American Akita

The striking American Akita breed is renowned for both its devoted personality and great stature. These dogs are stunning and frightening at the same time, with a powerful build and majestic appearance. The American Akita has a rich history that continues to influence its personality, having been originally bred in Japan for hunting and guarding purposes.

Strong loyalty is one of the most endearing qualities of the American Akita. They have strong bonds with their families and frequently defend the people they care about. This makes them fantastic watchdogs, but it also means that in order to guarantee that they are well-adjusted around people and other pets, they must receive the right training and socialization from a young age.

American Akitas have a playful side in addition to their tough exterior. They love being outside and do best in spaces where they can run around and have fun. They must exercise frequently to stay happy and healthy. These dogs can be wonderful additions to active households and affectionate companions given the proper amount of exercise and attention.

But not everyone is cut out to be an American Akita owner. Training with patience and consistency is essential because their independent nature can occasionally come across as stubbornness. A strong relationship that lasts a lifetime can be forged by getting to know their needs and peculiarities. There is much to discover about the amazing Akita breed, whether you plan to expand your family with one or are just interested in learning more.

A striking and strong breed, the American Akita is renowned for its strength, loyalty, and protectiveness. The Akita has a long history of being used as working dogs and is an excellent companion and guard dog for active families. In order to give potential owners a better understanding of what it means to live with an Akita, this article will examine their special traits, training requirements, and the love they bring into our homes.

General characteristics of the American Akita breed

In the latter part of the 20th century, the American Akita breed was developed. This big dog resembles a Spitz and has thick, luxurious fur, a black mask on its muzzle, and a ringed tail. The term "large Japanese dog" is also used to refer to its ancestors, who were somewhat smaller than the Japanese Akita Inu.

The American Akita is a courageous dog with outstanding security and guard abilities. scrambles to defend the owner and his loved ones from danger. Usually quiet, but he begins to bark at strangers. She has only had one owner because of her extreme loyalty. Her ancestors instilled these traits in her; the Akita Inu’s steadfast loyalty is well-known from the Hachiko movie.

These canines are also highly skilled hunters. Their ancestors hunted big game in Japan, and they assisted with military operations there during the war. They possess great strength, bravery, independence, and a strong jaw. Problems with strangers and small animals on the street can only be avoided by the owner with a good upbringing and prompt socialization.

An American Akita puppy that receives early training will grow up to be a calm, obedient, and social dog. For an adolescent, it will be a wonderful friend and companion. Additionally, this breed’s high intelligence and kindness make it suitable for canistherapy. Several hundred dogs in the USA are involved in this; they are certified as therapy dogs and serve as assistance dogs for the blind and disabled.

Parameters	Characteristics
Breed name	American Akita (English. American Akita)
Country	USA
Breed group	Spitz and primitive breeds
Application	Companion, guard, security guard, guide dog, hunter
Life expectancy	10-14 years
Height	Male 66-71 cm, female 61-66 cm
weight	male 53-60 kg, female 45-51 kg
activity	high
aggression	moderate
intelligence	high
character traits	loyalty, love of freedom, cheerfulness, friendliness, courage
coat	medium length, thick, sheds heavily
health	average

Pros

American Akitas are large dogs that make good guard dogs, but they are manageable in an apartment in the city. They are modest and develop strong attachments to their owners. Defend him, his family, and his belongings. The following benefits apply to these canines:

• balanced temperament;
• loyalty, fidelity;
• unobtrusiveness;
• playfulness, cheerfulness;
• high intelligence;
• unusual but attractive appearance;
• universal use;
• almost never bark;
• unpretentious, clean, no doggy smell.

Cons

You shouldn’t get an American Akita as your first dog. She needs an experienced owner who can also exercise leadership; otherwise, it will be challenging to manage this self-reliant, intelligent, and free dog. Akita is challenging to train since it constantly attempts to dominate and tests its owner’s strength. In order to prevent issues, you should be aware of these dogs’ drawbacks:

• aggression towards other animals, sometimes towards strangers;
• difficult grooming, strong shedding;
• love of freedom, tendency to escape;
• need for long walks and physical activity.

Differences between American Akita and Akita Inu

Compared to Japanese dogs of the same breed, American Akitas are larger, heavier, and have larger heads and stronger muscles. In addition to having a double coat, they can have any color variation.

Americans are more independent and aggressive than their ancestors, who were shepherds and mastiffs. These traits have shaped American culture. They are more likely to fight with other dogs and exhibit dominance. Despite these variations and the fact that American Akitas gained international recognition in 2000, some dog handlers do not recognize the breed as distinct from Japanese Akitas, stating that the other breeds are simply variations of the Japanese Akita Inu.

