When researching American Akitas, one of the first things potential owners will want to know is how big the breed can get. Akitas are large dogs, and there is a lot of variation in their size based on their parents and grandparents.
There are some general guidelines that potential owners can use to get an idea of how big their American Akita will be as an adult. Based on our research and studies, the average American Akita breed’s height range from 26 to 28 inches for males and 24 to 26 inches for females. (Read more about differences between Male and Female Akitas).
The weight range is slightly less easy to predict, as it depends not just on the Akita’s height, but also on the dog’s overall build and frame. Our research shows that the average weight for American Akitas is between 100 and 130 pounds for males, and 80 to 110 pounds for females.
It’s important to remember that these are just averages and there is a lot of variation within the breed. Some Akitas will fall well outside of these ranges, especially if they take after their larger or smaller relatives.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the size of American Akitas and some of the factors that can influence their height and weight. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make sure your Akita stays at a healthy weight.
How large are American Akitas with respect to other dog breeds?
The American Akita is a huge breed of dog, and they are typically much bigger than other popular breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. For this reason, they are considered ideal guard dogs.
By the age of 18 months, American Akita puppies are typically grown to their full adult size. However, they can continue to fill out and bulk up until they are about 2 years old.
As puppies, American Akitas typically grow rapidly during their first year. However, their growth rate will start to slow down after that.
The American Akita’s growth potential is largely due to its large bones and thick muscles. They are a very athletic breed, and they often excel in activities such as agility, obedience, tracking, and weight pulling.
In addition to their physical strength, American Akitas are also known for their mental toughness. These dogs are extremely intelligent and have a strong desire to please their owners.
American Akitas – Growth Chart
The following chart shows the average growth of American Akitas. Keep in mind that this is just an average and your Akita may be larger or smaller than the average.
American Akita Growth Chart (Age, Size, and Weight)
| Akita Age | Height (inches) | Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 weeks | 10-12 | 5-8 |
| 3 months | 13-16 | 15-20 |
| 6 months | 16-20 | 30-40 |
| 9 months | 20-22 | 40-60 |
| 12 months | 22-26 | 50-70 |
| 18 months | 22-26 | 60-80 |
| 2 years | 28+ | 80-110 |
As you can see, young American Akitas grow quite rapidly. They continue to grow until they are about three years old.
A Comprehensive Guide to American Akita Sizes
When it comes to the American Akita, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how big your dog will ultimately become. Growth rates and adult sizes can vary significantly from one individual to the next, even within the same litter. That said, there are some general trends that can give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of your Akita’s eventual size.
Here is a comprehensive guide to American Akita growth rates and sizes, broken down by age and sex. Keep in mind that these are averages, and your individual dog may vary from what is listed here.
Puppyhood (0-12 months)
During the first few months of life, all American Akitas grow rapidly. Males typically grow slightly faster and larger than females, but the difference is usually not significant.
At birth, American Akita puppies usually weigh between 8 and 16 ounces (230-450 grams). At one month old, babies typically weigh 4 to 8 pounds (1.8-3.6 kg). At two months old, they usually weigh between 8 and 15 pounds (3.6-6.8 kg).
By three months old, most American Akitas weigh between 15 and 25 pounds (6.8-11.3 kg). At four months old, they generally weigh between 20 and 30 pounds (9.1-13.6 kg).
The rapid growth phase slows down somewhat during the fifth and sixth months of life, with most Akitas gaining about 5-10 pounds (2.3-4.5 kg) during this time period.
Adolescence (7-18 months)
During adolescence, growth rates vary considerably from one individual to the next. Some dogs may grow to their maximum size by 18 months old, while others may not reach their adult height until they are two years old or even older.
In general, male Akita are fully grown between 14 and 18 months of age, but some may attain it as late as two years of age.
The average female Akita reaches a full adult height between 12 and 16 months of age however, some take longer reaching it between 18 and 24 months.
Adulthood (19 months and older)
Upon reaching adulthood, most American Akitas do not experience any significant changes in size or weight. However, some individual dogs may continue to fill out and add muscle mass during this time period.
Fully grown American Akitas typically weigh between 70 and 130 pounds (32-59 kg). Males are usually on the upper end of this range, while females are typically on the lower end.
The average adult male American Akita stands 26-28 inches (66-71 cm) tall at the shoulder, while the average adult female American Akita stands 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) tall at the shoulder.
How to Measure an American Akita’s Size
To get an accurate idea of the size of your American Akita, you will need to measure both its height and weight.
Height: To measure your Akita’s height, have them stand on a level surface with their head up. Use a tape measure to find the distance from the ground to the top of their shoulders.
Weight: To weigh your Akita, you will need to use a digital scale. Place the scale on a level surface and have your Akita step onto it. Make sure they are standing still and not moving around too much.
Once you have their height and weight, you can use the growth chart above to find out where they fall in terms of the average size for American Akitas.
FAQs
What Factors Affect an American Akita’s Size?
The size of an American Akita can be affected by several factors, including:
1. Parentage: If their parents are on the larger side, then they will likely be as well.
2. Gender: Male Akitas are typically larger than females.
3. Diet: What your Akita eats can also play a role in its size. A diet that is high in protein and calories will help them to grow bigger and bulkier.
4. Exercise: Akitas that get plenty of exercises may be more muscular and compact than those that don’t.
What if my American Akita is smaller or larger than average?
No matter what size your American Akita is, don’t worry! There is no right or wrong size for this breed. Some Akitas are just naturally smaller or larger than others. As long as they are healthy and happy, that’s all that matters.
If you feel like your Akita is on the smaller side, you may want to talk to your vet to make sure they are getting enough nutrition and exercise. Additionally, you may want to consider switching to a food that is specifically designed to help small breeds gain weight.
What if my American Akita is already too big?
If your American Akita is already bigger than you would like them to be, there are a few things you can do to help control its size.
Healthy Diet: Feeding your Akita a healthy diet is one of the best ways to help them maintain their size. Choose dog foods that are high in protein and low in calories.
Exercise: Making sure your Akita gets plenty of exercises is also important. This will help to keep their muscles toned and their weight under control.
Avoiding Obesity: Feeding your Akita the right amount of food with the necessary nutrients and vitamins is crucial to avoiding obesity. An Akita that is overweight is more likely to experience health problems such as joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn all about the different sizes of American Akitas. Have you ever owned an Akita or another large breed dog? Let us know in the comments how it went! Thanks for reading!
