If you are looking for a spitz-type muscular dog with a unique coat color, the brindle Akita should be at the top of your list. The brindle Akita is a member of the working group and also doubles as a great companion dog.
Perhaps, you have heard of the popular and profoundly loyal dog, Hachiko. If so, then you must have an idea of the adorable looks and bright personality of an Akita dog.
Keep reading to know more about brindle Akitas. In this article, you will learn about its appearance, personality, coat color genetics, and also several options for where to find a brindle Akita.
What Is a Brindle Akita?
The brindle Akita is an Akita that exhibits a tiger-striped coat that comes in different variations. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the different kinds of brindle Akita include brown, fawn, red, black, and silver brindle. Contrary to popular belief, the brindle Akita is not a hybrid.
A brindle coat typically has a base of brown or fawn coat overlain by different color streaks. Although sometimes described as tiger stripes, a brindle coat in Akitas has more blemished and faint streaks.
The Akita brindle coat color is observed in the American Akita and Japanese Akita Inu — both of which are considered variants of the Akita breed by the AKC.
Are Brindle Akitas Rare?
Yes, brindle Akitas are quite rare. Since there are no commercially available genetic test kits yet for detecting the brindle gene, the specific variation of striping and color of the brindle is difficult to breed.
Also, the brindle coat color is a recessive gene which means it is less likely to physically show unless it is paired with another brindle gene or another less dominant gene.
Furthermore, since most brindle colors are non-standard for this breed, breeders are more inclined to produce the more common colors, such as white, red, and fawn.
Brindle Akita Appearance
The brindle coat Akita shares most of its appearance with other Akita variants. It has a broad head with a deep muzzle, small brown eyes, a black nose, and erect ears. It also takes on the curled tail known in Akitas.
With its muscular body and strong legs, a brindle Akita has a firm gait and powerful strides. Size-wise, it is a large dog standing between 24 and 28 inches tall and weighing 70 to 130 pounds.
The Akita brindle coat is a medium-length double coat that is very dense. Although uncommon, a brindle Akita may also come with a long-haired variant that requires more thorough maintenance.
The brown brindle is considered one of the standard colors of Akita. Meanwhile, other variants, such as fawn, red, black, and silver, are non-standard.
Regardless of the variant, though, all brindle Akitas have dark streaks on differently colored base coats.
Check out this video of a silver brindle Akita enjoying the couch:
Brindle Akita Coat Color Genetics
The Akita brindle coat is determined by the Kbr or the brindle gene on a dog’s DNA sequence as inherited from its two Akita parents. The “gene address” or the location of the Kbr gene is at the K locus.
For a dog to exhibit a brindle coat, its K locus must contain either two brindle genes, Kbr/Kbr, or one brindle and one yellow gene, Kbr/Ky.
However, the expression of the K locus is modified by the Agouti and MC1R genes. These two genes serve as a switch that controls the production of dark and light melanin pigments or brown and red color, respectively.
Their complex interaction results in the diverse appearance, color, and intensity of the stripes and base coat. As for the brindle Akita, variations such as brown, fawn, red, silver, and black variations are observed.
Brindle Akita Temperament and Personality
A brindle Akita dog has the brilliance and loyalty known for this breed and makes good companions. In Japan, the Akita has long been regarded as a courageous family protector wary of strangers and other dogs.
As with other intelligent breeds, the Akita can also be independent and may act on their strong prey drive when threatened. Therefore, they need extensive socialization and obedience training as early as puppyhood.
You may find it easy to train this dog, especially female Akitas, as they are less stubborn than males. However, regardless of gender, an Akita will grow to be a loving and friendly dog if provided with proper training.
Brindle Akita Lifespan and Health Issues
A brindle Akita is a large dog whose lifespan is around 10 to 13 years. An Akita has a relatively shorter lifespan since they age faster and have more genetic issues compared to smaller breeds.
In this section, the common health issues experienced by a brindle Akita are discussed. These issues are related to their genetic pool, family history, and lifestyle.
Some of the problems encountered by a brindle Akita are listed below:
- Hip Dysplasia: This health issue is a hereditary condition that affects most large breeds like an Akita. Hip dysplasia affects the hip joint of dogs, which causes a “bunny-hopping” gait, limping, and weakness. Depending on the severity, it can be treated with medication or surgery.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a disease that causes the thyroid glands to produce an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones. Without these hormones, an Akita dog may suffer from secondary issues like epilepsy, hair loss, skin issues, and lethargy. Fortunately, it can be managed with diet and treated with medications.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This disorder affects the retina of the eyes, which causes night blindness and may lead to complete blindness. Unfortunately, there is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy. But on the upside, this disorder doesn’t cause pain, and your Akita can adapt to the effects of poor eyesight.
