The males stand 26 to 28 inches (66 to 71 cm) at the withers; females are 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66 cm). Their weights average 95 to 110 pounds (43 to 50 kg) for males and 75 to 90 pounds (34 to 41 kg) for females. Their thick, short, arched necks, dense coats, and bulky bodies give them the appearance of much larger animals.
As with all dogs, an Akita should be wormed on a regular basis, two to three times a year, using a veterinary-licensed worming product.
Akitas may be extra susceptible to certain medications, particularly anaesthesia and sedatives. Always point this out to your vet, and avoid if possible the use of ACPs or similar travel-sickness type pills.
Typically, Akitas are bright, but reserved. They are happy dogs in their own bailiwick, but they are always possessive. Adults shouldn't be silly or disposed to foolishness; timidity is a personality fault. An Akita should not be overtly aggressive. Several authors describe the most desirable Akita temperament as courageous or dignified. Those terms, if a bit esoteric, are fine descriptions. Unfortunately, they are adjectives that are difficult to apply to animals without considerable personal interaction with those creatures.
Some breeders will tell you that the Akita's temperament is dependent on its environment as a puppy. That is only partially correct. The disposition of an Akita is the product of its early home life, handling, socialization, and heredity.
The Akita breed is steeped in history. Early historical accounts include its flesh as a menu item, and its skin was valued for making warm garments. It served as a working dog, a fighter, and a hunter; some have been used in the fishing industry. Details of the Akita's history have been obscured by centuries of isolation on the remote Japanese island of Honshu, and sometimes it has been muddied by language and translation problems.
