
USD $800-$1200 Price Avg.
Working Dogs
Group
Purebred
Breed Type
Large
Size
10-14 years
Lifespan
Breed Information
| Group | Working Dogs |
|---|---|
| Popularity/Rank | 47 |
| Origin | Japan |
| Other Names | American Akita, Great Japanese Dog, Japanese Akita |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Price (Avg.) |
USD $800-$1200
How much does a Akita cost? According to a rough estimate, you will spend between $800 to $1200 on your Akita if you purchase it from a reputable breeder. If you select a dog with exceptional bloodlines, the price may be higher. The price might even be higher if the dog has already been trained. You'll usually pay less if you get a Akita from a shelter. |
| Size | Large |
| Weight |
Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg),
Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) |
| Height |
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm),
Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
| Recognized by |
AKC, FCI
The American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. And FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. |
| Purpose | Companion |
| Date of Origin | Unknown |
| Ancestry | Akita, Chow Chow |
Appearance & Maintenance
| Coat | Dense, Fluffy, Straight, Waterproof |
|---|---|
| Coat Colors | Black, Brown, Fawn, Red, White |
| Grooming Level | |
| Shedding Level | |
| Eye Color Possibilities | Brown, Amber, Blue, Black |
| Nose Color Possibilities | Black, Brown, Red, Pink |
| Coat Color Possibilities | Fawn, Sesame, Red, Brindle, White, Silver, Black |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Coat Density | Medium |
| Coat Texture | Double-Coated |
| Recommended Brushes | Slicker brush, Pin brush, Undercoat rake, Shedding blade, Grooming mitt, Nail clippers. |
| Brushing Frequency | Twice a week |
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Alert, Brave, Courageous, Daring, Defensive, Dignified, Docile, Faithful, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Protective, Respondent, Responsive, Vigilant, Vigilant, Willing |
|---|---|
| Intelligent | |
| Trainability | |
| Playfulness | |
| Sensitivity Level | |
| Affection Level | |
| Social Interaction Required | |
| Barking | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
| Territorial | |
| Biting Force | Moderate |
| Mouthiness | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | |
| Prey Drive | |
| Adaptability | |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | |
| Fighting Dog | Yes |
Good & Friendly with
| Apartment Life Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly | |
| Kid-Friendly | |
| Cat Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| Office Friendly | No |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | |
| Pet Friendly | |
| Friendly with First Time Owners | No |
| Service Dog | Not really |
| Therapy Dog | Not really |
| Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog | Not really |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) | Not really |
| Boat Dog | Not really |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog | Not really |
Health Elements
| Health Issues | |
|---|---|
| Health Problems | Bloat, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Sebaceous Adenitis |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Energy Level | |
| Exercise Required | |
| Sleeping Required | |
| Weight Gain Potential | |
| Weather & Climate | Prefers cold weather |
| Stinkiness | Medium |
| Drooling tendency | |
| Activity Level | Moderate |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 20 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 60 minutes |
Food & Costing
| Avg. Daily Food | Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. |
|---|---|
| Cups Per Day | 3.5 cups |
| Daily Cost | $10-$15 |
| Monthly Cost | $50-$100 |
Reproducibility
| Gestation Duration | 60-64 days |
|---|---|
| How often can the Akita have a litter? | Once a year. |
| Litter Size | 3-12 puppies (Once a year.) |
Description
The Akita dog is a large, powerful breed of dog that originated in Japan. They are known for their loyalty and intelligence, as well as their impressive size and strength. The Akita has a thick double coat that can be either short or long, and comes in a variety of colors including white, red, sesame, brindle, and black. The Akita is an ancient breed that has been around for centuries and is still popular today.
The lifespan of the Akita is typically between 10-12 years. They are large dogs with males reaching up to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 130 pounds. Females are slightly smaller with heights ranging from 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder and weights ranging from 70-100 pounds.
The personality of the Akita is one of loyalty and intelligence. They are very devoted to their owners but can be aloof with strangers until they get to know them better. They have strong protective instincts which make them excellent guard dogs but they also have a playful side which makes them great family pets as well.
Akitas are generally friendly with other dogs but may be aggressive towards strange animals if not properly socialized when young. They tend to do well with children if raised together but should always be supervised when interacting due to their size and strength.
The temperament of the Akita is one of alertness combined with calmness when not provoked or threatened by strangers or other animals in its environment. This makes them excellent watchdogs who will bark at any unfamiliar noises or people entering their territory but will remain calm once they realize there’s no threat present.
The health of the Akita is generally good although some lines may suffer from hip dysplasia or eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular vet checkups should help keep these issues under control if they arise in your pet’s life span so it’s important to stay on top of these visits for your pet’s health sake!
The adaptability level of the Akita is high due to its intelligence which allows it to learn quickly how best to fit into its new environment whether it be an apartment complex or a large house on acreage! The benefits of having an Akita as a pet include its loyal nature which makes it an ideal companion for those looking for unconditional love from their furry friend! Additionally, its protective instincts make it great for families who want extra security while still having fun playing together outdoors!
History
The Akita is a large spitz-type dog breed originating from the mountainous regions of northern Japan. The Akita was originally bred for hunting, and was later used for guarding. The Akita is the largest of the Japanese spitz-type breeds, and is characterized by a thick double coat, erect triangular ears, and a large, muscular body. The Akita is considered to be a national treasure in Japan, and has been designated as a Natural Monument.
The Akita breed nearly became extinct during World War II, when many dogs were killed for food or military purposes. However, the breed was saved by a few dedicated fanciers who began a breeding program to preserve the Akita. In 1931, the first Akita club was formed in Japan, and in 1937 the Akita was recognized as a distinct breed by the Japanese Kennel Club. In 1947, the first Akitas were exported to America, where they quickly gained popularity as companion animals and show dogs.
The ancestry of the Akita dog is unclear; however, it is thought to be descended from ancient Asian breeds such as the Chow Chow and Samoyed. The first recorded mention of an Akita-type dog dates back to 1603, when Japanese warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu gifted an Akita to his grandson Matsudaira Nobunari. Since then, the breed has been associated with royalty and nobility in Japan.
In recent years, the Akita has become popular worldwide as a companion animal and show dog. Thanks to its loyal and loving nature, the Akita makes an excellent pet for families with children. If you are thinking of adding an Akita to your home, be sure to do your research on this amazing breed!
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