Purina New Zealand
Your Pet, Our Passion.
Akitas

Akita

Developed in the mountains of Japan, the Akita originally was used to hunt bear, elk and boar. The breed can have an aggressive temperament, requiring supervision around small children and other animals. The Akita has a distinctive thick, double coat and plush tail that curls over his back. Although a fastidious groomer like a cat, he still needs daily brushing. Active and energetic, this breed should be exercised daily.

DID YOU KNOW? Helen Keller is credited with bringing the first Akita to the U.S., having received a puppy from the Ministry of Education during a visit to Japan in 1937.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Akita Inu, Japanese Akita, American Akita

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
« First Last »
Akitas
    2. 1 of 1

Pet Card

  • Living Considerations: Not suitable for children, not hypoallergenic, not suitable for apartment living
  • Size: Medium
  • Height: Males – 66 to 72 centimetres at the withers; Females - 61 to 66 centimetres at the withers
  • Weight: Males – 34 to 59 kilograms; Females – 31 to 46 kilograms
  • Coat: Puffy double coat
  • Energy: Medium
  • Colour: Any color including white, brindle or pinto
  • Activities: Conformation, Agility, Rally, Obedience
  • Indoor/Outdoor: Both

Finding a dog

Labrador lying next to the sofa
Finding a pet
Is this the right breed for you?
All dogs have their own unique personality! Try our Dog Breed Selector tool and find out which dog breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle.
Take the breed selector
Puppy walking next to owner on a lead
Finding a pet
Thinking about getting a puppy?
Join Growing Pup for help from our Purina experts on how to find the right puppy and prepare for your new arrival, as well as a discount off one of our puppy ranges.
Register
Dog with red collar sitting next to the owner
Finding a pet
Finding a good breeder
If your heart is set on a pedigree puppy, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. Find out what to look for in a puppy breeder with this guide.
Learn more
Dog with red collar
Finding a pet
Welcoming your dog home
While you're waiting for the big day you may need to distract yourself, so luckily there are a few things you need to sort our before you welcome your new arrival.
Learn more
Dog with red collar lying
Adoption
It's incredibly fulfilling to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It often means offering them a second chance at life. There are many dogs waiting for a loving family and their forever home, but what can you expect from the process?
Learn more
Dog with red collar looking out the window
Puppy advice
Everything you need to know
Getting a new puppy is incredibly exciting for all the family, but it can be quite scary for your new pup. Find out how to deal with everything from behaviour to health questions with our expert puppy advice.
Learn more
Owner checking dogs collar
Finding a pet
Benefits of having a dog
It's known far and wide that dogs are man's best friend, but did you know that there's actually numerous benefits of having a dog? From helping you to get fit to meeting new people, your puppy can actually help to improve your health and social life. Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs!
Learn more