How Big Do Akitas Get? Size & Growth Chart
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The Akita originated in Japan, but after World War Two, there were only around 50 of the majestic dogs left. Luckily, a group of people refused to let the breed become extinct, and they worked tirelessly to bring them back.
Today, Akita dogs are loyal pets for owners around the world. It is a muscular breed that was originally developed to seek out large animals for the hunt, and some grow larger than some pet owners would like. If you’re wondering just how big your Akita might get, we’ll answer that question and more in the guide below.
Navigate through this post by clicking on the title you are most interested in:
- Size & Growth Chart
- When Do They Stop Growing?
- Factors Affecting Size
- Ideal Diet for Healthy Weight
- How to Measure Your Pet
Akita Breed Overview
The Japanese and the American Akitas are muscular dogs with thick double coats that have them shedding heavily during the hotter times of the year. While the dog is alert, loyal, and quite goofy at times, they are wary of strangers and prone to defending their pet parents and households.
The size of your Akita will depend on which type of Akita you decide to give a forever home and whether the dog is a male or female. We’ll give you a size and growth chart below, so you can determine if an adult Akita is the ideal size for your home.
Akita Size and Growth Chart
For our purposes, the growth chart below will be based on the growth from 2 months to 2 years of the American Akita. The American Akita tends to be bigger than the Japanese variety. We’ll talk more about both of these dogs in the section after our chart.
| Age | Weight Range | Length Range |
| 2 months | 15 to 20 pounds | 12 to 15 inches |
| 4 months | 35 to 44 pounds | 16 to 20 inches |
| 6 months | 52 to 66 pounds | 21 to 24 inches |
| 9 months | 60 to 75 pounds | 23 to 25 inches |
| 12 months | 75 to 85 pounds | 24 to 26 inches |
| 24 months | 70 to 130 pounds | 24 to 28 inches |
When Does an Akita Stop Growing?
As with other large breeds, the Akita takes longer to reach its total growth than small-breed dogs do. The Japanese Akita is a bit smaller than the American Akita, but both stop growing at around 24 months, though they can gain more weight, so you do want to keep an eye on their diet.
The Japanese Akita will grow between 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 85 pounds at total growth. Though the breed is usually close to its full size at 10 months of age, they can continue to gain weight until they are at least two years of age. The male of both types of Akita are heavier and taller than the females, and the chart above covers both females and males.
Factors Affecting the Size of Akitas
A few factors can affect the size of your Akita Puppy, whether it’s a Japanese or an American Akita. If the dog’s parents are large, the puppy will likely become a huge canine. The dog’s sex also plays a role in the size. The males are much larger than the females. Also, what your Akita eats can play a role in how big the dog will be. If you give your dog a diet high in protein and calories, they will likely grow larger and heavier. In our next section, we’ll discuss the ideal diet for maintaining a healthy weight for your Akita.
Exercise can also affect how muscular and big your Akita Puppy will grow to be. Those who get the right amount of exercise will be leaner and have more muscle than an Akita that lays on the couch all day and only walks occasionally.
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Since this is a muscular large breed dog, the Akita needs a diet that is high in calories and protein. The breed is prone to gastric dilation volvulus, which means it’s best to feed the dog in small portions and to avoid exercise right after the dog eats.
As far as the type and amount of kibble you feed your Akita, it will depend on your vet’s recommendation. Akitas are prone to hip and joint problems, so making sure your pet is at a healthy weight is critical. You can do that by maintaining appropriate portions at mealtime and talking to your vet if your Akita is overweight.
How to Measure Your Akita
When getting a measurement of your Akita, you’ll want to measure the height and weight of your canine. It’s best to have your dog stand with their head up on a level surface for the height. Once they’re standing still, take a measuring tape and measure the dog from the ground to the top of their shoulders.
To determine the weight of your Akita, you can use a standard scale. If your dog isn’t too heavy to hold in your arms, weigh yourself holding your pet, and then, weigh yourself without your dog. Subtract your weight, and you’ll know how heavy your dog is.
If you have a hard time measuring your Akita, you can always contact your vet. The vet can get an accurate weight and height for your dog and recommend what to feed them as well.
Conclusion
There are two types of Akita Dog breeds: the American Akita and the Japanese Akita. Both make good pets, but they get quite big, topping out at 24 to 28 inches tall and between 70 to 130 pounds when full-grown. The American Akita is much bigger than the Japanese Akita, and the males are slightly heavier than the females.
If you’re considering adopting an Akita, know that though they are adorable little puppies, they don’t stay small for long, so make sure you’re capable and ready to give this majestic breed a forever home.
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Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