Japanese Akita Inu dog picture:

History of the breed"s origin

Akita Inus were bred in Japan for several millennia, providing the foundation for the new breed. They served as hunting dogs in addition to guarding the house and keeping predators at bay. The breed had experienced a significant decline in population by the middle of the 20th century. Following the war, American soldiers started returning the puppies to their home country, as many dogs had perished in the conflict. They took a liking to these unusual-looking, courageous, intelligent, and strong dogs.

They started to breed them when they gained popularity in America. Akitas were crossed with German shepherds, mastiffs, and bullmastiffs by American dog handlers, despite breed purity being monitored in Japan. It turned out that the dogs were bigger and stronger than the Japanese. Since they don’t match the requirements, they are therefore not accepted in Japan.

The breeds were split in 2000 when the Americans created their own standard. The new breed was named American Akitas, and the Japanese one was called "Akita Inu." Although only the Japanese breed is recognized by certain cynological organizations, the American Akita was registered with the FCI.

Watch these fascinating videos about American Akitas:

American Akita in video. Benefits and drawbacks of the American Akita breed

Video: A personal account of the American Akita’s character. uttered ideas.

Video: The American Akita breed and humans

Description of appearance

This is a large dog with a "bear"-shaped head and a heavy bone structure that is harmoniously built. The characteristics of the ancestors—mastiffs and shepherds—had an impact on the build, size, and shape of the ears and muzzle. Male American Akitas can grow up to be 70–72 cm tall and weigh more than 50 kg on average. Females have a more graceful build and are marginally smaller.

Head

Bear-like in size but proportionate to the body is the large head. It resembles a triangle when viewed from above. The cranium is broad, level, and well-defined, with a noticeable frontal groove and a smooth, deep notch.

The muzzle has a wedge-shaped form; it is broad rather than pointed. Lips are tight and dry, jaws strong and nearly square. Big, open nostrils and a black nose. White dogs may be any color, including liver or dark brown.

The eyes are deep set, almond-shaped, and relatively tiny. The eyes are dark brown, the lids fit tightly, and the whites are hidden. Glance is perceptive, clever, and sly. Medium-sized, triangular ears. Tips are rounded and wide at the base. erect, slightly slanted forward, and positioned high and near to one another.

Body

The body has a rectangular shape and powerful muscles. Neck is short, thick, and has a tiny dewlap. gradually broadens as it approaches the shoulders and ends in a distinctly noticeable wither. Loin is slightly convex, but back is straight. Large, broad chest that tapers to half its original height at the withers. The stomach line is tucked in, and the ribs are convex.

The tail is thick at the base, elevated, and fairly lengthy. Thick fur covering most of the body. formed a double ring or even a ring curl. Every dog has a unique tail curl, which is an identifying feature of the breed.

Limbs

The limbs have a robust bone structure and are powerful and muscular. The forelimbs are parallel and straight. Shoulders are sloped, and elbows are aimed back. The hips are broad, the knee joints are weakly expressed, and the hind limbs are slightly set back.

The paws are round, compact, and have soft pads. Webs are found between the arched toes. With a firm push, limbs move freely in a single plane.

Wool

Skin is thick, elastic, and fits well. The coat is thick, double-layered, and feels "plush" to the touch. The guard hair is straight and coarse, while the undercoat is short and soft. The coat has a length of 2 to 5 cm. It is longer on the back and shorter on the head and limbs. The tail has the thickest and longest hair.

There are occasionally American Akitas with long hair. Their body fur is longer and softer, and they have feathers on their ears, "pants" on their legs, a tiny collar, and a very fluffy tail. Dogs with long hair defy convention and are the product of a genetic error. About 25% of the time, such puppies show up in typical litters. Since they cannot be used for breeding or exhibitions, they are less expensive.

American Akita Colors

The coat and undercoat colors may not match, but the color can be any as per the breed standard. The muzzle is typically covered in a recognizable black mask; on occasion, the forehead may have a mark. American Akitas that are all white may not wear masks because their color is uniform and spotless.

Colors that are spotted or brindled are acceptable as long as the markings are distinct. The most popular ones are red, fawn-white, and gray or black with white. Every color has a vibrant, saturated hue with evenly spaced boundaries.

