The Akita Is A Powerful, Independent, And Dominant Breed, Commonly Aloof With Strangers But Affectionate With Family Members. As A Breed, Akitas Are Generally Hardy.
In All Countries Except The United States, The Japanese And American Strains Of Akita Are Considered Two Separate Breeds. In The United States, However, The Two Strains Are Considered A Single Breed With Differences In Type. For A While, The American Strain Of Akita Was Known In Some Countries As The Great Japanese Dog. Both Forms Of Akita Are Probably Best Known Worldwide From The True Story Of Hachiko A Loyal Akita Who Lived In Japan Before World War II.
The American Akita, also known as Akita Inu or simply Akita, is a large and powerful dog that originated in Japan. It is one of the oldest and most revered dog breeds in Japan and has grown in popularity worldwide. Here are some key characteristics and information about the American Akita:
Appearance: American Akitas are large, strong dogs with well-built bodies. They have muscular physiques and double coats that can come in a variety of colors, including white, brindle, black, and various shades of brown. They have broad heads with short noses and small, deep-set eyes.
Size: American Akitas are considered a large breed. Adult males usually stand 26–28 inches (66–71 cm) at the shoulder and weigh 100–130 pounds (45–59 kg). Adult females are slightly smaller, measuring about 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66 cm) and weighing between 70 and 100 pounds (32 to 45 kg).
Temperament: American Akitas are known for their loyalty and dedication to their families. They are often described as dignified, courageous, and independent. While they can be gentle and affectionate with their loved ones, they can also be aloof or reserved with strangers. Early socialization and training are critical to ensure they grow into well-behaved dogs.
Exercise and Training: American Akitas need regular exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. They enjoy daily walks, sports, and social activities. Training should begin early, as they can be independent and strong-willed. A flexible and consistent support system works best for this breed.
Grooming: The American Akita has a double coat that sheds throughout the year, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes, often referred to as "blowing coats." Regular brushing, at least once or twice a week, helps maintain their coat and removes loose hair. Frequent grooming during the shedding periods is necessary to control hair loss.
Health: Like all dog breeds, American Akitas are prone to certain health problems. Some of the most common health issues include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism, and autoimmune diseases. Regular veterinary check-ups, a proper diet, exercise, and preventive care can help reduce these risks. It's important to note that there are two main types of Akitas: the American Akita and the Japanese Akita. The Japanese Akita (Akita Inu) is generally smaller and has a slightly different appearance, but both share similar characteristics and historical backgrounds.
If you're considering getting an American Akita, it's a good idea to do thorough research, seek advice from breeders or rescue organizations, and make sure you have the time, resources, and commitment to care for this breed properly.
The Akita is generally seen as territorial and can be reserved with strangers. It is sometimes described as feline in its behavior; it is not uncommon for an Akita to clean its face after eating, preen its kennel mate, and be fastidious about cleanliness in the house. They are also known to be intolerant of other dogs of the same sex, as stated in the AKC breed standard.
Due to their large size and strength, the Akita is not considered a breed for first-time dog owners. Some countries have classified the Akita as a dangerous breed under Breed Specific Legislation. The Akita is a strong, independent, and dominant dog. A well-trained Akita should accept non-threatening strangers, but without proper training, they may treat all strangers with aggression. This breed is generally good with children, and it is said they have an affinity for kids. However, not all Akitas will exhibit the same temperament.
Akitas tend to be reactive towards other dogs, so caution is necessary when they are around unfamiliar dogs. Akitas are particularly less tolerant of dogs of the same sex. For this reason, unless highly socialized, Akitas are generally not well-suited for off-leash dog parks. They require a confident and consistent handler; without proper guidance, they can become willful and potentially aggressive towards other dogs and animals.
