About American Akita's
This is a large and powerful breed, with much substance and heavy bone; it is slightly longer than tall. The Akita's build reflects its original job of hunting big game through deep snow and rugged terrain. Its double coat consists of a dense undercoat and a straight, harsh, outer coat — about 2 inches or less in length — standing off from the body. Such a combination provides ample insulation from water and weather. Its gait is brisk and powerful. The Akita is a versatile dog of large spitz type. It is able to perform as a hunting companion and protector.
As befitting its spitz-like heritage, the Akita is bold, independent, stubborn, and tenacious. Demonstrative to its family, it is utterly devoted and will protect family members. It is reserved with strangers and can be aggressive toward other dogs. It can be domineering. Though not the breed for everyone, in the right hands the Akita is an excellent companion.
History
The Akita is the largest of Japan’s native breeds. It is a member of the spitz family, originally used for bear hunting, but at one point in history, it was crossed with Tosas and Mastiffs to increase its size and value as a fighting dog. When dogfighting was prohibited in 1908, the breed was preserved and improved as a large Japanese breed. During World War II, the breed was nearly lost, and following the war, due to crossbreeding, the Akitas that remained were of three distinct types. Akitas of the Dewa lines, which had characteristics from Mastiff and German Shepherd crosses, were brought to the United States by members of the Military Forces. These dogs fascinated American dog fanciers and the breed rose quickly in popularity. Akitas in the United States developed as a type unique to this country and they are now quite different than the breed in their country of origin.
The American Akita
The American Akita is a loyal, alert dog with a strong, muscular body build. The breed is well known for its intelligence, with many being seen performing in obedience trials.
While these dogs have plenty of energy to spare.
Instead, their movements are agile and thoughtfully placed, giving the breed its esteemed personality a visual representation.
Breed Group
Herding (UKC:1980)
Size Large to Giant
Type Purebred
Life span 12-20 years
Temperament
Alert
Courageous
Dignified
Docile
Friendly
Intelligent
Responsive
Height
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm)
Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Weight
Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg)
Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)
Colors
Black
Fawn
Red
White
Litter Size 4-15 puppies
Breed Characteristics (1 star =The least/bad- 5 Star=The best/most)
Adaptability
5 stars
Apartment Friendly
5 stars
The American Akita will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised
(ScoobyShadow does not recommend apartments and or small crates).
It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard.
Barking Tendencies
5 star
Rare
Cat Friendly
3 stars
Child Friendly
5 stars
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and humans with special needs and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.
Dog Friendly (depends on social interaction when young)
2-5 stars
Exercise Needs
4 stars
The American Akita needs moderate but regular exercise to stay in shape. It should be taken for long daily walks (ScoobyShadow does not recommend dog parks).
Grooming
2 stars (Sheds 2-4 times a year)
Low Maintenance: American Akitas are a low-maintenance dog breed. Grooming them should be an easy process. They are fairly heavy shedders and can go heavier than normal two to three times per year. Daily brushing could be a good way to reduce this problem. This breed needs to bathe every few months, although it can be more often, depending on the needs of each owner. Toenails should be trimmed every month, and their ears should be cleaned once a week, Akitas tend to clean each other.
Health Issues
4-5 stars (Very healthy)
Hypoallergenic
No
Intelligence
5 stars
Playfulness
5 stars
Stranger danger Friendly
1-2 stars
Trainability
4 stars
Moderately Easy Training: A confident and consistent with respect approach is required to train an Akita. Repetitive drills or overly harsh training hinder the process. Akitas are easily housetrained. They must be socialized young if they are to live with other pets.
Guard/Watchdog/Protector of the pack Ability
5 stars
A Breed Apart:
American Akita vs. Akita Inu
Many people do not realize that the American Akita and the Japanese Akita Inu are two separate breeds. But what differentiates them?
You can break down the differences in color, body shape, size, and personality.
Size
The American Akita outsizes their Japanese cousins both in height and weight.
American Akita
Weight:
Males range between 100-145 lbs
Females range between 80-120 lb.
Height:
Males 26 to 28 inches
Females are 24-26 in.
Akita Inu
Height:
Female 23 to 25 inches
Males 25 to 28 inches
Weight: Akita Inus
Females 50 to 65 lb
Males 70 to 85 lb
American Akita Colors
The American Akita comes in all colors and markings. Some even have black masks and white blazes on the forehead. The Japanese Akita Inu has four colors: brindle, red fawn, red fawn with black tips, and white. They do not have black masks.
Body Shape
American Akitas and Akita Inus differ in their head and eye structure. The American Akita has a broad head and small, deep-set eyes, rather resembling a bear. Conversely, the Akita Inu has a fox-like face and almond-shaped eyes.
Body shape also differs between the two breeds. The American Akita has a stocky, muscular body with big bones and the Akita Inu appears to have a slimmer build.