Back
Working Group

Akita

CourageousDignifiedProfoundly Loyal
Akita

Height

26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)

Weight

100-130 pounds (male), 70-100 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy

10-14 years

Size

Giant

About the Akita

People are often drawn to the Akita for its courageous, dignified, and profoundly loyal mix wrapped in a giant working frame. They fit best when active households can plan around daily exercise and mental work and space and handling strength instead of treating the breed like a plug-and-play match.

The Good

  • Large frame brings the commanding look and feel some owners prefer
  • High-drive personality is a great match for active owners who want a do-something dog
  • Distinct personality gives the breed a memorable owner experience

The Bad

  • You need real time for movement and mental work, not just quick potty walks
  • Large size changes the math on space, strength, transport, and handling
  • This is not a set-it-and-forget-it breed match for the average owner

Is this dog right for you?

Best match for...

SheddingModerate
EnergyHigh
TrainingMedium

Similar breeds to check out

Browse all breeds
Great Dane

Great Dane

Working Giant High energy

Great Danes are giant dogs with a generally friendly, easygoing reputation and a size that changes every ordinary household task. They can be wonderful companions if you genuinely want a huge dog and have planned for the space, budget, and health tradeoffs.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Working Giant Medium energy

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are giant working dogs that usually bring independent, loyal, and reserved traits into everyday life. They tend to reward homes that are prepared for space and handling strength and that have the confidence to manage a bigger dog.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

Working Giant High energy

Bernese Mountain Dogs are giant, gentle companions that tend to bring calm presence and a soft spot for family life. They are lovely dogs for the right home, but their size, coat, and health profile make them a serious commitment.

Mastiff

Mastiff

Working Giant Medium energy

Mastiffs are giant working dogs that usually bring courageous, dignified, and good natured traits into everyday life. They tend to reward family households that want a dog involved in everyday home life that are prepared for heat and breathing-related management and space and handling strength.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland

Working Giant Medium energy

Newfoundlands are giant working dogs that usually bring devoted, patient, and sweet traits into everyday life. They tend to reward family households that want a dog involved in everyday home life that are prepared for space and handling strength and health screening and long-term vet planning.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard

Working Giant Medium energy

The Saint Bernard is a giant working breed that tends to come across as charming, inquisitive, and playful once it settles in. They usually make the most sense for family households that want a dog involved in everyday home life and owners who are realistic about space and handling strength and health screening and long-term vet planning.

Breed Traits

Energy Level4/5
Trainability3/5
Health Concerns3/5
Barking Tendency2/5
Good with Kids3/5
Good with Dogs1/5