Japanese Akita Inu Dogs in Wigston, Leicestershire

Yes, you can own an Akita in the UK. It is advisable to purchase from a reputable breeder who meets Kennel Club Assured breeder standards to ensure health and ethical breeding. Adoption from rescue centres is also an option. Owning an Akita requires commitment to their ongoing care, which can average at least £105 per month, covering food, vaccinations, neutering, grooming, and more.

The terms Japanese Akita and Akita Inu often refer to the same breed, with 'Akita Inu' meaning 'Akita dog' in Japanese. The distinction is commonly made in Western countries to differentiate the traditional Japanese Akita Inu, which has a reserved temperament and finer features, from the American Akita—a larger and more robust variation developed in the US. The Japanese Akita Inu is considered a national monument of Japan.

Akitas are expensive due to their rarity and strict pure breeding standards, especially for the Japanese Akita Inu. Breeding costs include extensive health tests and responsible care. Additionally, the lifetime costs of feeding, healthcare, grooming, and training add to the expense, and because they require experienced owners, demand is more limited, raising their value.