Photo by Zen Chung from PexelsGetting an Akita comes with the knowledge that you’ll be living with a big dog loyal beyond measure.
The Japanese Akita is the largest of the native dog breeds of Japan referred to as “Nihon Ken”. They are Japan’s national dogs and Akita is the biggest among them.
A big dog does come with a big responsibility. So that you can prepare for the growing years of your canine companion, we answer the question of how big do Akita dogs get?
According to the Japanese Akitainu Club of America (JACA), the average height of male Akitas ranges from 25 to 27.5 inches and the females are shorter at 22.5 to 25 inches. The average weight of males can be between 65 to 75 pounds while females weigh 55 to 65 pounds. Male Akitas are larger but the female dogs have a slightly longer body.
Both genders exhibit dignity with their towering height, well-balanced proportions, and powerful stance.
It’s exciting to watch your Akita build up into their full grown size. To know more about their gradual development stages, keep on reading as I share with you their average growth chart plus what you need to know concerning your Akita’s size.
Akita Average Growth and Weight Chart: Monitoring Your Puppy’s Growth
Dog owners always wonder if their Akita puppies are at the right size and are growing at the right pace for their age. While dogs have individual differences in their growth rate, you can look at the table below to see how close your Akita is to the average size.
The table below shows the average height and weight of a male Akita from 2-months-old until fully grown:
Male Akita Growth and Weight Chart
| Age | Male Height | Male Weight |
| 2 months | 14 – 15 inches | 18 – 20 pounds |
| 3 months | 15 – 17 inches | 29 – 33 pounds |
| 4 months | 17 – 20 inches | 40 – 44 pounds |
| 5 months | 20 – 22 inches | 48 – 55 pounds |
| 6 months | 22 – 24 inches | 60 – 66 pounds |
| 7 months | 22 – 24 inches | 60 – 66 pound |
| 8 months | 22 – 24 inches | 60 – 66 pound |
| 9 months | 24 – 25 inches | 68 – 75 pounds |
| 10 months | 24 – 25 inches | 68 – 75 pounds |
| 11 months | 24 – 25 inches | 68 – 75 pounds |
| 12 months | 25 – 26 inches | 79 – 85 pounds |
| 18 months | 26 – 27.5 inches | 79 – 85 pounds |
The table below shows the average height and weight of a female Akita from 2-months-old until fully grown:
Female Akita Growth and Weight Chart
| Age | Female Height | Female Weight |
| 2 months | 12 – 14.5 inches | 15 – 18 pounds |
| 3 months | 13.5 – 15.5 inches | 24 – 30 pounds |
| 4 months | 16 – 19 inches | 35 – 40 pounds |
| 5 months | 19 – 21 inches | 42 – 49 pounds |
| 6 months | 21 – 23 inches | 52 – 55 pounds |
| 7 months | 21 – 23 inches | 52 – 55 pounds |
| 8 months | 21 – 23 inches | 52 – 55 pounds |
| 9 months | 23 – 24 inches | 60 – 70 pounds |
| 10 months | 23 – 24 inches | 60 – 70 pounds |
| 11 months | 23 – 24 inches | 60 – 70 pounds |
| 12 months | 24 – 25 inches | 75 – 79 pounds |
| 18 months | 24 – 25 inches | 75 – 79 pounds |
Do keep in mind that the height and weight projections on the table only serve as a general guide. Don’t be quick to judge your Akita puppy if their dimensions are far from the table figures. Minor variations are acceptable and still considered healthy. In case your dog’s height and weight are far from average, it is always best to consult your vet for an individual assessment of your Akita.
How Fast Do They grow?
Japanese Akitas develop and grow slower than the other Japanese native dog breeds, although they grow to be the largest among them.
The Akita will form most of its development between four to eight months. They can already reach up to 20 inches in height as early as four months for males and five months for females. They almost double their weight in their fourth month and grow rapidly from there. A 6-month-old male Akita will weigh between 60 and 66 pounds, while a female Akita will weigh between 52 and 55 pounds. Like other dogs, how fast or slow they go through their growth stages will vary from one Akita dog to another.
As you watch your Akita transform from a cute pup to a regal guard dog, it’s crucial to keep an eye and see if they’re growing too fast. For large breeds that grow too quickly, rapid growth can stress their developing bones and cause hip dysplasia and joint problems. To limit their growing pace, the Veterinary Centers of America even recommend feeding Akita puppies a large-breed special puppy food to lower the chance of joint issues with no impact on their final size.
At What Age Is an Akita Fully Grown?
Akitas, like many other large dogs, require longer to grow into full adult size than smaller breeds. Between the ages of two months to five months, your Akita evolves from toddler to adolescence. Around 10 months to a year of age, most Akitas will be close to adult size. They will continue to gain muscle and weight until they’re fully grown at two years old. With differing development pace, some Akitas may achieve their full adult size earlier or later.
