Male vs Female Akita: An In-Depth Look at the Loyal Japanese Breed

Are you considering welcoming an Akita into your life? As a dog lover, it‘s hard to resist the allure of these majestic, bear-like dogs with their deep, soulful eyes and foxlike faces. Akitas are truly special companions—loyal, courageous, and utterly devoted to their families. But they‘re certainly not the dog for everyone.

These powerful, independent-minded dogs require much more than just a walk around the block. Akitas were bred to hunt big game and guard nobility in feudal Japan, and they still have those strong protective instincts today. Without proper training and socialization, an Akita‘s territorial nature can spell big trouble.

As you research whether an Akita is right for you, you‘ll also need to decide whether a male or female is the best fit. While every dog is an individual, there are some typical differences between male and female Akitas to consider. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll explore the key distinctions between the sexes and help you determine which one would suit your lifestyle best.

The Akita: A Breed Apart

First, let‘s take a closer look at the Akita breed as a whole. The Akita‘s story begins in the rugged, snow-swept mountains of northern Japan, where they were prized by the Matagi people as fierce bear hunting companions. In the 17th century, owning Akitas became restricted to the Imperial family and Japanese aristocracy, who used them as guards and symbols of status.

The Akita‘s most famous ancestor is Hachiko, an extremely loyal dog who waited for his deceased owner at a Tokyo train station every day for nine years until his own death in 1935. Hachiko‘s incredible devotion cemented the Akita as a national treasure in Japan, and his statue still stands at Shibuya Station today.

After World War II, American servicemen brought Akitas back to the US, where they‘ve slowly gained popularity as pets. Today‘s American Akita is slightly larger than the Japanese Akita Inu, but both types share the same general appearance and temperament.

According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, Akitas are burly, heavy-boned dogs with thick double coats, curled tails, and bear-like heads. Males stand 26 to 28 inches and weigh 85 to 130 pounds, while females are 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh 70 to 110 pounds.

Akita temperament is often described as courageous, dignified, and strong-willed. They tend to be reserved with strangers but incredibly affectionate and loyal to their trusted family members. Many Akita owners say their dogs are almost catlike—fastidiously clean, highly intelligent, and not overly eager to please.

These traits come with some built-in challenges. Akitas have a mind of their own and won‘t blindly obey commands like some breeds. They require a firm and consistent training approach from day one, along with extensive socialization to keep territorial instincts in check.

Male Akitas: Powerful Presence, Dominant Attitude

Now, let‘s dive into the differences between male and female Akitas, starting with the boys. The first thing you‘ll notice about a male Akita is his commanding size and presence. Standing up to 28 inches tall and weighing as much as 130 pounds, a male Akita is sure to turn heads on the street.

But a male Akita‘s dominant attitude is even more imposing than his stature. These guys tend to be assertive, stubborn, and prone to pushing boundaries, especially if not trained properly. They often have a lower tolerance for other dogs, particularly those of the same sex.

Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club, notes that male Akitas "tend to be more aloof with strangers and take longer to warm up to new people and situations than females."

This guarded nature doesn‘t mean male Akitas are aggressive by default. But it does mean they need an especially confident, experienced owner who can establish clear boundaries and maintain the upper hand.

Think you‘re up for the challenge? A well-trained male Akita will be your fiercest protector and most loyal friend. Many male Akitas are one-person dogs who completely devote themselves to their chosen human.

Just remember these fellas need a job and plenty of physical and mental exercise to keep them happy. A bored, pent-up male Akita is likely to create his own entertainment—and you probably won‘t like his ideas. Thirty to sixty minutes of vigorous exercise along with regular obedience training and puzzle toys are a must to keep that big Akita brain busy.

Female Akitas: Slightly Softer, Strongly Maternal

What about female Akitas? In general, females are a bit smaller than males, standing 24 to 26 inches tall and weighing 70 to 110 pounds. But don‘t let that fool you—a female Akita is still a whole lot of dog with a larger-than-life personality.

