Akitas are loyal and devoted pets. They are so beloved, in fact, that in Japan, their country of origin, they are the national dog.

This breed has a flat head, erect and small triangular ears that point forward, and a short tapering muzzle that ends in a black, round nose. Their lips are black, and their tongues are bright pink.

They have charming tails that curl once or twice over the top of their backs. Their bodies are large, muscular, and solid.

Akitas need to be trained very aggressively and at an early age in order to be well-adjusted pets. They have a hard time concentrating, so training can be a challenge.

Akitas are very loyal and loving towards their owners and family, but children have to be taught not to tease the dog or play too rough. If you have other animals in your home, you should carefully supervise your Akita’s interactions with them, especially at first.

Adult males should weigh between seventy-five and one-hundred and twenty pounds based on a height average of twenty-six to twenty-eight inches, and adult females should be between seventy-five and one-hundred and ten pounds based on a height average of twenty-four to twenty-six inches.