The Akita is a member of the working group of dogs. This dog breed is most notable for looking a lot like a giant teddy bear with its thick fluffy coat, stocky legs, and characteristic facial features. In the United States and Canada the American Akita and the Japanese Akita (also known as the Akita Inu) are considered to be the same breed, but outside of these countries they are categorized as different breeds.
The Akita stands 25-28 inches at the shoulders. Females Akitas weigh anywhere from 75-85 lbs and male Akitas are 75-120 lbs. The Akita Inu come in five colors: Red, Fawn, Sesame, Brindle, and Pure White. All except white must have whitish hair on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, the neck, chest, body, and tail.
Akitas are a large dog breed and are not considered to be a dog for novice owners. The dog's master should be assertive in showing the dog its place in the pack and should have some experience of dog behavior. Akitas are naturally wary of unknown people and animals and should be well socialized to avoid undesirable aggression.
Akitas have a lifespan of about 10 to 12 years, which is similar to other breeds of their size. In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer, cardiac complication, and gastrointestinal problems.