The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

Akita Dog Breed Types

Close up front view - A large breed black, tan and white Akita dog standing at the top of stairs. Its mouth is open and its tongue is sticking out. It has small perk ears, round small eyes and a black nose.

There are two types of Akitas, the original Japanese Akita breed and now a separate designation for American standard Akitas. The weights and sizes are different and the American standard allows for a black mask, whereas the original Japanese breed standard does not allow a black mask. According to the FCI, in Japan and in many other countries around the world the American Akita is considered a separate breed from the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita). In the United States and Canada, both the American Akita and the Akita Inu are considered a single breed with differences in type rather than two separate breeds.

Two Japanese Akita dogs laying in the woods with an orange bowl between them. They have small perk ears that are set wide apart and squinty eyes.

Japanese Akitas - Tamami & Akemi

The left side of a large breed tan with white and black American Akita dog standing across a hardwood floor and its mouth is slightly open. Its tail is curled up over its back.

American Akita - Teddy the 1-year-old Akita

Other Names
  • Akita Inu
  • Akita-ken
  • American Akita
  • American Hakita
  • Great Japanese Dog
  • Japanese Akita