Watching your brindle Akita suffer from discomfort is difficult. Since genetic disorders are out of your control, you can focus on other ways to manage or reduce their occurrence.
A healthy and well-balanced diet and exercise can go a long way to improve the quality of life of your brindle Akita dog.
How Much Does a Brindle Akita Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The Akita breed is on the pricier side of the spectrum compared to other breeds. On average, a brindle Akita puppy from reputable breeders costs about $1,000 to $2,500.
The expensive price tag for Akitas is related to their reputation as status symbols in Asia. Aside from the purchase price of a brindle Akita, you also need to consider expenses like dog treats, bed, crate, and other essentials.
Summarize below are some of the initial expenses associated with owning a brindle Akita:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $80 – $150 |
| Bowls | $15 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $50 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $60 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $30 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $620 – $3,150 |
Owning a brindle Akita is far from cheap. Although the price ranges above are only estimated for large breeds like a brindle Akita, this gives you an idea of how much you need to prepare for this dog.
Places to Find Brindle Akita Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Regardless if you are looking for a brindle Japanese Akita or a brindle American Akita, the list of places discussed in this section got you covered.
Since there is such a high demand for this breed, you will not run out of options on where to get your dog. Just watch out and avoid dealing with unethical puppy mills to ensure you get a healthy Akita dog.
Reputable breeders should have a proven experience in the industry and follow safety and sanitation standards in breeding.
Check out some of the sources below to find brindle Akita puppies for sale:
- AKC Marketplace – AKC Marketplace is the best site to find breeders. It only lists AKC-registerable puppies from responsible breeders with a long experience in breeding. But since not all Akita brindle colors are standard for this breed, you have to inquire directly with AKC breeders to find a brindle Akita.
- Table Rock Akitas – This family-owned kennel in South Oregon breeds Akitas for health and temperament. They offer Akitas in various coat colors, including brindle. If you want one of their pups, give them a call and reserve a brindle Akita puppy.
- Country Akitas – This Akita breeder is another family-owned kennel in Northern Minnesota. Their puppies come with a limited AKC registration, health guarantee, vaccine records, and vet checks. They can also be shipped directly to you. Contact them and ask if they have available brindle Akita puppies for sale.
Meanwhile, here are some rescue organizations where you may find a brindle Akita for adoption:
- Big East Akita Rescue (BEAR) – An active member of the Akita Club of America, this rescue group aims to rehome abandoned Akitas on the eastern coast. They provide deworming, vaccination, and alteration to Akitas before they live in foster homes where they get trained. This is a good place to find an adoptable brindle Akita dog.
- Midwest Akita Rescue Society (MARS) – Since 1998, this rescue group has been serving midwestern states and has rehomed over 800 Akitas. Their dogs receive extended vet and foster care before they are released for adoption. If you are nearby, you can look for a brindle Akita and provide them with a forever home.
- Akita Rescue Society of Florida (ARSF) – The Akita Rescue Society of Florida was founded in 1985. This rescue evaluates every Akita dog in terms of health, temperament, and behavior. They even do gene testing and surgeries when required. With this rescue, you can be assured that you are bringing home a healthy brindle Akita.
With all these rescue organizations, you can surely find your dream brindle Akita dog. You may also want to drive around your community to check for local rescues and shelters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Brindle Akitas Shed?
Yes, a brindle Akita has a medium or long-haired double coat that sheds heavily, especially during spring and fall. Thus, this dog requires high coat maintenance.
One way to manage the shedding is by brushing their coat daily. You can also groom them with a short haircut that is easier to maintain.
Are Brindle Akitas Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, the brindle Akita is a heavy shedder, so it cannot be considered hypoallergenic. Loose and dead hairs can cause irritation to allergy sufferers, especially if they own a long-haired brindle Akita.
Final Thoughts
The brindle Akita is a purebred Akita dog with eye-catching and attractive looks. Its brindle double coat comes in brown, red, fawn, silver, and black variations, which can be quite rare and, therefore, a bit expensive.
Since the brindle Akita has medium or long coats, it is a heavy shedder and needs high maintenance. Unless you are allergic to dogs, this could be a small price to pay, as Akitas make excellent companion dogs.
All things considered, if you are looking for a dog with a unique appearance, you can’t go wrong with a brindle Akita. These head-turners are protective and loyal dogs that are sure to win your heart.
So, are you getting one soon? Share with us your thoughts about the Akita with brindle coat in the comments below!
