Japanese Akita Inu Breed Guide

Dec 02, 2024

Meet the Japanese Akita Inu: An elegant powerhouse of loyalty and dignity. These majestic dogs embody the "samurai spirit": courageous, protective, and fiercely loyal to their family. With their striking appearance and calm yet confident demeanour, Akitas are dogs that command respect—and a lot of head-turns on walks.

Once bred as hunting dogs in Japan, Akitas are now known as loyal companions with a reputation for being fearless protectors. While they’re independent and strong-willed, they’re also incredibly loving and devoted to those they trust. If you're after a dog that’s as dignified as they are affectionate (with a pinch of stubbornness), the Japanese Akita Inu is the breed for you.

THE BASICS:

Category: Working Group
Size: Large (32-59 kg)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours structured exercise per day (they’re powerful but controlled)
Grooming: Moderate (prepare for seasonal fur explosions)
Coat: Thick double coat, straight and plush
Shedding: Heavy (especially during shedding season—bring the vacuum)
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Home Needs: A secure garden and a strong leader
Sociability: Loyal and protective with family, aloof with strangers, can be dominant with other pets

HISTORY: THE NOBLE HUNTER OF JAPAN

The Japanese Akita Inu hails from the snowy, mountainous regions of Japan, where they were originally bred to hunt large game like boar, elk, and even bears. Their strength, endurance, and courage made them the perfect hunting companions for warriors. In the early 1600s, Akitas became the dog of choice for Japanese nobility and were eventually elevated to the status of a national treasure.

The Akita’s role evolved over time, from hunter to guardian, and they were often used to protect homes and even Japanese emperors. Today, they’re cherished not only for their working abilities but also for their unwavering loyalty and devotion to their families.

You might also be familiar with the famous Akita named Hachiko, whose story of loyalty touched hearts worldwide. Hachiko waited at a train station every day for his deceased owner for nearly 10 years, cementing the Akita’s reputation as the epitome of faithfulness.

JAPANESE AKITA INU PERSONALITY: LOYAL, BRAVE, AND DIGNIFIED

The Japanese Akita Inu is a dog that takes loyalty to a whole new level. Once they form a bond with their family, they will stick by your side through thick and thin, and they take their role as protector very seriously. However, they’re not one for overt displays of affection like some other breeds. Akitas are more dignified in their love—they’ll show their devotion with a quiet, constant presence rather than bouncing around the house.

With strangers, Akitas are typically aloof or reserved, but they are always on alert, ready to step in if they sense a threat. This makes them excellent watchdogs, but it also means early socialisation is key to ensuring they are well-mannered and confident around new people and pets.

Akitas are independent thinkers and can be a bit stubborn at times, so training them requires patience and consistency. But once they understand their role in the family "pack," they’re one of the most loyal and reliable dogs you’ll ever meet.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A JAPANESE AKITA INU NEED?

Akitas are strong, muscular dogs that need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. While they’re not as hyperactive as some other breeds, they still need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to burn off energy. Long walks, hikes, or playtime in a secure garden are perfect ways to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Because of their hunting background, Akitas enjoy activities that engage their minds as well as their bodies, like scent work or advanced obedience training.

However, don’t expect your Akita to be the life of the dog park. They tend to be more independent and may prefer a quieter, more controlled environment over chaotic play sessions with other dogs.

Pro tip: After a good walk, treat your Akita to Scrumbles Dog Food—it’s packed with the protein and nutrients they need to fuel their strong bodies and active lifestyle.

HOW TO GROOM A JAPANESE AKITA INU: A FLUFFY COAT THAT DEMANDS ATTENTION

The Akita’s thick, double coat is one of their most striking features, but it also requires regular care. During shedding season (which happens twice a year), their dense coats shed heavily, requiring daily brushing.

Outside of shedding season, a good brush once or twice a week will help keep things under control and prevent matting. Akitas are generally clean dogs and they don’t require frequent baths unless they get particularly dirty.

And let’s not forget about those iconic curled tails! Keep an eye on their tails during grooming sessions, as the dense fur around the base can sometimes mat if not brushed regularly. Like all dogs, regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are important to keep your Akita in top shape.

