American Akita

Breed: American Akita | Size: Large | Average lifespan: 10+ years | Character: Calm, composed, and stubborn | Coat: Short | Origin: Japan.

The American Akita, which originated in Japan, developed further in the United States, differentiating it from its cousin, the Akita Inu. Unlike the Americam Akita, the Akita Inu stayed in Japan. This is a Spitz type breed that was recognized by the FCI in 2006. These dogs are large with a fluffy coat. They are intelligent dogs that are like large teddy bears. However, they have complex characters. The American Akita is known as a “cat dog” because they like their independence and need to be socialized very early to be trained.

Origins of the American Akita

The Akitas breed originated in Japan and they came from the region of the same name situated in the north of the island.

A primitive Japanese breed

During the 17th century, “Akitas Matagis”, ancestors of the American Akita, were used to hunt bears. As they are robust and resistant, they were trained for combat back then. These medium-sized dogs were crossed with Mastiff and Tosa breeds to increase their power and strength and to become bigger. In 1908, when combats became forbidden, the breed was preserved and even improved upon to become a popular large breed in Japan. In 1931, 9 elite dogs were designated as historic figure.

Almost went extinct during World War II

The number of Akitas reduced drastically during World War II. All of the dog breeds, except German Shepherds, were killed to feed the starving population or their skin was used to make military clothing. For the breed to survive, they needed to go against the laws. They were then crossed with German Shepherds, preserved for military tasks.

The arrival of the Akita in the Americas

At the end of the war, the Akitas were brought to the United States by American occupation forces when returning back. The American breeders fell in love with their ability to adapt and the robustness of the Akitas. The Akita Club of America was created in 1956. In 1978, the breed was accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC). A breed developed on the territory and distinguished itself from the Akita Inu, their Japanese cousin. It wasn’t until 2006 that the breed was recognized by the FCI.

The character of the American Akita

Do not fall for this dog’s pretty face and teddy-like fur. You must remember that the American Akita has character. As they are primitive dogs, they conserve their hunting instincts and preserve their territory. They are independent and can be stubborn. They are, however, loyal towards their owners and like to follow them everywhere they go.

The American Akita is a calm and obedient dog, they can stay for long hours by your side without being bothered. With a calm and composed nature, these dogs only bark a little. They conserved the hunting instinct of their ancestors and are observant and clever.

When it comes to their downsides, the American Akita is a bit snobby. While you may want to hug an enormous ball of fur all day, this dog will show you that they don’t really want to. This true “cat dog” prefers to come when they want to. In addition, they can be fighters, especially with dogs of the same sex. As territorial dogs, they are dominant, so it is important to socialize them early. Some pet parents would qualify their character as complex. While they are not aggressive, they can have reactions that are unexpected.

The physical characteristics of the American Akita

The American Akita is a large dog. They are different from the Akita Inu because of their color and their massive body. The American Akita can be many colors, which is not the case of the Akita Inu.

Head

Their head is massive, in the form of a triangle. Its small, pointed ears, carried slightly forward, are immediately noticeable. Their muzzle is thick, it is similar to that of German Shepherds, which is probably because of their gene origins. If you look closer, they have large carnivorous teeth that are rather impressive. Lastly, their small round eyes are rather dark when it comes to the color.

Body

Formerly known as the great Japanese dog, they can measure up to 71 cm and weight up to 60 kg (≈ 132.3 lb). With a dignified and noble allure, a soft coat and large size, they are charming and make more and more fans throughout the world as time passes. The American Akita is longer than their are tall. With heavy bones, they are solid, large, and well-proportioned. Their tail is held high and curls on the bottom of their back.

American Akita: coat, color and grooming

While the American Akita is a short-haired dog, it is also possible to find American Akita with a long coat.

Coat

The coat of this breed is made up of a double coat, which means that they have an undercoat and a top coat. The undercoat acts as a thermal insulator, and is fluffy, thick and shorter than the outer coat. The top coat serves as protection, it is dense, hard, and thick. Lastly, their coat can be long and more abundant than the rest of their body. It should be noted that the American Akita molts twice a year.

The colors of the American Akita

The standard authorizes all colors, even mixed colors, which is not the case for the Akita Inu. Among the most common colors, there is red, fawn, white, and black, and different nuances like the sand, mixed, and brindle. The undercoat is a different colors than the top coat. The particularity of the American Akita is that it looks like they are wearing a mask. The front of the head has an effect, a color darker like black or brown, compared to the rest of the body.

Grooming the American Akita

During molting periods, twice a year, you need to think about brushing well their fur to avoid skin problems. It is recommended to give them a bath every 6 to 8 weeks with an adapted shampoo. Their coat is dense and thick, you need to make sure that it penetrates well the product in deepness.

As they are large dogs, they grow quickly up to eight months then slower until their 18 months where they start to arrive to maturity. The puppies’ caloric needs are important. After they are weaned around 2 months, you can feed them good quality of kibble containing proteins.

This Letsgetpet article might also interest you: Top 10 American dog breeds

Did you know?

The American Akita has webbed feet, therefore, they are comfortable in the water. You can, for example, propose a plunge in the water, and they would get along well in it.