Appearance

The AKC describes the Akita as, “strong, powerful, alert,” and “dignified.” Akitas are broad, muscular dogs with large triangular heads. They have a pointed, short muzzle and pointed ears. They are longer than they are tall, are broad-chested, and boast thick, muscular necks. Their coats are full and plush and come in a variety of colors and patterns, all of which are acceptable to AKC standard, though the brighter the color, the better. Akitas have brown or black noses (black preferred unless the dog is white), and dark, thoughtful eyes. They boast long, lean legs with webbed feet for swimming. The Akita's distinctive characteristic is their long, fluffy tail that curls over their back.

Size and Weight

The Akita is a large breed, standing between 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighing from 70 to 130 pounds - males average 85 to 130 pounds, females average 70 to 110 pounds. They may come in larger or smaller sizes, but the 70 to 110 pound range is acceptable standard set by the AKC.

Coat and Color

The American Akita comes in many colors including white, black, chocolate, or brindle. They may also come in a combination of any of the aforementioned light and dark colors. Bright, clear colors are preferred in the show ring.

Their undercoat is soft and very dense, while their topcoat is short, and the combination creates a full, fluffy coat all over which sheds year round.

Grooming Needs

Akitas don't require fancy grooming. Baths should be given once every two or three months (more often if the dog likes to romp in the mud), and nails should be trimmed once per month. Akitas shed 365 days a year, and two or three times a year they will fully shed their coats. Daily or weekly brushing can reduce the amount of fur that is blown around the house, and will keep the coat soft and manageable.

Akitas are notorious for resisting grooming, so puppies should be brushed from a young age, and feet should be handled so they are open to nail trimmings.