Dental treats like Scrumbles Gnashers Dental Dog Treats are perfect for keeping their teeth clean and their breath fresh.

HEALTH: ROBUST, BUT WATCH FOR COMMON ISSUES

The Japanese Akita Inu is generally a healthy and sturdy breed, but like all dogs, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Hip dysplasia is a common issue, so maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring they get regular, controlled exercise is important. Akitas can also suffer from progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which affects their vision over time. It's more prevalent in American Akitas than Japanese Akita Inu.

Another health concern for Akitas is hypothyroidism, which can lead to weight gain and lethargy. Regular vet check-ups and blood tests can help monitor their thyroid levels.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, is a risk for large, deep-chested breeds like Akitas. Bloat is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. Feeding them smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding exercise immediately after eating can help reduce the risk of this condition.

To keep your Akita in top condition, a balanced diet is important. Complete, nutritious recipes like Scrumbles Salmon Wet Dog Food, that are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, can help support their joints, skin, and coat health.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE JAPANESE AKITA INU:

Hachiko’s Legacy: The breed gained worldwide fame thanks to the story of Hachiko, the loyal Akita who waited for his owner every day for nearly 10 years at Shibuya Station in Tokyo. You can spot his statue and a long crowd of fans just outside of the station.
Built for Winter: Their thick double coat was designed to protect them from the harsh winter climates of northern Japan. Snow days? Akitas thrive in them!
Curled Tails and Poker Faces: That majestic curled tail is an iconic Akita feature, and their stoic expression gives them a calm, confident air—but don’t be fooled, they can be fun when playing with their family.

LIVING WITH A JAPANESE AKITA INU: LOYALTY, STRENGTH, AND GRACE

Living with a Japanese Akita Inu is like living with a wise, protective samurai. They’re dignified, calm, and always watching over their family with a quiet intensity. While they’re not the type of dog to demand constant attention, they form incredibly strong bonds with their humans and will be forever loyal.

Akitas thrive in homes where they are respected and understood. They do best with experienced dog owners who can provide them with firm, consistent training and leadership. While they may be independent, they are not solitary dogs—they love being part of family life, even if they prefer to sit quietly and observe rather than join the chaos.

Because of their strong protective instincts and potential dominance with other pets, early socialisation is key. With the right upbringing, your Akita will grow into a well-mannered, confident companion who is as affectionate as they are courageous.

IS THE JAPANESE AKITA INU THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

If you’re looking for a dog that’s loyal, dignified, and ready to protect your home and heart, the Japanese Akita Inu could be your perfect match. They’re best suited for experienced dog owners who understand their independent nature and can provide strong leadership and training.

With their striking looks, calm demeanour, and deep devotion, Akitas make excellent companions for the right family. Just be ready to embrace their stubborn streak and stock up on grooming tools for those shedding seasons!

With the right care, plenty of exercise, and a nutritious diet from Scrumbles, your Akita will be a healthy, happy, and loyal companion for many years to come.

Why Scrumbles is Perfect for Akitas

Scrumbles is the ideal choice for Akita owners for several reasons:

High-Quality Ingredients: Akitas are known for their strength and stamina, so they deserve only the best. That’s why Scrumbles avoids artificial additives and fillers, delivering premium nutrition from high-quality, natural ingredients to keep your Akita thriving.
Coat and Skin Health:The Akita’s dense double coat is stunning but needs extra love and care. Scrumbles’ recipes, packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, promote healthy skin and a coat that’s always camera-ready.
We've got just the thing to help: Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food or Salmon Wet Food for optimal coat care.
Digestibility: All our recipes start with the gut, enriched with pre, post and probiotics, to help ensure easy digestion. Check out our Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for little ones with extra sensitive tums.
Sustainability: As a member of 1% for the Planet and certified B Corp we're committed to eco-friendly practices with recyclable packaging and responsible ingredient sourcing.
Trustworthy Nutrition: Don't just take our word, we're rated 4.5 on Trustpilot with over 5k five star reviews.