Akita
秋田犬
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Akita is the large Japanese spitz of FCI standard no. 255 — origin Japan, group 5 (Asian Spitz and related breeds), classified as a companion dog. Males stand 67 cm and females 61 cm at the withers with a 3 cm tolerance either way, and the standard describes the temperament as composed, faithful, docile and receptive. Only red fawn, sesame, brindle and white are permitted, and every colour except white must carry urajiro (whitish markings on the muzzle, cheeks, underside and inside of the legs); a black mask and markings on a white ground are disqualifying faults. The heavier American type — which the AKC, the Canadian Kennel Club and the Royal Kennel Club all register simply as "Akita", and which the Royal Kennel Club distinguishes from this breed by calling this one "Japanese Akita Inu" — is FCI standard no. 344 and is in the catalogue as American Akita.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 58–70cm |
| Breed group | FCI: 5 |
| Role | Companion |
| Coat | Double coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
No breed-specific screening scheme found for this type
FCI standard no. 255 contains no health section, and no breed-specific pre-breeding screening scheme was found on the Royal Kennel Club's Japanese Akita Inu breed standard or breed A-Z pages (checked 2026-09-10). The Royal Kennel Club does list hip and eye screening for the separate Akita (the American type). Ask your vet or breeder what screening the parents have had.
Behaviour
Composed and reserved, not nervous
FCI standard no. 255 gives the temperament as "composed, faithful, docile and receptive". The Royal Kennel Club standard adds "alert and agile; bold, dignified, composed character; indifferent to strangers; never nervous". Shyness is listed as a fault and an aggressive or overly shy dog is a disqualifying fault.
A large-house, high-exercise breed
The Royal Kennel Club's breed A-Z entry lists the Japanese Akita Inu as a large breed needing more than two hours of exercise a day, grooming more than once a week, a large house and a large garden, with a lifespan of over 10 years.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
FCI nomenclature — Akita (standard no. 255, group 5)
FCI breed nomenclature entry for the Japanese Akita, with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish. The heavier American type is a separate breed, FCI standard no. 344.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-10
The Royal Kennel Club — Japanese Akita Inu (breed standard, Utility group)
The Royal Kennel Club's breed standard for the Japanese type, which it registers separately from the Akita. Heights: dogs 64-70 cm, bitches 58-64 cm.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-10
The Royal Kennel Club — Japanese Akita Inu (breeds A to Z)
Breed characteristics: large size, more than two hours of exercise per day, grooming more than once a week, lifespan over 10 years.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-10
Sources
- [1]FCI Standard No. 255 — Akita — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-10)
- [2]Akita — FCI breed nomenclature (standard no. 255) — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-10)
- [3]Japanese Akita Inu — Breed Standards — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-10)
- [4]Japanese Akita Inu — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-10)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.