Disqualifying defects

Maintaining the breed’s purity is strictly enforced in Japan. However, the American Akita also has established standards. Dogs are not permitted to breed if they depart from them. The following qualifying flaws could manifest themselves:

• elegant build;
• deviation from the standard in height and weight;
• narrow muzzle and head;
• light color of the iris;
• drooping ears;
• not straight front limbs;
• incomplete pigmentation of the nose;
• malocclusion;
• presence of feathering or collar;
• short or not curled tail.

The description of the representatives of the American Akita breed’s appearance is complemented by photos:

Character and education of the American Akita

American Akitas have a balanced temperament and are smart, peaceful dogs. When given the right education, they make wonderful friends. They are jovial, lively, and curious. Akitas develop a strong bond with their owner and stay devoted to them until the very end of their lives. They’re prepared to shield him from any threats. Given that their ancestors were fighting dogs and have a strong jaw, the intruder in this situation won’t be happy.

But the US Akita will never launch a surprise attack. Strangers are safe if the owner is around; if the dog is not hostile, it will greet guests at home in a cordial way. Akita don’t bark unless there is an immediate threat. An adult dog responds to outside stimuli with composure. Even at a young age, it has the ability to fight with other dogs and chase cats, small dogs, and birds.

The American Akita is a peaceful, loving pet that gets along with every member of the family when it is at home. It can become a teen’s best friend because it is protective, loving, and guards children. However, it is preferable to avoid leaving the Akita alone with kids since a big dog may unintentionally hurt a small child. Furthermore, this dog does not always put up with loud games or mischievous behavior from kids because it is not a nanny, is prone to dominance, and only obeys its owner.

The following key characteristics of the American Akita’s personality stand out:

• love of freedom;
• independence;
• vigilance;
• fearlessness;
• devotion;
• cheerfulness;
• stubbornness;
• touchiness.

Education and training

It is difficult to train an American Akita to be obedient, even though these dogs are highly intelligent and quick-witted. This dog is independent, fierce, fond of freedom, and prone to dominance. It requires an owner with a strong sense of morality and leadership abilities. It’s critical to establish authority over the puppy right away. The owner will require a great deal of tolerance and care.

Cynologists advise educating rather than training Akita. This dog is not suited for harsh techniques or physical punishment since it may grow resentful and lose faith in its owner. However, you should avoid being overly loving toward the dog and refrain from giving him everything. If the puppy disobeys, you must force him to the ground and hold him by the scruff of his neck until he calms down. This will help the puppy learn that his or her owner is the leader. The dog cannot go through the door, climb the stairs, or lie on the bed before its owner.

Representatives of this breed must follow a number of rules when being trained.

• You need to start training as early as possible. By 2-3 months, an American Akita puppy should know its name, place and the “come to me” command.
• Monotonous training will bore the pet, it will shirk them. It is necessary to learn commands during the game.
• It is important to immediately stop the puppy’s attempts to jump on a person, put its paws on shoulders, bite. In order not to lose authority, the owner should be the initiator of communication, not the dog.
• You cannot force the dog to train – you need to interest it. The American Akita will follow commands only if it sees their appropriateness.
• Akita will not be motivated by treats – representatives of this breed are indifferent to food rewards. But praise and affection from a beloved owner are important for them.

Features of keeping an American Akita

United States Akita is humble, can live on the streets safely during the winter, and adjusts to the conditions of a large city apartment with ease. Akita may be kept outside year-round if kept on private land. It cannot be kept in a cage or on a chain for an extended period of time because these dogs are extremely independent and become aggressive and unmanageable when their freedom is restricted and they are unable to communicate.

They also require communication because stress is brought on by loneliness. The American Akita is prone to escape because of their freedom-loving disposition; they can dig under a fence or jump over a low fence to go on an adventure.

The dog needs to be walked twice a day when kept indoors. Active walks should include outdoor games and cerebral pursuits. The dog will become unruly and look for its own entertainment if it is bored. It is advised to visit dog parks and get outside more frequently. Since American akitas can be aggressive toward other animals, it is best to take them for leash walks.

Hygiene procedures

The American Akita is a tidy pet that doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. It’s sufficient to comb it a few times a week even though the coat is thick and does not tangle. You will require a natural bristle brush and a metal comb with rare teeth. The dog must be combed every day while shedding, using a slicker brush or furminator. The American Akita typically sheds twice a year, but if housed in a warm environment, the shedding may persist all year.

These dogs hardly ever get dirty, so washing them once every two to three months should be sufficient. Only use veterinary shampoo specifically designed for this purpose, and make sure to thoroughly dry the coat to prevent fungal diseases from growing under the heavy, damp undercoat.

