Last updated July 2026
A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as unacceptable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.
Brief Historical Summary
The Akita Inu is the original Akita as found in Japan and has remained remarkably unchanged for centuries. The Japanese Akita Inu originated in the Tohoku area of Japan, which sits below the Hokkaido Island. Several names have been used in describing the Akita depending on the region of origin, such as Odate-Inu, and Kazuno-Inu from the Northern Regions. Collectively they were known as ‘Regional Dogs’. Those living in towns and used for fighting were known as ‘Kuwae-Inu’, while others used for hunting in the countryside were known as ‘Matagi-Inu’. The dogs were quite similar in style. They were all Japanese dogs, which had been bred in these areas since ancient times. These were the ancestors of today’s Akita.
General appearance
Large well-balanced, sturdily built dog of Spitz type, with substance. Very slightly longer than high. Stand off coat with brilliant colours and defined markings. Sexes are clearly distinguishable from each other.
Important Proportions
Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at withers, as 11:10. Females may be slightly longer. Skull to muzzle proportions 3:2
Temperament
Alert and agile. Bold, dignified, composed character. Indifferent to strangers. Never nervous.
Head and skull
When viewed from the front, the head appears rounded due to well-developed cheeks. From above, the head appears as a blunt triangle. Broad skull, flat and free from wrinkle. Defined stop and distinct furrow. Skull to muzzle proportions 3:2. Muzzle strong with broad base, tapering but not pointed, Nasal bridge straight. Nose large and black except in white dogs where flesh coloured nose is acceptable. Lips tight with dark pigment.
Eyes
Relatively small, placed moderately apart, almost triangular in shape due to the rising of the outer eye corner, dark brown and obliquely set. Eye rims dark and tight.
Ears
Thick, triangular and slightly hooded, with rounded tips. Relatively small, set moderately well apart, pricked and inclining forward. Closely following the line of the neck in profile.
Mouth
Strong jaws with a perfect regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Full dentition and well-developed teeth.
Neck
Thick and muscular, of moderate length, without dewlap. Pronounced crest blending with back of skull.
Forequarters
Shoulders moderately laid back with well-developed muscles. Elbows set close to chest. Forelegs well boned and straight when viewed from the front. Pasterns slightly sloping.
Body
Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at withers, as 11:10. Females may be slightly longer. Firm, level back. Chest deep with well-developed forechest. Moderately sprung rib cage with well-defined tuck up. Short coupled with broad and muscular loin.
Hindquarters
Strong with well developed muscles. Broad thighs, moderate angulation. Firm hocks, well let down, turning neither in nor out.
Feet
Round, arched and tight with thick pads. Turning neither in nor out.
Tail
Strong at root, set on high. Thick, full and of good length. Tightly curled over the back to either side. Uncurled tail highly undesirable.
Gait/movement
Powerful and resilient, moderate length of stride providing for an efficient, rhythmic gait, converging towards the centre line at speed. Stilted or extended gait undesirable.
Coat
Outer coat coarse, stand-off and straight. Slightly longer at withers and rump. More profuse on tail. Undercoat soft and dense. Ruff or feathering undesirable.
Colour
Red fawn, with whitish urajiro markings.
Sesame: red fawn, guard hairs with black tips, with whitish urajiro markings.
Brindle: defined striping, evenly distributed, with greyish urajiro markings. White markings desirable around nose, on chest, feet and tip of tail.
White markings on back of neck tolerated in red fawn, sesame and brindle.
White: Pure white in colour, with no urajiro markings visible.
(Urajiro: a defined pattern of markings and must appear on sides of muzzle, on cheeks and chest, on underside of jaw, neck, body and tail and the inside of legs. These markings must blend gradually with the main coat colour and not extend above the elbow or hock.)
Any other colour or combination of colours unacceptable.
Size
Height at withers: dogs 64-70cms (25¼-27½ ins); bitches 58-64 cms (22¾-25¼ ins).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
*Note for prospective puppy buyers
Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.