American Akita

The American Akita dog breed has large sizes, erect ears of a triangular shape with a slight bend forward, and a semi-long, dense coat, like a bear cub. The muzzle is wedge-shaped, the chest is wide, the legs are of medium length. Build muscular, strong, fluffy tail, bent up.

American Akita

Characteristics of Breed

Life Expectancy (years)

10-12

Size

large, extralarge

Height (inches)

25-30

Weight (pounds)

90-150

Coat Length

short

Coat Colors

Red, Bicolor, White, Gray, Fawn

History and Origin

The American Akita's history is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture, where it was originally bred for hunting large game such as bears and boars. The breed's ancestors, known as Matagi dogs, were highly valued by samurai and noble families for their strength and courage. During the early 20th century, the Akita was introduced to the United States, where it gained popularity for its impressive stature and protective instincts. The breed's development in America led to the distinction between the American Akita and the Japanese Akita Inu, with the former being larger and more robust.


The American Akita's journey to the West was significantly influenced by Helen Keller, who was gifted an Akita during her visit to Japan in 1937. This marked the beginning of the breed's presence in America, where it quickly became a favorite among dog enthusiasts. Over the years, the American Akita has been celebrated for its versatility, serving as a loyal companion, a skilled hunter, and a reliable guard dog.

Physical Characteristics

The American Akita is a large and imposing breed, characterized by its broad head, erect ears, and deep-set eyes that convey an air of intelligence and alertness. Its muscular build is complemented by a thick double coat that provides excellent insulation against harsh weather conditions. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including white, brindle, pinto, red, and fawn, often with distinctive markings that add to its regal appearance. The Akita's tail is another notable feature, curling over its back in a graceful arc.

Temperament and Personality

Independence, devotion and fearlessness - these are the main features that the American Akita breed character possesses. Of course, this is not limited to this, since over many centuries of existence, the breed has developed a mass of valuable qualities. Without a doubt, these include a very sharp and developed intellect, thanks to which the dog perfectly understands everything that is happening around it, understands the owner well, recognizes commands and is able to draw its own conclusions. Which is what he uses, literally having his own outlook on things - remember, we mentioned independence? This is it, in all its glory. Accordingly, simply breaking the will and achieving stupid obedience will not work, unless you distort the psyche of the animal, which is unacceptable. To start this breed is not recommended for inexperienced owners, as respect must be earned, and education must be done correctly, with great patience and justice. Since in the blood there is a mass of hunting genes of small animals, they are poorly perceived, rather as prey. With other pets, they also do not get along very well, especially when the gender of the Akita and the other pet are the same. These dogs generally require respect for themselves, but to show attention are less demanding and understand the owner’s desire to retire. They treat children well, but, again, they do not tolerate disrespect. They need walks and training, physical and intellectual activity.

Utility

Historically utilized for hunting and guarding, the American Akita has proven itself to be a versatile breed capable of excelling in various roles. Its keen senses and strong protective instincts make it an ideal candidate for search and rescue operations as well as personal protection work. In addition to these traditional roles, the American Akita has also found success in modern activities such as obedience trials, agility competitions, and therapy work. Its calm demeanor and intuitive understanding of human emotions make it a valuable companion in therapeutic settings.


The American Akita's adaptability extends beyond its working capabilities; it is also a cherished family pet known for its loyalty and devotion. With proper training and socialization, this breed can thrive in various environments, from rural homes with ample space to urban settings where regular exercise is provided.


Breed pictures

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What To Expect When Caring For a American Akita

The breed of American Akita has a thick coat, and therefore needs to be combed regularly, at least once a week, or better - twice. Always ensure that the ears and eyes of the animal are clean, bathe your pet once or twice a week, and trim the nails as needed.

American Akita does not suffer from any complex hereditary diseases, and refers to relatively healthy dogs. The main thing is to provide a variety of activity so that the pet does not gain excess weight. In addition, remember that the difficult nature of this breed must not be broken by aggression and force, since subsequently it will cause problems with the psyche, and in the future - various neuralgia.

Grooming an American Akita requires dedication to maintaining its dense double coat. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevents matting while distributing natural oils that keep the coat healthy. During shedding seasons, more frequent grooming sessions may be necessary to manage increased hair loss. Bathing should be done sparingly to avoid stripping the coat of its natural oils; however, regular ear cleaning and dental care are essential components of the grooming routine. By adhering to these practices, owners can ensure their Akita remains clean, comfortable, and well-groomed.


The American Akita thrives on regular physical activity that challenges both its body and mind. As an energetic breed with a strong work ethic, it benefits from daily exercise routines that include long walks or jogs alongside interactive play sessions. Engaging in activities such as agility training or obedience exercises can provide mental stimulation while strengthening the bond between owner and dog. Ensuring adequate exercise not only promotes physical fitness but also helps prevent behavioral issues stemming from boredom or pent-up energy.


Training an American Akita requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques tailored to its independent nature. Early socialization is crucial for developing confidence around new people and environments while minimizing potential aggression towards other animals or strangers. Obedience training should focus on establishing clear boundaries through firm yet gentle guidance; using rewards-based methods encourages cooperation without resorting to harsh discipline measures that could damage trust between owner and pet.


A well-balanced diet tailored specifically for large breeds like the American Akita plays an integral role in supporting overall health throughout their lifespan; high-quality commercial dog food formulated with appropriate protein levels alongside fresh fruits/vegetables provides essential nutrients needed for optimal growth/development while maintaining lean muscle mass/healthy weight management goals set forth by veterinarians/nutritionists alike! Monitoring portion sizes based upon activity level ensures proper caloric intake without overfeeding which may lead obesity-related complications down road if left unchecked over time!


Conclusion

The American Akita stands out as a breed of remarkable strength and unwavering loyalty. Its roots in Japanese culture have shaped it into a distinguished companion and protector, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a devoted guardian. The breed's adaptability allows it to excel in various canine activities, showcasing its versatility beyond mere companionship. For those interested in exploring breeds with similar attributes, consider the German Shepherd or the Rottweiler. Additionally, the Doberman Pinscher is another breed that shares the Akita's protective instincts and loyalty.

Last Update:

November 20, 2024

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