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Akitas are dignified, powerful dogs with a plush double coat that is clean and low-odor most of the year and shockingly hairy twice a year. When an Akita blows its coat, owners joke that the house looks like it snowed. The rest of the time, grooming is straightforward. This guide covers both the American Akita and the Japanese Akita Inu, how to handle coat blowing, and the breed-specific skin issue every Akita owner should know about.
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The Akita Coat
Akitas have a thick double coat: a straight, harsh outer coat that stands slightly off the body and a soft, dense, thick undercoat. The coat is longest on the withers and rump and on the plush, curled tail. Akitas are naturally clean dogs with minimal odor and often groom themselves somewhat like cats.
Coat blowing
Akitas shed moderately year-round and blow their undercoat heavily, typically twice a year in spring and autumn. A blow can last several weeks, and the undercoat comes out in large tufts and clumps. Owners of both American Akitas and Japanese Akita Inu report the same dramatic seasonal shedding.
Brushing Routine
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| Phase | Brushing frequency | Tools | Time per session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal coat | 1-2x per week | Pin brush, undercoat rake | 15-20 minutes |
| Coat blow | Daily | Undercoat rake, slicker, metal comb | 20-30 minutes |
| After blow | 2x per week | Pin brush, comb | 10-15 minutes |
- Start with a pin brush to remove surface debris.
- Use an undercoat rake to pull loose undercoat, especially from the back, hindquarters and neck.
- Finish with a slicker brush and a metal comb through the tail, pants and behind the ears.
Brush outdoors during a blow if possible.
Do Not Shave an Akita
An Akita’s double coat protects from both cold and heat and shields the skin from sun. Shaving can result in overheating, sunburn and patchy regrowth. The correct approach for warm weather is to remove loose undercoat by brushing, provide shade and water, and exercise during cooler parts of the day.
Bathing and Drying
Akitas need baths only a few times a year; their coat and low odor keep them fresh. The best time to bathe is at the start of a coat blow, when warm water and thorough rinsing help release undercoat. Dry thoroughly with towels and a high-velocity dryer on a cool setting. A damp undercoat can lead to hot spots.
Sebaceous Adenitis
Akitas are one of the breeds predisposed to sebaceous adenitis, an inherited inflammatory condition affecting the oil glands in the skin. Signs can include scaling, hair loss, dull or brittle coat, and a musty odor, often along the back, head and ears. It is sometimes mistaken for ordinary shedding or dry skin. If your Akita’s coat thins outside normal blowing seasons or the skin becomes scaly, see your vet for diagnosis. Management usually involves specific bathing and topical treatments under veterinary guidance.
Nails, Ears and Teeth
Trim nails every three to four weeks. Akitas can be sensitive about handling, so start training early with calm, positive sessions. Their small, upright ears have good airflow but should be checked weekly for debris and redness. Brush teeth several times a week.
Handling a Large, Reserved Dog
Akitas can be reserved with strangers and may not appreciate being handled by unfamiliar groomers. Socialize your Akita to grooming from puppyhood, handle paws, ears and tail regularly, and choose a calm groomer experienced with large spitz breeds. Short, predictable sessions help.
Professional Grooming Costs
A professional Akita deshed with bath, high-velocity dry and undercoat removal typically costs $80 to $140 in the US, and more during peak blowing season or for very large dogs. Many owners book a professional deshed at the start of each blow and brush at home between visits.
FAQ
How often do Akitas blow their coat?
Usually twice a year, in spring and autumn, with each blow lasting several weeks.
Why is my Akita losing hair outside of shedding season?
Possible causes include sebaceous adenitis, allergies, hormonal issues or infections. See your vet for an exam and diagnosis.
Bottom Line
Akitas are easy to groom most of the year but shed dramatically during their twice-yearly coat blows. Brush weekly, daily during blows, bathe only a few times a year and dry thoroughly. Never shave, socialize your Akita to handling early, and watch for scaly skin or hair loss outside normal shedding, which could signal sebaceous adenitis.
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