What makes the American Akita Unique?
Although their forbearers were once used as game hunters, the loyal American Akitas charmed their way into the hearts of service personnel and immigrated to the United States after the Second World War.
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| Size: | Males – 66 to 71 cm (26 to 28 inches) Females – 61 to 66 cm (24 to 26 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 43 to 49 kg (95 to 120 pounds) Females – 32 to 45.5 kg (65 to 95 pounds) |
| Origin: | Developed in Japan, Northern Regions |
| Life Span: | 10 to 12 Years |
| Colour: | All colors accepted, all will be parti (no solids) except for white |
| Litter Size: | 7 on average, range of 3-12 Puppies |
Is the American Akita Right For You?
American Akitas are not exactly the same type of dog as the Akita Inus. Both breeds are known for their independent natures and their intelligence. American Akitas tend to be docile but these dogs can also be quite spontaneous. Members of this breed are very affectionate family members. This breed likes to be with members of their family at all times and should live indoors with their human owners. These loyal dogs tend to be good with children and other pets from their own families.
American Akitas can get sufficient exercise from brisk daily walks and dogs over 2 years old may enjoy jogging as well. Members of this breed prefer to live indoors, but it is best if their owners have a large yard for them to play in. Due to the fact that some Akitas show aggression towards other dogs, owners should probably avoid taking members of this breed to the local dog park. However, Akitas are known to be good therapy dogs. They also compete and do well in many different dog competitions
In 5 Words
- Alert
- Docile
- Friendly
- Responsive
- Courageous
Characteristics
Learn About the American Akita
Description
General Description
This Japanese Spitz resembles a bear. These dogs are well suited to colder climates due to their thick coats. American Akitas tend to be a heavy set breed. These dogs have deeply set eyes that are small, brown and triangular shaped. They should have black noses but these appendages can also be brown or grey. This breed also features triangular, erect ears. Cat like feet that are well-knuckled are yet another feature of this breed. American Akitas should have slightly or double curling tails that they carry over their backs.
Size
Males of this breed tend to weigh between 85 and 130 pounds, while their female contemporaries are slightly thinner at 70 to 110 pounds. Female dogs are 24 to 26 inches high and they are slightly shorter than the males, who average between 26 to 28 inches in height. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), it is a disqualifying fault for female dogs to be less than 23 inches tall. Likewise, males dogs must be over 25 inches high at the withers to be allowed in the show ring.
Coat
These dogs have double or triple layer water-resistant coats. There is a long coat variation that occurs from time to time as the result of a recessive gene but these dogs aren’t allowed to be shown. According to the American Kennel Club breed standards, American Akitas can be any color. They should have bright, balanced colorations. It is also perfectly acceptable for their outer and inner coats to be different hues.
Short History of the American Akita
Ancestors of the modern Akita were once the favored pets of nobles. Members of this breed were historically used for hunting wild boar, bear, and deer in the mountainous regions of northern Japan. These large Spitz dogs would be sent to flush out the prey so that the hunters could kill it. They were also used in dog fighting as well and European dogs were often cross bred with Akitas to improve their fighting abilities.
Helen Keller was among the first American breed enthusiasts but she was not the last .During the time period following the Second World War, there was a major divergence in the breed. American service personnel started bringing these dogs back to the States with them after their tour of duty had been completed in Japan. They tended to prefer animals that resembled German Shepherds or bears rather than the foxy, smaller variations of the same breed. The former were subsequently the type that was imported to the United States.
Temperament
Although both breeds have similar ancestry, American Akitas are not exactly the same type of dog as the Akita Inus. Both breeds are known for their independent natures and their intelligence. American Akitas tend to be docile but these dogs can also be quite spontaneous. Members of this breed are very affectionate family members. This breed likes to be with members of their family at all times and should live indoors with their human owners. These loyal dogs tend to be good with children and other pets from their own families. However, playtime should nonetheless be supervised. American Akitas are prone to bite if they are teased. They also may be aggressive towards other dogs, particularly those of the same gender. If they are raised around cats, they may tolerate them but otherwise will regard smaller animals as prey. Although they are not prone to excessive barking, American Akitas may make many different and unusual sounds. They make good watchdogs.
Caring for Your American Akita
General Health
Typically, American Akitas live between 12 and 14 years. This breed is prone to diseases involving their eyes, their blood, and their immune systems. Skin and knee problems are also common, as is hip dysplasia.
Care
Daily
American Akitas need between a half-hour to a full hour of exercise per day. A mix of fresh and dry foods is recommended for this breed on a regular basis.
Weekly
Owners will need to brush their dogs at least once a week. American Akitas shed heavily twice a year and, at these times, the dogs will need to be groomed on a more frequent basis. It’s a good idea to cleanse a dog’s teeth on a regular basis as well to prevent bad breath as well as the onset of more serious problems.
Monthly
Although they are typically a tidy breed and cat like in their grooming habits, it is a good idea to bathe American Akitas at least once per month. They also need regular applications of flea, tick, and heartworm prevention medication which is usually done on a monthly basis.
Grooming & Bathing
During their twice yearly periods of heavy shedding, American Akitas may need to be groomed with a raking tool in order to remove all the loose fur from a dog’s coat. Their nails should be kept trimmed as well.
Exercise & Training
American Akitas can get sufficient exercise from brisk daily walks and dogs over 2 years old may enjoy jogging as well. Members of this breed prefer to live indoors, but it is best if their owners have a large yard for them to play in. Due to the fact that some Akitas show aggression towards other dogs, owners should probably avoid taking members of this breed to the local dog park. However, Akitas are known to be good therapy dogs. They also compete and do well in many different dog competitions.
Members of this breed greatly benefit from early socialization and obedience lessons but they are known to be difficult to training. Firm, consistent leadership is important when teaching any dog. This even truer for American Akitas because these dogs are known to test the limits of what their human owners will tolerate. They also grow bored quite quickly and training them can take some time as a result. Owners should also be aware that improperly trained Akitas may become possessive of their food.
American Akita Picture Gallery
