WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SIZE OF A JAPANESE AKITA?

How Big Does a Japanese Akita Get?

There is a slight difference in size between male and female Japanese Akitas. An adult male Japanese Akita will measure between 64 and 70cm at the withers, while a female will measure between 58 and 64cm at the withers. This size is only an indication and may vary by a few centimetres; it is also possible for a female Akita to be bigger than a male. In any case, the Akita Inu is a large breed dog with all the constraints that size implies, such as travelling, for example. Nonetheless, the large size of the breed does not prohibit you from living in an apartment and adopting a Japanese Akita. Additionally, there is no difference in the temperament of male and female Akitas.

How Much Do Akitas Weigh?

Again, there is a slight difference between males and females. Akita dogs generally weigh between 32 and 52kg in adulthood, compared to 30 to 45kg for bitches. As you can tell, the Akita Inu is indeed a big, heavy dog that will need to be trained well to prevent it from causing any damage.

Japanese Akita Growth Stages

Japanese Akitas mature quite late, between the ages of 16 and 19 months old. This is quite typical of larger animals. There is a rapid growth curve until 10 or 11 months before the growth rate slows. You can usually estimate the adult weight of a Japanese Akita at around 8 months, at which point the dog will weigh about 2/3 of its final weight. 

Growth is a critical time for all puppies, no matter the breed or size. Their bodies are growing and changing constantly. During this time, it’s important to avoid overexerting your four-legged friend, as you could risk them developing serious joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. So don’t let your pup climb the stairs or engage in especially intense or sustained physical activity.

Japanese Akita Coat

The Japanese Akita has a short, straight, and coarse outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat. The outer coat is slightly longer at the rump and withers. The Akita’s coat does not require much maintenance. The breed standard for the Japanese Akita Inu, as established by The Kennel Club, accepts four main colours:

• Red Fawn

• Sesame

• Brindle

• White

All colours except white must have urajiro markings, which constitutes a cream to white ventral colour on the eyes, cheeks, under the jaw, forechest, underparts, and underside of the tail and legs. The urajiro markings must blend in gradually with the main coat colour and not extend above the elbow or hock. Urajiro markings are also found on the Shiba Inu.

What is the Difference Between the Japanese Akita and the American Akita?

The American Akita is a direct descendant of the Japanese Akita Inu. Indeed, several Akita dogs were imported to the United States in 1938 by Hellen Keller, after which the two breeds started to diverge. The American type quickly moved away from the original Akita, and today the two are considered quite distinct. The Kennel Club separated the American Akita and Japanese Akita breeds in 2006. There are important differences between the two breeds:

• The American Akita has a more bear-like head compared to the Japanese Akita's fox head. 

• The American Akita comes in a much wider range of colours: it can be any colour, except merle, including white brindle or pinto.

• American Akitas are larger and heavier than Japanese Akitas.

• The Japanese Akita’s ears sit slightly more forward; the American Akita’s ears sit more erect.

Be sure to research both breeds properly before proceeding with an adoption and choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.