Discover Everything About American Akita
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The American Akita is a real eye-catcher and has a powerful yet majestic appearance. He is a large, well-proportioned dog with a robust build and impressive musculature. His broad head with deep-set eyes, which act like a kind of mirror of the soul, gives him a unique, mystical expression. Akitas are members of FCI Group 5: Spitz and Urtype dogs. However, despite their impressive physical presence, they are by no means rude or uncouth. Rather, they radiate a sublime calm and dignity that is reminiscent of the quiet majesty of an old, wise soul.
| Height | 61 - 66 cm (Female), 66 - 71 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 34 - 50 kg (Female), 45 - 59 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 15 years |
| Character | Brave, loyal, self-confident |
| Coat | Dense, double layer, short |
| Coat Color | All colors allowed, mostly with a mask |
| Price | 1500 - 3000 € € |
History
The American Akita's roots go back to the Japanese Akita Inu, a dog with a long and storied history. Originally bred to hunt bears, wild boars and deer in the rugged, mountainous region of Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, the dogs were later used as fighting dogs. After the Second World War they were discovered by the Americans and brought to the USA. In the following decades, American breeders developed their own line known as the American Akita. Officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in the 1970s, this breed differs significantly from the original Akita Inu in several ways, particularly size and temperament.
The American Akita, originally known as the Akita Inu, was bred as a hunting and guard dog and later developed further in the USA.
Japan
1600
Character & Temperament
American Akitas are loyal and courageous dogs with a strong protective instinct. They are very people-oriented and form a deep bond with their family. They tend to be calm and even-tempered, but can also be playful when they're in the right mood. Their original purpose as hunting dogs has given them an independent and confident nature. They are not overly pushy and can tolerate being alone well as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. While they generally get along well with children, their size and strength make them best suited to families with older children. They have a natural guarding instinct and tend to protect their territory and family. This can cause them to behave reservedly or even aggressively toward strangers and other dogs. However, with early socialization and training, these tendencies can be managed well in most cases. When it comes to temperament, American Akitas tend to be calm and thoughtful dogs. They are not hyperactive and do not need constant activity to be happy. Still, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. A daily walk or play session in the yard, along with some obedience training or brain games, should be enough to keep an American Akita happy. Although they are not typically great hunters, American Akitas can have a strong prey drive, especially when they encounter smaller animals. It's important to take this into consideration if you want to keep an American Akita in a household with small pets. As with any dog breed, temperament varies from dog to dog, and there are many Akitas that live peacefully with cats and other pets. In summary, the American Akita is a loyal and courageous companion who is characterized by his calm, dignity and inner strength. With his striking appearance, unique personality, and strong desire to bond with his family, he makes a wonderful companion for people willing to put in the time and commitment to meet his needs. Although he is not the right dog for everyone, in the right hands he can be an extremely loyal and loving friend and protector.
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| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
An interesting fact about American Akitas is that they were originally bred for bear hunting in Japan!
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
The American Akita is a strong and confident dog that requires consistent training. These dogs are loyal and protect their family but often show reserve towards strangers. The American Akita needs meaningful activity and sufficient exercise to remain balanced. Due to its strong character, it is best suited for experienced dog owners.
Housing & Care
The American Akita is a versatile dog that can live in both urban and rural environments as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. However, they are large dogs that require a lot of space and are not suitable for small apartments. Akitas are very family oriented and can get along well with children, especially if they are raised with them from a young age. However, they can also be very protective and it is important that interactions between children and the dog are always supervised. In terms of other pets, Akitas can live with cats and other dogs if properly socialized, but they can have strong prey instincts and therefore should not live in a home with small pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Akitas are intelligent and independent dogs that require strong, consistent training. They respond well to positive reinforcement and motivation, but can also be stubborn. It is important that training starts early and is carried out consistently. Akitas need mental and physical stimulation to be happy and healthy. They can enjoy various dog sports such as agility, obedience or protection dog training, but they are also happy with daily walks and playtime. It is important not to overwhelm them, otherwise they may become restless and dissatisfied. It is important to encourage frustration tolerance and impulse control in an Akita, otherwise they may be prone to making their own decisions that are not always in the best interest of everyone involved. They should also learn to remain calm and composed when they are not the center of attention.
Nutrition & Care
American Akitas have medium to high energy needs and should be fed a high-protein diet. The diet should always be tailored to the age, weight, health and activity level of the individual dog. It is important to avoid being overweight as this increases the likelihood of joint problems. In terms of grooming, American Akitas have a double coat of fur that protects them well from the cold, making them well adapted to the German climate. However, they shed heavily, especially during shedding in spring and autumn. Regular brushing can help remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy. Otherwise, grooming is relatively simple and only involves occasional baths and regular checks and care of the ears, teeth and nails.
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This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Community Posts
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