The biggest difference between male and female Akitas comes down to temperament. Females tend to be less dominant and pushy than males, making them somewhat easier for first-time Akita owners to handle.

According to Akita rescue expert Elizabeth Brubaker, female Akitas "often have a softer demeanor and are less prone to challenging their humans—but they‘re still Akitas with that independent spirit."

That spirit shows up strongly when it comes to other female dogs. Same-sex aggression is more common in female Akitas than males, so adding a female Akita to a household with another female dog is not recommended.

On the flip side, female Akitas tend to have stronger maternal instincts than males. They‘re often more naturally nurturing towards their human family members, especially children. This isn‘t to say male Akitas aren‘t affectionate—they certainly are—but many females have an extra soft spot for their special people.

Similar to males, female Akitas require plenty of exercise, training, and socialization to be well-adjusted pets. They may be a little less stubborn than males on average, but they‘re still incredibly smart, strong-willed dogs who need a firm, consistent leader.

Akita Health & Lifespan: Is There a Gender Difference?

Both male and female Akitas are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, they can be prone to certain genetic health issues including hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy.

According to a 2011 health survey by the Akita Club of America, the most common cause of death in Akitas was cancer, followed by bloat and immune-mediated disease. The survey found a slightly higher cancer rate in females than males, but this difference wasn‘t statistically significant.

A 2021 UK Kennel Club study on Akita lifespan found that females tend to live about 10 months longer than males on average. The median longevity for females was 10 years 8 months compared to 9 years 10 months for males.

When it comes to orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia, research shows that male Akitas may be slightly more prone than females. A 2018 study in the journal PLOS One found that across all breeds, males had 1.3 times the odds of hip dysplasia compared to females.

The study authors note that the exact reasons for this gender difference are unclear, but larger body size and hormonal factors in males may play a role. This underscores the importance of responsible breeding practices and thorough health testing of parent dogs to minimize dysplasia risk.

Results of the Akita Club of America 2011 health survey showing the most common causes of death in Akitas. Source: Akita Club of America

Another important health consideration for female Akitas is the spay/neuter debate. Some studies, like a 2013 report in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, suggest that early spay/neuter before 1 year of age may increase the risk of certain orthopedic issues and cancers in large breed dogs.

However, delaying spaying also comes with risks, including unwanted pregnancy and pyometra (uterine infection). Discuss the best timing for spaying your female Akita with your veterinarian, who can make a recommendation based on your dog‘s individual needs.

Caring for Your Akita: Exercise, Grooming, and More

Whether you choose a male or female Akita, some aspects of their care will be the same. First and foremost, Akitas need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. A minimum of 30 to 60 minutes per day of vigorous activity like jogging, hiking, or playing is a must for these athletic dogs.

Akitas also need regular obedience training and socialization throughout their lives. This is non-negotiable for such a powerful, strong-willed breed. Start training your Akita puppy as soon as you bring them home and keep reinforcing good behavior into adulthood.

When it comes to grooming, both male and female Akitas are blessed (or cursed, depending on your tolerance for fur) with a thick, luxurious double coat. They typically "blow coat" twice a year, shedding their undercoat in large tufts. During this time daily brushing is a must to keep up with the fluff.

The rest of the year, brushing your Akita a few times a week should suffice. Males may require slightly more grooming than females due to their thicker mane of neck fur. And luckily, Akitas don‘t tend to be smelly dogs, so a bath every month or two is plenty.

Akitas can be prone to skin allergies, so it‘s important to feed them a high-quality diet and not over-bathe them, which can strip the coat of natural oils. If you notice excessive itching, flaking, or hot spots, consult your veterinarian.

Deciding Between a Male and Female Akita

So, which Akita gender is right for you? Let‘s sum up some of the key points to consider:

• Size: Males are larger and heavier than females on average. If you‘re looking for a big, imposing dog, a male Akita may be your best bet.

