The Akita dog breed originated several hundred years ago in Japan and was used originally as a guard dog and a large game hunting dog. These devoted dogs make excellent companions for families and can be great for protecting and guarding the household. These tenacious, bold, and independent dogs are usually reserved around strangers and other animals, however with socialisation; they can become more social with other humans and animals over time.

On average male Akita's weight between seventy five to one hundred and twenty pounds while females tend to weight about seventy five to one hundred and ten pounds. Akita males tend to be twenty six to twenty eight inches in height while females are about twenty four to twenty six inches in height. This large dog breed has a life expectancy of about ten to twelve years. On average, their litter sizes are about six to eight puppies, but in some cases it has been reported that they can have as little as three per litter to as many as twelve per litter.

Some common health concerns that the Akita dog breed is susceptible are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, pemphigus, gastric torsion, cruciate ligament rupture, sebaceous adenitis, and progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA. Although there are changes that these conditions will not occur, it is important to keep your Akita happy, healthy, enrolled with dog insurance, and to keep up with regular veterinarian checkups. Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and mucous cells of the body, which causes antibodies to attack the outer layer of the dog's skin. Unfortunately, there is no current cure for this condition; however there are immune suppressants and corticosteroid medications that the dog can take to suppress this condition for the life of the dog. Sebaceous adenitis is a genetic condition in which the sebaceous glands of the dog's skin become inflamed. This hereditary condition causes hair loss, inflammation, dry skin, and can cause discomfort and pain. Unfortunately there is no current cure to this condition because the cause is still unknown. The dog's veterinarian may prescribe some hypoallergenic shampoos and recommend frequent bathing in order to make the dog feel more comfortable.