An adult American Akita requires the following hygienic practices to be properly cared for:

• Check your eyes daily, remove the discharge with a soft clean cloth;
• once a week, clean the ears from dust and sulfur;
• several times a week, brush the teeth with a special veterinary paste;
• in the warm season, treat the wool for parasites;
• if the claws do not wear down on their own during walks, trim them with a guillotine claw clipper as they grow.

What to feed an American Akita

Despite its size, the American Akita is not fussy about food and consumes little. It can be fed prepared foods as well as natural products. The dog is fed lean meat, vegetables, cereals, kefir, and cottage cheese as part of its natural diet. You can substitute offal or sea fish for meat a few times a week. Seaweed, fish oil, and vitamin complexes from a veterinary pharmacy are added to the food as a source of minerals.

Select premium or super-premium brands of dog food if you feed it prepared meals. Fresh water needs to be accessible to all. Wet conservatives are occasionally added to dry granules. The following food brands are best suited for American Akitas:

• Hills Science Plan Advanced Fitness;
• Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition;
• Monge Dog Maxi;
• Bosch High Premium Adult.

The age and level of activity of the pet determine how often it needs to be fed. An adult dog requires roughly 1,500 kg of food per day, of which meat should make up at least half. Dosing food by weight is simpler when it is prepared. Puppies should be fed three to five times a day, while adult dogs should only be fed twice a day, ideally right after a walk.

Health

The average lifespan of an American Akita is 11–13 years, but with the right care, they can reach 15 years. These dogs have a robust immune system, are resilient, and are fairly modest. However, genetic diseases are widespread. They have intestinal volvulus susceptibility and joint dysplasia, just like the majority of large dogs. Some medications and anesthesia are not well tolerated by them. They also suffer from these illnesses:

• allergies;
• eye diseases;
• seborrhea, dermatitis;
• hypothyroidism;
• Cushing"s syndrome.

How to buy an American Akita puppy

In the USA, the American Akita is primarily well-liked. Few people in other nations are aware of the distinctions between it and the Japanese Akita Inu. However, there are still dog nurseries in Moscow and St. Petersburg that specialize in breeding purebred American dogs. The average cost of these puppies is between twenty and thirty thousand rubles, while show class representatives can cost up to fifty thousand. For less money, you can purchase a long-haired Akita, a dog with genetic diseases, or an abnormal dog breed.

You should familiarize yourself with the breeder and review the paperwork and guidelines for animal ownership before selecting a puppy. It is advised to speak with the mother and watch how she behaves with the children. When akita puppies are born, they weigh 500–700 g. After two months, their weight has increased by over ten times, and their growth rate has slowed. A healthy puppy ought to exhibit these symptoms:

• thick fluffy fur;
• clear eyes, no discharge;
• no dandruff, itching, unpleasant odor;
• confident gait;
• straight limbs;
• clean ears, nostrils, anus;
• good appetite.

The picture depicts the puppies’ appearance:

Video about the American Akita breed

The breed’s description is enhanced by the video:

Video: ✔ The benefits and drawbacks of the American Akita breed

American Akita in video. characteristics of the breed. Big Japanese canine.

Breed	American Akita
Origin	Japan
Size	Large
Temperament	Confident, loyal
Coat	Thick, double coat
Color	Varies, common are brindle and white
Exercise Needs	Moderate, enjoys walks
Life Expectancy	10-15 years

Beyond just being a visually stunning breed, the American Akita has a rich history and is a devoted friend. These dogs are devoted family members due to their strong sense of loyalty and impressive stature and dignified presence. They are excellent guardians for the people they love because of their admirable protective nature.

But having an Akita means that you have to take care of it. These dogs require regular socialization and training to flourish. Any overly protective behaviors can be avoided with early exposure to a variety of people and environments. They can live peacefully with their humans and be both loving and well-mannered with the correct training.

It’s critical to keep in mind that each Akita is distinct. Their strength and intelligence remain constant, despite their ability to display different personalities. Keeping your Akita mentally and physically stimulated will help maintain their happiness and well-being. Playtime, challenges, and daily exercise are essential for a well-rounded dog.

To sum up, if you can provide love, structure, and a firm hand during training, the American Akita is a great dog. If you’re prepared to make the commitment, you’ll discover a faithful companion who will support you no matter what. Their loving nature and strong character will definitely make your life better.

Video on the topic

American Akita boy Kamrai, 2.5 months

American Akita and a cat, after 5 months, like little children)

American Akita protects the owner. HOW IT WAS,,,,

AMERICAN AKITA. The owners and the dog handler of American Akita tell