Search over 24 Akita dogs across Australia
This striking breed hails from the snow-covered mountains of northern Japan, where they were originally bred as hunting and guard dogs for nobility.
Today, Akitas are admired not just for their striking look but also for their intelligence and dedication. Available in two main variations, the Japanese Akita Inu and the American Akita, this breed continues to captivate dog lovers worldwide.
Browse available Akita puppies below from trusted breeders and loving homes.
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This striking breed hails from the snow-covered mountains of northern Japan, where they were originally bred as hunting and guard dogs for nobility.
Today, Akitas are admired not just for their striking look but also for their intelligence and dedication. Available in two main variations, the Japanese Akita Inu and the American Akita, this breed continues to captivate dog lovers worldwide.
Browse available Akita puppies below from trusted breeders and loving homes.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Akita Guide
About Akita
Akitas are best known for their unwavering loyalty and protective instincts, traits that have cemented their reputation as steadfast companions.
They are courageous, independent thinkers who often form deep, lasting bonds with their families. While affectionate with their owners, Akitas can be aloof or wary around strangers, making early socialisation a must.
Their natural guarding tendencies paired with a strong prey drive mean they require firm, consistent training and careful supervision around other pets.
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Weight
Male: 34 - 54 kg Female: 34 - 50 kg
Height
Male: 66 - 71 cm Female: 61 - 66 cm
Grooming
Brush their fur at least twice a week.
Origins
“Is your pup a Husky mix? Is it a Chow?” If you own an Akita, it’s likely that you’re asked such questions all the time. Most people are familiar with Akita’s cousins – the Huskies, Malamutes and Chow Chows, but very few know about Akitas.
Akitas are part of the Spitz group, which incorporates many snow dog breeds. They are actually named after their place of origin, the Akita Prefecture in Japan.
In the 1800’s, trading activities were booming and European traders brought several of their breeds to Japan. The Japanese cross-bred them with their own breeds, specifically, the Matagi-Inu. This outcross is what resulted in the Akita breed, which is well-known today.
These dogs have come close to extinction several times in history. Rabies outbreaks in the years 1899 and 1924 caused Akitas to reduce in large numbers.
They also came to a near extinction during World War II. This happened because they were used as a major source of food following a food shortage caused by the war.
Fortunately, a few fanciers managed to save the breed. In the 1950’s, the demand for Akitas rose. This encouraged more breeders to develop Akitas.
Currently, Akitas are used as companion dogs.
Key Characteristics Of Akitas
Are Akitas Family-Friendly?
Yes, but they are best for experienced dog owners who can manage their strong personalities and need for training.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Akitas may suffer from:
Hip Dysplasia
A genetic joint disorder causing pain and mobility issues. Treatment can involve weight management, medications, or surgery.
Gastric Torsion
A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off blood flow.
Acquired myasthenia gravis
An autoimmune disorder where antibodies disrupt the communication between nerves and muscles, causing weakness and fatigue.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye disease that may lead to blindness. While incurable, supplements and lifestyle adjustments can help slow its effects.
Other Issues
Hypothyroidism and autoimmune disorders are also more common in this breed.
Nature / Temperament
Smart, Brave, Protective
Suitable Environment
Before looking into getting an Akita for sale, make sure you have the suitable environment for them. Akitas thrive best in spacious homes with secure, fenced yards where they can move freely and explore safely. Their large size and strong guarding instincts make them poorly suited to small apartments or homes without outdoor space unless their exercise and mental needs are met with absolute consistency.
Because they are naturally independent, territorial, and protective, Akitas do best in households that can provide clear boundaries and calm leadership.
Other Considerations
● Akitas have a cultural significance among the Japanese. They symbolise good health, bliss and longevity.
● These dogs shed a lot in Autumn and Spring. But, they shed very little other times of the year.
● Akitas have different coats of colours.
● These dogs are known to have a strong ‘prey’ drive.
● They’re likely to start chasing animals that come into their territory.
● Akita puppies can be aggressive towards other dogs. They are particularly prone to same-sex aggression. This means they need adequate socialisation and training to prevent such behaviour.
● Akitas are fiercely loyal and protective. They are very wary of strangers.
How can I take good care of my Akita?
Nutrition
Akitas benefit from a high-quality, protein-rich diet suited to their size and energy level. Look for formulas that support joint health and maintain lean muscle.
Feed adult Akitas twice daily to reduce the risk of bloat, a condition they are prone to. Monitor food intake carefully as excess weight can lead to joint issues such as hip dysplasia.
Grooming
Akitas have a thick double coat that requires regular upkeep. Brush at least 2–3 times a week to remove loose fur and prevent matting.
During seasonal shedding (spring and autumn), daily brushing is recommended. Their double coat helps regulate temperature in both hot and cold weather, so shaving is not recommended.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Avoid bathing your Akita too often. It can dry out their skin and cause depletion of healthy oils.
Wait until your Akita puppy is at least 5 weeks old to give them their first bath.
Trim their nails at least once a month.
Check their ears for trapped dirt or any redness that could indicate infection.
Exercise
The easiest way to exercise your dog is to take them for walks. But, the frequency and duration of these walks will depend on whether they’re puppies or adults.
For a younger fully vaccinated Akita puppy, short walks of between 10 – 15 minutes, three times a day is enough. For an adult Akita, you can increase the duration of each walk to 30 – 40 minutes. Maintain the frequency of three walks per day.
As a breed originally used for hunting large game, Akitas enjoy activities that mimic their instincts such as scentwork games and tracking exercises.
Akitas are naturally aloof with other dogs and may prefer solitary or human-led play over free-for-all group sessions:
- Play fetch or tug-of-war in a secure yard to keep them active without dog park risks.
- Use long leads in open fields for safe, semi-off-leash running where recall training can be reinforced.
Training
If you’re thinking to buy or adopt an American Akita puppy, you should know the basics of training because it is vital that you train them early. Training can start as early as when they’re nine weeks old. This way, they won’t end up with bad habits like chewing or chasing other pets.
Since they’re smart, they will need a great deal of interaction, discipline and love. Use positive training methods.
You should also be a firm leader when training your Akita. At no point should you allow your dog to walk over you. Summarise the rules that apply to your pup and make them known to your family members too.
Work in low-distraction areas first (home or backyard) before practising in busier environments. Teach strong “leave it” and “stay” commands to counter their prey drive and prevent impulsive chasing.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Akita Questions
There’s no straightforward answer to this question. The truth is, it can be easy and difficult to train Akitas.
Easy in the sense that they’re naturally clean. They don’t like soiling their sleeping areas, and this makes them easy to house train. But, they’re also very independent and smart. Thus, they might not like being told what to do, which is why they need a firm trainer.
They enjoy playing with children, but must always be supervised. They’re particularly ideal for families with small kids. The reason is that large dogs like Akitas react slowly. Plus, they’re less likely to get injured if a child is playing with them.
Akita puppies for sale may cost between $1000 to $3000, depending on the breeder. Because this is a more exotic breed that’s prone to multiple health issues, it’s always better to get your Akita puppy from a reputable breeder that does health checks on their puppies and breeding dogs.
Japanese Akitas (Akita Inu) are more fox-like with a narrow frame and limited coat colours, while American Akitas are larger with a wider range of colours.
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