Find out all about Akitas and their common health conditions, and then compare your pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.
Fact checked
$2,500–$4,800
61–71cm
45–59kg
Loyal, dignified, reserved
Long, thick double coat
Very high
No
10 - 12 years
The Akita, a large, majestic and powerful breed, originates from the prefecture of Akita, in Japan. With a history of being a fisherman’s companion, they are known for their webbed paws, water-resistant coat, their strength, loyalty and devotion to their owners. Akitas have a dignified demeanour and may be reserved around strangers, but they form strong bonds with their owners. They first arrived in Australia in 1982.
Their thick double coat provides effective insulation, making them well-suited for colder climates, but less so for the hot Australian climate. They may need shelter and shade in summer and plenty of water to keep them cool. Their intelligence is coupled with independence, which can require patient training and consistent socialisation from an early age. Prolonged eye contact with an Akita is considered a threat, and they can be aggressive with other dogs if they feel threatened.
Due to their large size and tendency to chase anything small, Akitas will thrive in homes without young children where owners appreciate their loyalty, are willing to invest a lot of time in training, and can provide a structured and loving environment for this large, dominant heavy-shedding dog.
Akitas are known to be susceptible to specific health issues, and responsible breeders often screen for these conditions:
Akitas can exhibit dominant behaviour and may not always get along with other dogs of the same gender. They can be used as guard dogs. Early and frequent training is crucial to ensure they are well-behaved and good with other family members. They need to be clear who is their ‘pack leader.' A strong and secure fence is vital to keep them contained in a large garden. Akitas shed their coats twice a year, so they are not suitable as indoor dogs as their thick coat comes out in large handfuls while they are shedding.
There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Akita, including the following:
This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.
This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.
This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.
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Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.
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© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.
Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.
We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.
For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.
