Working Group

Akita

Akita is a giant dog in the Working Group. Adult weight is 100–130 lb (male), 70–100 lb (female), height is 26–28 in (male), 24–26 in (female), and the listed lifespan is 10–14 years. AKC describes the temperament as Dignified, Courageous, Profoundly loyal.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026.

Akita dog
Photo: B@rt · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Lifespan10–14 years
Weight100–130 lb (male), 70–100 lb (female)
SizeGiantGroupWorking Group

Height

26–28 in (male), 24–26 in (female)

Energy

4 / 5

Shedding

3 / 5

Grooming

3 / 5

Trainability

3 / 5

Good with kids

3 / 5

The breed record

Across 36 single-size giant breeds, a lifespan midpoint of 12 years is about 1.8 years longer than the 10.2-year average. A midpoint adult weight of 100 lb is about 16 lb lighter than the 116 lb average for those giant breeds.

The listed origin is Japan. The coat is described as double, medium. The AKC energy score is 4 out of 5, 0.3 points above the group average of 3.7 for the Working Group. Shedding scores 3 out of 5. Grooming scores 3 out of 5. Trainability scores 3 out of 5. Good with children scores 3 out of 5. Good with other dogs scores 1 out of 5. AKC ranked this breed number 62 in 2025.

Adult size is usually reached in up to 24 months (size-band statement (Salt et al. 2017): larger breeds require up to 24 months). AKC parent-club recommended health screenings: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, and Thyroid Evaluation. These are screening tests, not a list of diseases the breed is guaranteed to develop.

Frequently asked

Questions from the breed record

The verified adult weight for a Akita is 100–130 lb (male), 70–100 lb (female).

Sources

More Working Group breeds

All Working Group breeds

More giant breeds

All giant dog breeds

Related calculators

Discuss on PawTalk

Got a question the chart doesn't answer?

Ask on PawTalk, our community for pet owners, and compare notes on feeding, age, and day-to-day care.