The Akita stands anywhere from 60–66 cm (24–26 in) at the withers. Females weigh anywhere from 30–45 kg (70–100 lb) and males are 35–54 kg (75–119).
Temperament:
Akitas are renowned as loyal dogs and also intelligent and because of their intelligence are easily bored. As a result, they often become destructive if not given anything to do. Akitas can live happily in apartments as long as they are given plenty of exercise. They need to be socialized as puppies so they are friendly dogs. Although they love human companionship, they are quite happy to be outside dogs as well, but should still be taken out for walks to prevent destruction of the yard. Akitas often become excitable when seeing their owners, often wiggling around and making happy grunts. They will also cry if they are hungry.
Akitas are very good with children, and are often quite playful, although they should be watched around small children as they could knock them over during play.
The Akita Inu have a reputation for sometimes being aggressive towards strangers, smaller animals or other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. Akitas would rather live in a home with no other pets present, unless they have been raised with them during puppyhood. Before deciding if an Akita is the right dog for your house, first make sure of the breed at which you are looking; the American Akita or the Japanese Inu Akita. Further research is always advisable before deciding on a breed.
Some of the health conditions known to affect this breed includ: Canine herpesvirus, a strain of the Herpes virus that affects
canines
Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a condition associated with bloat
Pemphigus, which causes the immune system to attack the dog's
skin (leading to pustules)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an adult-onset condition which
causes gradual degeneration in the eye cells (i.e. rods & cones)
UveoDermatological Syndrome (UDS)
Sebaceous adenitis, an autoimmune condition which attacks and
destroys the dog's sebaceous glands
Canine hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Hyperkalaemia, as a breed, Akitas have abnormally high blood
potassium concentrations compared to other breeds.
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Heart size, as a breed, Akitas have an unusually small heart for their size. A number of Akitas have died while being operated on under the normal dose of general anaesthetic for a canine of that size, a dose which ultimately proved excessive and fatal to the Akita. For that reason, to avoid anaesthetic-induced death, only the bare minimum dose of general anaesthetic sufficient to produce anaesthesia should be used when an Akita requires general anaesthesia.
Gastric dilatation volvulus
Akita owners should take special note of the high incidence of GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus) in this breed. Excess gas trapped in the dog's stomach causes "bloat." Twisting of the stomach (volvulus or "torsion") causes or is caused by that excess gas. GDV is an emergency condition requiring immediate veterinary treatment. Akita owners should be alert to the symptoms of GDV and know the location of the nearest emergency veterinary facility. Dogs with any symptoms of GDV (esp. unsuccessful attempts at vomiting) should be regarded as having GDV until proven otherwise by a veterinarian.
Gagging or retching with unsuccessful attempts at vomiting (frothy
foam may come up instead)
Distended abdomen (may or may not be noticeable)
Discomfort and pain esp. around the abdomen for no apparent
reason-- this may be observed as frequent pacing, an inability to
find a comfortable position, whimpering, or wincing when pressure is
applied to the abdomen
Weakness
Depression
Breathing difficulty
Hypersalivation and panting
Possible cardiac problems such as arrhythmias
Cyanosis (blue gums or skin) in severe cases from a lack of
oxygen
