You may be familiar with the Akita Inu breed, i.e. the Japanese national dog?
On the other hand, perhaps a little less well known American Akitathe US equivalent of this breed.
What is it all about and what should you consider in terms of keeping, upbringing and care? You can find out in our breed portrait.
American Akita Wanted Poster
Size Male: 64 to 70 cm, Female: 58 to 64 cmWeightMale: up to 55 kg, female: up to 40 kgColorsWhite, brown, black, tan, fawn, clouded, brindle, piebaldLife expectancy11 to 13 yearsOriginUSAcharacter/temperamentBrave, loyal, intelligent, open-minded, loyal, composed, stubborn, dignified, proudFCI groupGroup 5: Spitz and primitive type dogs
Look
There are some visual differences compared to the Akita Inu. So is the American Akita a little «beefy» than its Japanese relativewithout appearing overly «massive».
The Build is muscular and stockythe Breast sits a lot with this breed deep.
The neck has a in some dogs nape fold up, which underlines the beefy overall impression.
A particularly striking feature of this breed is the Head viewed – the one more time is less pronounced than in the Akita Inu.
This one is from pointy ears completed that always facing forward are.
Another «unique feature» of this breed: it always looks as if it would smile mischievously.
As with the Akita Inu, the Tail curved and carried on the back.
Coat, coat texture & coat colors
Although the American Akita is a large dog, it can almost be mistaken for a stuffed animal. And it contributes to his fluffy fell at that moreover very close is.
The American Akita also has one dense undercoat. And this one has a special feature. Because the Color may varythan the top coat.
Which brings us to the colors of the American Akita coat. To a certain extent, this can and may in all colors and shades appear.
These include above all Fawn, Black, White, Mahogany, Sand and blue/silver.
eye color
The American Akita’s eyes are relatively small and round in relation to its large head usually dark brown.
Height Weight
As with all dogs, the same applies to the American Akita: the females are smaller and lighter than the males.
For this breed this means: A male weighs in at one Shoulder height between 64 and 70 centimeters up to 55 kilograms.
An American Akita female, on the other hand, will between 58 and 64 centimeters high and usually weighs up to 40 kilograms.
History & Origin of the American Akita
The American Akita originally comes from – as we have already mentioned – the USA.
But his ancestor is an Akita Inu, who lived in the Imported from Japan to the United States by writer Helen Keller in the 1930s became.
his actual boom experienced the American Akita then after the 2nd World War. Because at that time the Akita Inu in particular was considered almost extinct.
All the greater the efforts to breed this special breed.
Incidentally, the bulkier appearance of the American Akita is probably due to one of two crosses:
To the mastiff. In addition, it is likely that the German shepherd involved in breeding the American Akita was.
Already knew?
The German shepherd, on the other hand, must not be crossed with the Akita Inu. Only breeds that have an Asian origin may be bred here.
And because only an Asian Akita is a «real» Akita, they recognize Japanese do not recognize the American Akita as a separate breed.
The American Akita is now used by the FCI as an independent breed accepted. However, this has not been the case for long, only now since 1999.
Nature & Character of the American Akita
The American Akita is considered extremely prouder and more dignified Dog. In addition, he is very intelligent and wants his upbringing to make sense for him.
He is considered very independent and partly too stubborn. subservience is one for this breed foreign word.
If he meets strangers, he usually doesn’t care. He meets them with indifference, but remains friendly.
In addition, the American Akita becomes a very friendly, receptive, obedient and courageous being attested.
Be temperament is in very balanced – nothing can faze this dog that easily.
attitude & upbringing
Character, nature and temperament are some of the factors that – along with size – also affect the attitude and upbringing affect.
So if you are considering living with an American Akita, here are a few things to keep in mind.
attitude
The American Akita is one of the large dog breeds. First of all, this means: He needs enough spaceto be able to move.
That’s not to say the quiet dog isn’t quite content to snooze in a city apartment, either.
But it is important that he – no matter where and how he lives – lots of exercise every day receives. Please note that two quick laps «around the block» will not be enough for him here.
But that’s what he’s here for undemanding what the activity concerns. He’s pretty much okay with anything as long as he can walk around enough.
Because then he will fast underutilized and unchallenged. This in turn results in boredom and can lead to behavioral problems in the long term.
Upbringing
As you can see from our table, the American Akita can be very stubborn and stubborn. And that can become a challenge in education.
And if you a) not consistent are enough and b) give commands, for example, that your new roommate does not understand.
Consequences are also important in education tact and patience as well as a certain level of authority.
It is best to start training them when they are puppies – as this can become much more strenuous later on.
Good to know:
The American Akita belongs not to the dog breedswho definitely and always have to or want to please.
Dominant behavior can occur, especially with male dogs, even with very good training – when the American Akita meets other dogs.
In addition, he will «one-man dog» designated. He builds a very close bond with his people and is therefore very affectionate.
That means for you: Please don’t leave them alone for too long!
Health & Care
Of course you are also interested in how things are going the health and care your fur nose is ordered.
grooming
It is thanks to the origin of the American Akita or the breed that the coat is known as a very easy to care for is applicable. It is not only water-repellent, but also particularly resistant to dirt.
On the other hand, it requires a little more maintenance undercoat. The American Akita changes or loses this twice a year.
Here it is your duty, the fur to brush out regularly, sometimes even daily. The good news: The coat change usually lasts “only” 2 to 4 weeks.
Health
Despite one very robust constitution the American Akita can suffer from some diseases that can cause problems for him. These include skin diseases, allergies and arthrosis.
Life expectancy
If you allow your American Akita to live and feed humanely, it can between 11 and 13 years be your companion.
Is the American Akita right for me?
The American Akita suits you if you have a confident person are, who does not let the butter be taken off the bread so easily.
Because this quality is not only important for upbringing, but also for your coexistence.
You should also go to the active people belong, who also have no problem with being out and about often and for long periods.
By the way, the American Akita is considered ideal family dog and usually gets along very well with children.
Other pets are also not a problem here. He should get along well with cats. However, the prerequisite is that he already makes their acquaintance as a puppy.
Because actually the American Akita is happiest when he simply has his peace and is not annoyed by anyone unduly.
Fun facts about the American Akita
After all the important facts now some fun factsthat you definitely didn’t know about the American Akita.
The American Akita is considered to be very selfish at times. And doesn’t appreciate it when he has to share «his» people and their attention.
The American Akita does not give advance warning when attacking. He just does it – not a trace of announcing body language and sounds. That can be quite dangerous.
The American Akita loves snow and feels most at home in the cold white.
The American Akita needs a lot of exercise every day. And yet this dog is considered one of the laziest dog breeds in the world, which in itself prefers to chill all day long.
Can you think of a few more stories about the American Akita? Maybe because you already live with this posh and almost royal dog? Then share them with us in the comments 😊