

The American Akita is an imposing, steadfast guardian of a primitive type — bred for big-game hunting and protection, and later crossed with massive Molossers. He is self-assured and demands respect before he even considers cooperation.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Akita Club e.V.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the American Akita fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–15 yrs
Shoulder height
61–71 cm
Weight
34–59 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a American Akita, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the American Akita — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
An American Akita is not a subordinate, but a silent bodyguard who always assesses the situation independently. You don't win his obedience through drill, but through mutual respect and absolute reliability. If you prove to him that you deserve to lead, you will gain an incorruptible shadow who would walk through fire for you.
The American Akita is a real eye-catcher and has a powerful yet majestic appearance. He is a large, well-proportioned dog with a robust build and impressive musculature. His broad head with deep-set eyes, which act like a kind of mirror of the soul, gives him a unique, mystical expression. Akitas are members of FCI Group 5: Spitz and Urtype dogs. However, despite their impressive physical presence, they are by no means rude or uncouth. Rather, they radiate a sublime calm and dignity that is reminiscent of the quiet majesty of an old, wise soul.
American Akitas are loyal and courageous dogs with a strong protective instinct. They are very people-oriented and form a deep bond with their family. They tend to be calm and even-tempered, but can also be playful when they're in the right mood. Their original purpose as hunting dogs has given them an independent and confident nature. They are not overly pushy and can tolerate being alone well as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. While they generally get along well with children, their size and strength make them best suited to families with older children. They have a natural guarding instinct and tend to protect their territory and family. This can cause them to behave reservedly or even aggressively toward strangers and other dogs. However, with early socialization and training, these tendencies can be managed well in most cases. When it comes to temperament, American Akitas tend to be calm and thoughtful dogs. They are not hyperactive and do not need constant activity to be happy. Still, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. A daily walk or play session in the yard, along with some obedience training or brain games, should be enough to keep an American Akita happy. Although they are not typically great hunters, American Akitas can have a strong prey drive, especially when they encounter smaller animals. It's important to take this into consideration if you want to keep an American Akita in a household with small pets. As with any dog breed, temperament varies from dog to dog, and there are many Akitas that live peacefully with cats and other pets. In summary, the American Akita is a loyal and courageous companion who is characterized by his calm, dignity and inner strength. With his striking appearance, unique personality, and strong desire to bond with his family, he makes a wonderful companion for people willing to put in the time and commitment to meet his needs. Although he is not the right dog for everyone, in the right hands he can be an extremely loyal and loving friend and protector.
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Careful around unfamiliar people — thaws slowly. | Cautious |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
An interesting fact about American Akitas is that they were originally bred for bear hunting in Japan!
The American Akita is a strong and confident dog that requires consistent training. These dogs are loyal and protect their family but often show reserve towards strangers. The American Akita needs meaningful activity and sufficient exercise to remain balanced. Due to its strong character, it is best suited for experienced dog owners.
The American Akita is a versatile dog that can live in both urban and rural environments as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. However, they are large dogs that require a lot of space and are not suitable for small apartments. Akitas are very family oriented and can get along well with children, especially if they are raised with them from a young age. However, they can also be very protective and it is important that interactions between children and the dog are always supervised. In terms of other pets, Akitas can live with cats and other dogs if properly socialized, but they can have strong prey instincts and therefore should not live in a home with small pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs.
Gets on well with different people and varying routines.
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
Can get on with dogs it knows — strangers are a different story.
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Akitas are intelligent and independent dogs that require strong, consistent training. They respond well to positive reinforcement and motivation, but can also be stubborn. It is important that training starts early and is carried out consistently. Akitas need mental and physical stimulation to be happy and healthy. They can enjoy various dog sports such as agility, obedience or protection dog training, but they are also happy with daily walks and playtime. It is important not to overwhelm them, otherwise they may become restless and dissatisfied. It is important to encourage frustration tolerance and impulse control in an Akita, otherwise they may be prone to making their own decisions that are not always in the best interest of everyone involved. They should also learn to remain calm and composed when they are not the center of attention.
American Akitas have medium to high energy needs and should be fed a high-protein diet. The diet should always be tailored to the age, weight, health and activity level of the individual dog. It is important to avoid being overweight as this increases the likelihood of joint problems. In terms of grooming, American Akitas have a double coat of fur that protects them well from the cold, making them well adapted to the German climate. However, they shed heavily, especially during shedding in spring and autumn. Regular brushing can help remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy. Otherwise, grooming is relatively simple and only involves occasional baths and regular checks and care of the ears, teeth and nails.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid
Health grade
In the American Akita, hip dysplasia (HD) and the hereditary enamel disorder amelogenesis imperfecta (enamel hypoplasia) are among the breed-typical risks, while primary hypothyroidism can also occur. A responsible breeder has their breeding dogs specifically tested for these diseases prior to mating to systematically eliminate risks in the pairing. Ask to see the official X-ray results showing HD A–B for both parents, an unremarkable dental and bite evaluation, and the genetic test for amelogenesis imperfecta (enamel hypoplasia), where a carrier must only ever be mated with a clear partner.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
You should ensure controlled growth, joint-friendly exercise, and keep an eye out for early changes in skin or eyes so that problems can be identified quickly.
