# Akita (*Canis lupus familiaris*) The Akita is a big and fluffy dog that loves to play! They are very friendly and make great friends for families. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Also known as:** Akita Inu, Japanese Akita ![Akita](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424522/objects/4423.jpg) ## Appearance The Akita is a powerful, large dog known for its distinctive curled tail and dense double coat. They often have a mask-like facial marking and come in red, fawn, white, or brindle. Erect, triangular ears give them an alert look, setting them apart from many droopy-eared breeds. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - Akita puppies are born with floppy ears that stand up later! - Akitas originally come from the snowy mountains of Japan! - Hachiko, a famous Akita, waited nine years for his owner! - They were once used to hunt bears and wild boar! ## Special abilities - **Silent Hunter:** Akita can move very quietly due to their padded paws, helping them approach prey or observe surroundings unnoticed. - **Weather Warrior:** Akita has a thick double coat providing excellent insulation, keeping them warm in cold climates. - **Loyalty Lock:** Akita forms incredibly strong bonds with their family, fiercely protecting them due to their natural guardian instincts. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 58-70 cm - **Weight:** 34-54 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-13 years - **Speed:** 45 km/h - **Litter Size:** 3-12 - **Gestation:** 58-68 days ## Diet & Feeding Akitas are omnivores that thrive on a balanced diet of meat, grains, and vegetables provided by their owners. - **Age differences:** null - **Primary Foods:** commercial dog food, cooked meat, vegetables, fruits, grains - **Foraging Method:** Null ## Ecological connections - **Symbiotic with:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Provides companionship while receiving care and shelter. - **Hunts:** [House Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-mouse) (*Mus musculus*) — May hunt small rodents, particularly historically or in rural settings. - **Hunts:** [Brown Rat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-rat) (*Rattus norvegicus*) — Known to chase and dispatch pests around homes and farms. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always ask an adult before petting a dog, and be gentle and calm around them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Akita? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Akita? 58-70 cm ### How much does Akita weigh? 34-54 kg ### How long does Akita live? 10-13 years ### How fast can Akita move? 45 km/h ### What does Akita eat? Akitas are omnivores that thrive on a balanced diet of meat, grains, and vegetables provided by their owners. ### How does Akita hunt? Null ### How many babies does Akita usually have? 3-12 ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Akita: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/akita)