Akita
ah-KEE-tah
Loyal, Dignified, Courageous, Protective. Originally bred for guarding nobility and hunting large game (boar, deer, bear).
An adult Akita weighs 100-130 lbs (male) or 70-100 lbs (female), needs 1,120-2,380 calories daily, and lives 10-13 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Akita needs 1,120 to 2,380 calories per day. An average male (115 lbs / 52.2 kg) needs around 1,900 kcal; a female (85 lbs / 38.6 kg) roughly 1,520 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Akita. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Akita typically lives 10-13 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate daily exercise; two 30-minute walks plus some play. Akitas are not marathon runners; they prefer purposeful activity over repetitive fetch. Working breeds like the Akita were developed for specific physical tasks. They need purposeful activity, not just wandering around a yard. Structured exercise with clear tasks, such as carrying a dog pack on hikes, pulling a cart, or advanced obedience training, satisfies their need to work.
Care and traits
Akitas have a dense double coat coat. Origin: Japan.
Heavy seasonal shedding ('blowing coat') twice a year requires daily brushing during those periods. Akitas are naturally protective and can be same-sex aggressive; early socialization is critical.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Heavy shedding is a reality with this breed. Expect dog hair on furniture, clothing, and in every corner of your home. A good vacuum, lint rollers, and acceptance are your best tools. Shedding typically increases during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall.
Tools for Akita owners
Frequently asked questions
Expect to feed your Akita between 1120 and 2380 calories per day. A 115-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Avoid high-calorie puppy foods designed for small breeds. Large breed puppies need moderate calorie density with controlled calcium and phosphorus. Active dogs need more; seniors and less active individuals need less. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 100-130 lbs (45.4–59.0 kg). Females run lighter at 70-100 lbs (31.8–45.4 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. Check body condition by feeling the ribs (they should be easy to find), viewing from above (waist should narrow behind the ribs), and from the side (abdomen should tuck up behind the ribcage).
Veterinarians most commonly identify hip dysplasia in Akitas. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy, autoimmune diseases. Regular vet visits with breed-specific screening catch problems when they are most treatable.
A daily routine of 30 to 60 minutes of movement suits most Akitas. Good activities for this breed include structured tasks, cart pulling, obedience drills. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Akita that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026