Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is a large Japanese breed: calm, dignified and deeply devoted to its family. It is reserved with strangers and can be dominant with other dogs, so it needs an experienced owner. Indoors it is usually quiet and clean.
Weight
30–45 kg
Height at withers
61–67 cm
Life expectancy
10–13 years
Size
large
Activity
moderate
Shedding
high
Barking tendency
low
Apartment friendly
Can live in an apartment with enough walks: calm and quiet indoors, but takes up a lot of space and sheds heavily.
Care
1–1.5 hours of walks daily; thorough brushing 2–3 times a week, daily during the twice-yearly shed; early training and socialisation, as the breed is independent and reserved with strange dogs; do not overfeed or overwork a puppy before growth is complete
Health
Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases (VKH-like syndrome, pemphigus), gastric torsion (bloat), progressive retinal atrophy, sebaceous adenitis
Coat
Double: harsh outer coat with a dense, soft undercoat
Travel
Check large-breed rules for lodging and transport in advance; avoid overheating in hot weather because of the thick coat; some hotels and carriers restrict certain breeds.
Carrier size
A large breed: needs a big hard crate; not eligible for in-cabin air travel, cargo hold only in an IATA-compliant crate.
Harness size
Size L–XL, chest girth typically 70–90 cm; a strong harness with a rigid back panel
Leash
A strong 1.5–2 m leash at least 2 cm wide; the dog is powerful, so keep it on leash in busy places and around other dogs.
Airline cabin travel
usually not
Hani Walk — walk tracking, a digital pet passport and vaccination reminders, always at hand in the app.