• Temperament: Males tend to be more dominant, territorial, and aloof with strangers than females. They can be more challenging for first-time Akita owners. Females are often slightly less headstrong and may warm up to new people a bit faster.

• Same-sex aggression: Female Akitas are more likely to show aggression towards other females than males are to other males. If you have a female dog already, you may want to consider a male Akita.

• Trainability: Both male and female Akitas are highly intelligent but may not be as eager to please as some breeds. Females tend to be a little more responsive to training, but all Akitas need a firm, consistent approach.

• Lifespan: Female Akitas may live slightly longer on average than males, but this difference isn‘t dramatic.

• Health: Male Akitas may be somewhat more prone to orthopedic issues due to their larger size, but overall health risks are similar for both sexes.

• Grooming: Males have a slightly thicker coat and mane, so they may need a bit more brushing than females. But both shed heavily and require regular grooming.

Ultimately, the best Akita gender for you depends on your experience level, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Whichever sex you choose, it‘s important to do your research and find a responsible Akita breeder who health tests their dogs and breeds for sound temperament.

A good breeder will help match you with the right puppy for your family and provide guidance throughout your Akita‘s life. They should allow you to meet the parent dogs and let you see how they interact with people and other animals.

It‘s also worth considering adopting an adult Akita from a rescue organization. Many wonderful Akitas end up in shelters through no fault of their own and can make fantastic companions. Adopting an adult allows you to see their full-grown size and temperament, which can be helpful in deciding between a male and female.

The Bond Between Akita and Owner

Bringing home your Akita puppy or adult dog is just the beginning of a beautiful journey. As you raise your Akita, you‘ll be amazed by their intelligence, loyalty, and goofy sense of humor. Akitas may have a serious reputation, but they also love to make their humans laugh with silly antics like "talking" (Akitas are famously vocal), playing hide and seek, and even trying to outsmart puzzle toys.

Over time, you‘ll develop an unbreakable bond with your Akita built on mutual trust and respect. Akitas are often velcro dogs who want to be with their favorite humans as much as possible. Don‘t be surprised if your Akita follows you from room to room, leans against you while you work, and insists on sleeping in your bed.

This devotion is a double-edged sword, as Akitas can be prone to separation anxiety if not trained to feel comfortable alone. It‘s important to teach your Akita puppy that being by themselves is okay and give them puzzle toys or long-lasting chews to keep them busy while you‘re gone.

Besides being affectionate with family, Akitas are also known for their courage and protective instincts. They aren‘t afraid to stand up to perceived threats, whether that‘s a wild animal on a hike or a sketchy stranger on the street. Many owners say their Akitas have an uncanny ability to sense danger and will put themselves between their humans and anything they deem suspicious.

This loyalty and bravery was famously demonstrated by an Akita named Morie who lived in the Japanese village of Ajigasawa. When an earthquake devastated the village and caused massive flooding, Morie led her elderly owner to safety on higher ground. Even after her owner collapsed, Morie stayed by her side and barked for help until rescuers arrived. The story of Morie‘s devotion spread across Japan, cementing the Akita‘s status as a national hero.

Of course, not every Akita will be called upon for such dramatic feats of courage. But the breed‘s strong bond with their owners and protective nature is unmistakable. Whether male or female, an Akita will be your fearless friend for life.

Final Thoughts

Deciding to bring an Akita into your home is a big commitment. These powerful, majestic dogs require dedicated training, socialization, and care to thrive. But for the right owner, an Akita can be an incredibly rewarding companion—fiercely loyal, endlessly entertaining, and utterly devoted.

When choosing between a male and female Akita, consider your experience level, household situation, and lifestyle. Males tend to be larger and more dominant, while females may be slightly less stubborn and more responsive to training. But ultimately, the individual dog‘s personality matters more than sex alone.

Whether you bring home a male or female Akita, remember that investing time and effort into training, socializing, and bonding with your dog is key. An Akita is not a casual pet, but a lifelong partner who will stand by your side through thick and thin. If you‘re ready for the challenge, an Akita will give you their heart and soul in return.