Akita
The Akita is a large, powerful Japanese spitz breed with a thick double coat, bear-like head, and a curled tail carried over the back. Known for fierce loyalty to their family, they are aloof with strangers and possess a strong-willed, independent temperament best suited to experienced owners. In 1931 the breed was officially declared a Japanese natural monument.
Weight
32–45 kg
Height at withers
61–71 cm
Life expectancy
10–13 years
Size
large
Activity
medium
Shedding
high
Barking tendency
low
Apartment friendly
Possible with sufficient daily exercise (at least 2 hours). Akitas are calm indoors and do not require a large living space, but need consistent physical and mental stimulation; a securely fenced yard or strict on-leash exercise is essential.
Care
Brush once or twice a week; daily brushing during twice-yearly heavy shedding seasons; bathe occasionally; trim nails regularly; provide at least 1–2 hours of daily exercise; avoid overheating in hot weather
Health
Hip dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV/bloat), hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, sebaceous adenitis
Coat
Double, thick
Travel
Akitas are prone to overheating — plan travel during cooler parts of the day in warm weather; always transport on leash or secured in a crate; ensure access to fresh water; air travel only in cargo hold; acclimate to crate and car from puppyhood to reduce travel stress
Carrier size
Akitas are large dogs and cannot fit in standard cabin-size carriers. For car travel use a large crate or SUV barrier; air travel requires an airline-approved hard-sided IATA crate in cargo hold only.
Harness size
XL or XXL size depending on the individual dog's chest girth; requires a heavy-duty harness with metal hardware and padded chest panel to distribute pulling force evenly across the torso
Leash
Strong nylon or leather leash 1.2–1.8 m long with dual handles (one near the clip for close control) and a metal snap; retractable leashes are not recommended due to the breed's strong prey drive and pulling strength
Airline cabin travel
usually not
This breed guide is always at hand in the Hani Walk app — along with the walk tracker, digital pet passport and vaccination reminders.
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