American Akita

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.

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.

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.

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.