American Akita Dog Breed: Pictures, Info, & Care Guide
The American Akita is a loyal, strong, and alert breed of dog originating from Japan.
With their’ bounded loyalty and deep bond, the American Akita is loyal and devoted to its family.
They are known for their courage, alertness, and gentle nature, making them a popular choice as a pet in households today.
Learn more about the history of this breed, plus characteristics and traits like health concerns to make an informed decision about if this is the right fit for your family.
Overview of American Akita Dog Breeds
| UTILISATION | Companion dog. |
| FCI-CLASSIFICATION | Asian Spitz and primitive type. |
| BREED GROUP | Terrier |
| COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | Japan |
| HEIGHT | 23-25 inches/60-71 centimetres |
| WEIGHT | 65-120 pounds/29.5-54.5 kilograms |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 10-14 years |
| TEMPERAMENT | Composed, faithful, docile and receptive. |
| INTELLIGENCE | Average |
| SHEDDING AMOUNT | Very high |
| DROOL AMOUNT | High |
| EXERCISE AMOUNT | High |
| ENERGY LEVEL | Active |
| COAT LENGTH/TEXTURE | Double-coat. Undercoat thick, soft, dense and shorter than outer coat. Outer coat straight, harsh/stiff and standing somewhat off body> |
| COLORS | Any colour like red, fawn, white, etc; or even pinto and brindle. |
| SUMMARY | Affectionate with families. Very sensitive. Not very friendly towards other dogs or strangers. Tolerates cold weather. Does not tolerate hot weather. Tendency to bark, shed a lot and drool. Doesn’t adapt well to apartment living. |
History and Origin of the American Akita Dog Breed
The American Akita is believed to have descended from Japanese spitz-type dogs and has been an important part of the country’s culture since ancient times.
Commonly used for hunting bears, these brave and loyal dogs are now kept as popular pets in America.
American Akitas can be traced back to the 17th century under the name “Matagi Inu”, meaning “hunting dog”.
They were most likely brought to the US during World War II by American soldiers who fell in love with them while stationed in Japan.
Size and Appearance of the American Akita
The American Akita is a medium to large sized dog with a heavy bone structure.
Most Akitas have a short, dense double fur coat that can come in white, grey, brindle and red.
Their pointed ears stand tall on their broad heads and they usually carry their tails curled over their back.
American Akitas typically weigh between 80-120lbs and measure up to 28 inches tall at the shoulder!
Temperament of the American Akita
The American Akita is a loyal and brave breed, with a strong hunting instinct.
They are intelligent and alert dogs that thrive best with firm and consistent leadership from an owner who can provide positive reinforcement.
Despite being easy to train and eager to please their owners, Akitas are notoriously aloof and independent due to their protective nature.
They can do well in apartments if given plenty of exercise each day.
Exercise Requirements for an American Akita
American Akitas have high exercise requirements and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior and barking.
At least an hour of daily exercise is recommended for this breed, including regular walks, games of fetch, or off-leash activities.
While walking with an American Akita, it’s important to remember that they will be determined to stay in control of the leash at all times—even if that means dragging their owner along behind them!
Common Health Complications with the American Akita
Like any other breed, the American Akita can suffer from a number of health issues.
Common health problems in this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, thyroid problems, von Willebrand disease, poor coat condition/shedding, entropion (folding inward of the eyelids), sebaceous adenitis (inflammatory skin disorder) and various eye diseases.
Many of these conditions can be prevented through proper diet and exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are American Akita’s good family dogs?
Yes, American Akitas can make excellent family pets, provided they are properly socialized as puppies and raised with firm boundaries.
They are loyal and protective of their families, but also need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
American Akitas can have a strong-willed personality that may require assertive handling, so be sure to keep up with their training.
What problems do American Akitas have?
Some common health issues faced by American Akita’s include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems and allergies.
They are also prone to luxating patellas (dislocation of the knee joint), skin problems and autoimmune diseases.
What two breeds make an American Akita?
The American Akita is a breed that was developed in Japan from a combination of two native Japanese dog breeds, the Akita and the Tosa.
This blend of breeds resulted in an energetic, loyal, and protective guard dog.
What is the average American Akita price?
The average price for an American Akita puppy is around $1800. However, depending on the quality of the dog, pedigree and other factors, the cost can range from $800 to $4000.
There may also be additional costs for vaccinations, vet visits and routine check-ups.
What is the average American Akita weight?
65-120 pounds/29.5-54.5 kilograms.
What is the average American Akita size?
Height at withers (shoulders):
- Males: 66 to 71 cm (26-28 inches)
- Females: 61 to 66 cm (24-26 inches)
Difference between Japanese and American Akita dog breeds
The main difference between the two breeds is color and appearance. The Japanese Akita only comes in brindle, red and black, while the American Akita comes in various shades of brown. The Japanese Akita looks more like a fox. Whereas the American Akita resembles a bear.