The full grown size of your dog also depends on the type of Akita breed. There are two varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club: Japanese Akita and American Akita.
The table below shows the average height and weight of a Japanese Akita and an American Akita by gender:
Male Japanese Akita vs. Male American Akita Average Growth
| Type of Akita | Male Height | Male Weight |
| Japanese Akita | 25 – 27.5 inches | 65 – 75 pounds |
| American Akita | 26 – 28 inches | 100 – 130 pounds |
Female Japanese Akita vs. Female American Akita Average Growth
| Type of Akita | Female Height | Female Weight |
| Japanese Akita | 22.5 – 25 inches | 55 – 65 pounds |
| American Akita | 24 – 26 inches | 70 – 100 pounds |
A full grown Japanese Akita is slightly smaller than the American Akita breed both in height and in weight.
At What Age Do Akita Dogs Stop Growing?
Akita breeds usually experience their growth spurt before 10 months old. After that, additional inches in height may be minimal. It takes up to two years old to fill up their chests and build their muscles to develop into their large, sturdy, and well-balanced signature physique. Because each dog’s developmental stages differ, there is no set age at which Akita dogs finish growing.
Since the Akita is a well-proportioned dog by nature, you can also check their paws to gauge if there’s still room for growth. If their paws appear too big for their legs and body, chances are they’re still growing.
Some dogs grow slower than others and take their time to mature. That is also okay since they could just be late bloomers. When it comes to large dog breeds, growing at a slow and steady pace is preferred over sudden growth. Having enough time for the bones to develop is essential.
Factors That Can Affect the Size of an Akita Dog
The size of your Akita dog can be affected by a variety of factors. This includes the type of Akita breed you have, wherein the Japanese Akita will be a few inches smaller and leaner than the American Aktia. The gender also determines the average height and weight of your dog where the males are slightly bigger than their female counterparts.
Apart from these, here are some reasons to consider if your puppy does not grow within the average growth and weight chart:
Genes
Genetic factors are great determiners to your adult dog’s development. While not always the case, the average size of the puppy parents will most likely be the full grown size of their offspring. As an Akita owner, do a background check and inquire about the parent’s backgrounds. It’s better if you can visit them so you can see for yourself and be better prepared. Take note that some puppies may grow smaller or larger than their parents.
Nutrition
Dogs are more likely to achieve their ideal height and weight with adequate care. Your Akita puppy will need food rich in vitamins and nutrients so they grow strong and healthy. As a large dog breed, their requirement for the proper kind of food and the right amount is essential to reach their optimum size. Some Akita owners believe that their pups can start shifting from puppy food to adult food once the dogs start teething while others do between six to twelve months. It is best to consult with your breeder or your vet.
Health
A dog’s physical development will be hampered if its health is poor. Go for regular health checks to ensure your Akita is in good condition. Reputable breeders will ensure your puppy goes through medical evaluations including hip evaluations and thyroid evaluations before handing over your dog to you. Akitas will also need physical activity to stimulate growth, fortify bone density, and develop muscles.
Spaying or Neutering
Having your Akita dog spayed or neutered early may affect its bone development. Sex hormones regulate growth and when removed, the bones continue to grow longer than they should, causing your dog to grow too tall for its size. This can cause future joint problems. The Akita Club of America recommends spaying females between six to nine months and neutering males as they reach 12 months.
When your Akita dog is too far ahead or behind the average physical development of their age, a visit with your veterinarian will set your mind at ease. It’s critical to keep an eye on your dog’s growth with continuous monitoring which you can do at home.
How To Measure Your Akita Dog’s Height?
Measuring your Akita dog’s height is easy and can be a great regular bonding activity with your pet pal. To measure your Akita dog’s height at home, just follow these four easy steps:
- Position your Akita dog against a wall. You must prevent your dog from slouching or becoming distracted.
- Feel the withers of your Akita. The withers is at the tallest part of the shoulder. Feel for the part where the shoulder blades meet at their highest point.
- Place a ruler or level across the withers of your Akita. Place a ruler or carpenter’s level across the withers so that the end touches the wall. Make sure the level is straight before marking it.
- Measure from the ground to your level mark to know the height. Using a measuring tape, measure the distance from the ground to your marking on the wall. This is your Akita’s height.
Conclusion
Akita dogs are large dog breeds that can reach 27.5 inches tall for males and 25 inches for females. They weigh anywhere from 55 to 75 pounds. They take their time to grow as compared to other Japanese native dog breeds but they finish as the largest.
The Akita is not just any other large dog. The Akita’s physical figure and size play a role in its duty as a hunter and a guard dog for many generations. It has an imposing build and a face with an alert, spirited, and intense expression. Every ounce of its being tells you I am here to protect you.
Their legacy is their loyalty. Caring for your Akita so it grows to be the majestic beings that they are is an incomparable experience that all Akita owners can be proud of.
