| Height | 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 100-130 pounds (male), 70-100 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10โ14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Dignified / Courageous / Profoundly Loyal [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Japan [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 62 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1โ5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Akita is generally not a highly active breed but does require moderate exercise. A jog or brisk walk around the block at least once a day can meet the needs of most individuals of the breed. Akitas also enjoy playing energetically. [1]
Grooming
Akitas tend to be clean and have little 'doggy odor.'ย They don't require extensive grooming, but their thick, luxurious double coat should be brushed at least once a week to look its best. Although Akitas shed only minimally most of the time, expect their dense undercoat to 'blow'ย twice a year, where it will shed so profusely that it comes out in clumps all over your house. During this time it helps to brush the dog more frequently to get rid of the dead coat. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Like many dogs, Akitas can experience bloat, a sudden, life-threatening condition where the stomach can twist without veterinary intervention. Bloat is a medical emergency, and Akita owners should learn to recognize the signs. Prospective owners should be sure to work with a reputable breeder who tests his or her breeding stock for health concerns such as eye and thyroid disorders, and hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joints that can cause pain and arthritis. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 โ $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 โ $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 โ $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Akita in 1972. [1]
- It ranked No. 62 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 46 in 2015. [2]
- The AKC lists Japan as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- โ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
Common questions
How long do Akitas live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-14 years.
How big does a Akita get?
AKC breed information lists height 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female) and weight 100-130 pounds (male), 70-100 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Akita?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Akita, a typical vet bill runs $308 โ $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.