Akitas come in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns. They are one of the only breeds that allow any color or pattern under AKC guidelines. Here is a sampling of some of the most common colors and patterns found in the Akita. More will be added as I come across them.

A short explanation of common terms: brindle is actually the striping pattern found on a different color. Pinto can be any color, but the color is on a body of white, and covers more than 1/3 of the body. Any less than 1/3 would be considered a white with colored markings. A white body with a solid head is a hood, where a white with colored ears would be considered a white with head markings. Self-masked is when the body color is the color of the mask. The white-faced red is sometimes referred to as urajiro. And edging or etching refers to the beautiful black pattern sometimes found on the edges of the colored portions on a pinto or marked dog.

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Black Masked Red	Fawn, black overlay	Silver, black overlay	Brown w/white mkgs
Fawn	Golden Fawn	Silver Fawn	Self Masked Red
White	White Faced Red	Black Brindle	Red Brindle
Fawn Brindle	Etching/Edging	Hood	Longcoat
Split Mask