Akita Dogs for Adoption

90 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 90 below.

About adopting a Akita

The Akita is a large Japanese guardian breed, dignified, quiet, and fiercely devoted to its own household. Akitas were kept by nobility and used for hunting large game, and that heritage makes a dog that is confident, independent, and not inclined to fawn over strangers. Shelters see them after owners underestimate the breed's strength and its opinions about other dogs.

Same-sex dog aggression is common in the breed and needs honest management. Akitas are clean, often cat-like in their habits, and generally calm indoors with moderate exercise. They shed enormously in season. Puppies are fluffy and stubborn and need early socialization with people. Adults may be wonderful with their family and unwilling to share with other pets.

Hips, thyroid, eyes, and certain immune conditions are topics to ask the shelter and your veterinarian about. Akitas are loyal, protective, and best suited to experienced owners who can provide structure and do not expect a party-friendly dog. Homes without other dogs tend to be easiest. Ask the shelter or rescue how this Akita has behaved with other animals, how he greets strangers, and what training he has had so far.

90 Akita dogs available — page 1 of 3

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Photo of Sierra, adoptable Akita in Romoland, California

Sierra

Akita FemaleMediumYoung

Sierra is a darling, petite, young female Akita that’s ready for her own family!!! She is very sweet and could do well with another dog!! Sierra is li…

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc. • Romoland, CA

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Photo of Kyoto, adoptable Akita in Romoland, California

Kyoto

Akita MaleLargeYoung

Kyoto is available for adoption!! He is a young male adult akita that is very people friendly and is not a fan of other dogs. Kyoto LOVES all his favo…

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc. • Romoland, CA

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Photo of Smokey, adoptable Akita in Romoland, California

Smokey

Akita MaleLarge2 years

Smokey is a young adult Huskita mix that probably leans more on the Husky side of things because he is just an all around nice guy!! Probably about 3-…

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc. • Romoland, CA

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Photo of Buttercup, adoptable Akita in Romoland, California

Buttercup

Akita FemaleMediumYoung

BUTTERCUP is a very sweet young female Akita that is available for adoption!!! She is a fun, happy little girl that loves to go for walks and follow h…

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc. • Romoland, CA

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Photo of Cash, adoptable Akita in Romoland, California

Cash

Akita MaleLargeYoung

CASH is available for adoption!! He is a young male akita that is friendly and has gotten along with friendly dogs through the fence. He has done well…

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc. • Romoland, CA

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Photo of Mindy, adoptable Akita in Houston, Texas

Mindy

Akita FemaleMedium5 years

City of Houston, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care • Houston, TX

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Photo of Rex, adoptable Akita in Martinsburg, West Virginia

Rex

Akita MaleLargeYoung

Rex has been with us for several months after spening several months at animal control. He is an Akita mix, he just turned a year old. He is still so …

Berkeley County Humane Society • Martinsburg, WV

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Photo of Carl, adoptable Akita in Brewster, Massachusetts

Carl

Akita MaleMedium3 years

MEET CARL!Carl is a silly, active, playful dog who could use some help working on his manners. He makes all the shelter staff laugh with his goofy per…

Animal Rescue League of Boston - Cape Cod Branch • Brewster, MA

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Photo of Goof, adoptable Akita in Riverside, California

Goof

Akita MaleMedium2 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Karma, adoptable Akita in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Karma

Akita FemaleMedium0 years

Meet Karma, a young spayed female Akita mix who is proof that great thingsreally do come in smaller packages! Weighing just 40 pounds, this beautifuls…

Albuquerque Animal Services - Westside • Albuquerque, NM

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Photo of Koda, adoptable Akita in Chula Vista, California

Koda

Akita MaleLarge5 years

Koda is the total package — sweet, social, and ready to be your best friend! He loves soaking up pets and attention and will happily stay close by you…

Chula Vista Animal Care Facility • Chula Vista, CA

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Photo of Koa, adoptable Akita in Haw River, North Carolina

Koa

Akita MaleMedium4 years

Koa is a sweet, affectionate boy who loves nothing more than getting cuddles and spending time with his people. He knows sit and paw, and he’s very fo…

Burlington Adoption Center • Haw River, NC

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Photo of Millie, adoptable Akita in Cranford, New Jersey

Millie

Akita FemaleLarge0 years

BIG GIRL. BIG HEART. BIG LOVE TO GIVE. Please meet Millie — and trust us, this beautiful girl is impossible not to love! At just about 10 months old, …

Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption Inc • Cranford, NJ

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Photo of Gelato, adoptable Akita in San Bernardino, California

Gelato

Akita MaleSmall1 year

View this post on Instagram A post shared by City of San Bernardino Department of Animal Services (@sbcitypets)

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Bob, adoptable Akita in Miami, Florida

Bob

Akita Male1 year

Bob (#A2784586) is a happy-go-lucky 1-year-old Akita mix who's been waiting for his forever home since arriving as a stray in early May. This playful …

Miami Dade Animal Services • Miami, FL

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Photo of Provolone, adoptable Akita in Romoland, California

Provolone

Akita MaleLarge1 year

Provolone is a handsome young baby boy Akita, maybe a year or so old that is ready for adoption!! It is amazing how different this beautiful boy looks…

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc. • Romoland, CA

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Photo of Ace, adoptable Akita in Romoland, California

Ace

Akita MaleLarge1 year

Ace is a young adult male Akita ready for adoption!!! He is a very good boy that knows how to sit and is definitely young and ready to learn about lif…

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc. • Romoland, CA

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Photo of Archer, adoptable Akita in Romoland, California

Archer

Akita MaleLarge2 years

ARCHER is a fun-loving young male Akita that is about a year old or so and is super sweet and just a pup ready for his forever home!! He has grown up …

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc. • Romoland, CA

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Photo of Titan #2, adoptable Akita in Chandler, Arizona

Titan #2

Akita MaleLarge1 year

Please note this dog is NOT an official Underdog dog, and you will be connected with the person who has the dog. Please Contact Carrie, 413-949-1872, …

Underdog Rescue of Arizona, LLC • Chandler, AZ

Adopting a Akita — FAQ

Are Akitas good with other dogs?

Often not, particularly with dogs of the same sex. Akitas were bred to be dominant and can react strongly to a challenge. Some live peacefully with an opposite-sex dog, and a few are broadly sociable. Ask the shelter for a candid account of this dog's behavior around other dogs.

Are Akitas good family dogs?

With their own family, they can be superb, loyal, gentle, and protective. They are less tolerant of strangers and of visiting children who play roughly. Families with older kids and few visitors tend to do well. Early socialization and firm, fair training are essential for a young Akita.

How much exercise does an Akita need?

A moderate amount. Daily walks and some play satisfy most Akitas, and they are calm in the house. They are not marathon partners. Mental work and a consistent routine matter more than distance. Heat is hard on the thick coat, so summer exercise should be early or late in the day.

How do I adopt a Akita?

Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.

Are Akita dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?

Many Akita dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.

How much does it cost to adopt a Akita?

Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.

Are Akita dogs good with children or other pets?

It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.

Can I foster a Akita instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Akita gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.

What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Akita?

Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.