Responsible breeders test their dogs for hip dysplasia (HD) as well as amelogenesis imperfecta (enamel hypoplasia) before breeding, and ideally screen for primary hypothyroidism.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 is the core standard: the tests Akita Club e.V. requires, plus further tests from the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Core standard. Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Akita Club e.V. for breeding approval; the others are part of the recommended health standard for this breed. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Not health tests, but required for breeding: the club asks for these results too. They don't count toward the risks or the rating.
Wesensbeurteilung
Required by Akita Club e.V.
Acceptable result: Entsprechung der Standardbeschreibung in Phänotyp und Wesen
Dental and bite evaluation
Required by Akita Club e.V.
Acceptable result: Bescheinigung über Anzahl der Zähne, Gebissschluss und eventuelle Schmelzdefekte
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A American Akita costs around ~€220 per month (€120 – €430, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,730 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (12.5 years) it comes to about ~€36,150.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€230 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€220
In the first year
~€5,730
Across the dog's life
~€36,150
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €3,000
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.

Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageThe American Akita's roots go back to the Japanese Akita Inu, a dog with a long and storied history. Originally bred to hunt bears, wild boars and deer in the rugged, mountainous region of Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, the dogs were later used as fighting dogs. After the Second World War they were discovered by the Americans and brought to the USA. In the following decades, American breeders developed their own line known as the American Akita. Officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in the 1970s, this breed differs significantly from the original Akita Inu in several ways, particularly size and temperament.
The American Akita, originally known as the Akita Inu, was bred as a hunting and guard dog and later developed further in the USA.
Japan
1600
At home and with their own family, owners mostly describe the American Akita as a calm, loyal companion that is surprisingly quiet indoors. Despite its massive build, it is often unobtrusive around the house and sleeps a lot. It usually bonds very closely with its own people but tends to be reserved toward visitors, or entirely uninterested in them. Many owners stress that it isn't a dog for a household with people constantly coming and going, since it keeps a watchful eye on its territory and doesn't automatically warm up to strangers.
At the same time, experienced owners point out that living with other dogs is one of the biggest everyday hurdles. Puppies and young dogs often still seem sociable, but once they reach sexual maturity, the behavior frequently turns into marked intolerance of dogs of the same sex. Walks therefore call for careful, forward-thinking leash handling: a rowdy "dog park life" or chance encounters with unfamiliar dogs usually don't go smoothly, and the Akita's considerable body weight means the handler needs to be able to hold their ground.
Sources:wirliebenhunter.dereddit.com
In forums and breed groups there is broad agreement that the American Akita has no "will to please." Owners repeatedly report that it questions every command to see whether it makes sense and simply refuses mindless repetition. Old-school, blind-obedience methods regularly fail with this breed: according to owners' shared experience, pressure, harshness, or supposed alpha-dog concepts only make the dog dig in its heels or lose trust altogether.
The owners who succeed work with patience, complete consistency, and positive reinforcement to earn the dog's respect as an equal. Another recurring training topic is the breed's prey drive, which can be considerable. Because American Akitas make lightning-fast decisions on their own when they spot game or small animals, many owners report that letting them off-leash in terrain where you can't see far is barely possible, or only after years of intensive anti-hunting training and work on a long line.
Sources:wirliebenhunter.de
On health and grooming, owners mainly stress just how intense the shedding is. Outside of those periods the Akita is relatively low-maintenance and often keeps itself clean like a cat, but in spring and fall these dogs shed huge amounts of dense undercoat. Owner accounts often advise, with a wink, to get a heavy-duty vacuum and special undercoat brushes for those weeks to keep up with the hair coming out in tufts.
Owners also regularly discuss the breed's specific health weak spots. Because of its heavy weight and rapid growth as a young dog, joint problems such as hip dysplasia (HD) are a constant topic, which is why many owners put a lot of emphasis on carefully controlled feeding while the puppy is growing. Breed experts also warn about immune-related skin and eye diseases, especially the sebaceous gland disease typical of the breed, sebaceous adenitis (SA), which requires long-term and costly skin care in affected dogs.
Sources:reddit.com
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The American Akita is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a American Akita is 10-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
American Akita grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The American Akita can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The American Akita comes in these colors: Red, Fawn, White, Brindle, Piebald, Black, Brown, Grey, Sable.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred American Akita.