American Akita

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

American style Akita fanciers chose to breed larger, heavier-boned and more intimidating dogs. Although, both types derive from a common ancestry, there are marked differences between the two. First, while American style Akitas are acceptable in all colors, Japanese style Akitas are only permitted to be red, fawn, sesame, white, or brindle.

Additionally, American style Akitas may be pinto and/or have black masks, unlike Japanese style Akitas where it is considered a disqualification and not permitted in the breed standards. American style Akitas generally are heavier boned and larger, with a more bear-like head, whereas Japanese style Akitas tend to be lighter and more finely featured with a fox-like head.

Color

They come in rich, brilliant and clear colors. The most common colors of the Akita coat are pure white with combinations of black, red, brindle, sesame and pinto.

Coat

The American Akita have two types of coat, the standard coat length and the long coat. The long coated American Akitas are not highly regarded within the show ring, however, they still make good pets. The long coat, also known as 'Moku' is the result of autosomal recessive gene and may only occur phenotypically. They have longer coat, about 3-4 inches in length and softer coat. They also are known to have sweeter temperaments, which give them wonderful qualities as pets. Their coat is double-coated with a thick undercoat, soft, dense and shorter than outer coat. Outer coat is straight, harsh and standing somewhat off body.

Personality

The Akita (American Akita) is not to be confused wit the Akita Inu. This breed, however, like other Akitas, are highly independent. Akitas are stubborn, smart, and highly independent. Despite all of this, they still need a lot of specialization. They need to know their place in the pack. Akitas will constantly try to test the boundaries and use authority at every given chance. American Akira is a unique combination of dignity, courage, alertness and devotion to its family. It is extraordinary affectionate and loyal with family and friends, territorial about its property and can be reserved with strangers.

Care

The coarse, stiff, short-haired coat of these breeds needs significant grooming. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when absolutely necessary as bathing removes the natural waterproofing of the coat. This breed sheds heavily twice a year. They are prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid both hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroiditis, immune diseases like VKH and Pemphigus, skin problems like SA and eyes (PRA, Micro, entropion) patella and other problems with the knee.

Training

The training of these breeds, like any other dog training involves a lot more than teaching them to sit, lie, stand and so on. It's very important that they are able to associate human words with the desired behavior. An akita needs to know why they should obey your words and should be motivated to show interest in learning. It is possible to get your dog professionally trained, although it is recommended that you try to do it yourself, with a qualified instructor if possible. It's a good idea to get all the household involved with the process of training your dog so that everyone knows what to expect from the dog. Try to make the training sessions exciting and not too long-winded. You can use a treat or toy to help train the dog to obey to reward them for positive behavior.

Activity

Akita will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard. The Akita needs moderate but regular exercise to stay in shape. It should be taken for long daily walks.