American Akita

Description:

The American Akita was until 1956 a common race. Later, both lines were grown individually. Since 2000, both lines are recognized as a distinct breed. The American Akita and the Japanese Akita belong to, in principle, the same race. Actually, the American Akita is a Japanese breed of dog that got its name from the northern prefecture of Honshu. The branch of American Akita is a kind of spin-off of its Japanese Artgenossens. Originally this breed was the breed for hunting wild boar, bears and birds.

Height: 24-28 inches  Weight: 80-145 pounds  Lifespan: 11-15 years

Characteristics:

The American Akita is built harmoniously and has good proportions in a severe bone on. It can reach a shoulder height of up to 28 inches and a weight of around 120 pounds. The head of the large dog is broad, the ears are small, triangular and directed forward. He has dark brown eyes, which are contained within bold with black eye rims. The brush tail of the American Akita is usually curled. He has a shiny coat and a dense, soft undercoat. All colors, including pied brindle are allowed.

Character:

The American Akita is a friendly dog who is also graceful, concentrated, and largely obedient. He is very docile and he is considered as brave and fearless. However, he can also be very stubborn. He is also often extremely sensitive, which means primarily for the education that he needs a patient, friendly and empathetic. If this fails, then the American Akita developed very quickly and become dominant residents. This dog should not be brought up to pressure, because he can react with stubbornness or ignorance. This dog breed has strong protective instinct, but has a high threshold.

Coat / Care:

The American Akita has a double coat. The undercoat of the Akita is thick, soft, dense and shorter than outer coat. The outer coat is straight, harsh/stiff and standing somewhat off a body. At the head, lower legs and ears the hair is short. Length of hair at withers and croup is approximately 5 cm, which is slightly longer than on rest of body, except tail, where the coat is longest and most profuse. This dog breed comes in all colors and markings. Some even have dark covers and white bursts on the brow. Colors are brilliant and clear. Markings are well balanced, with or without mask or blaze. Solid white dogs have no mask.

Health Problems:

Breed-specific diseases are rare, occasionally is hip dysplasia, which detects a failure of the autoimmune system, connective tissue, or epilepsy. The physical vulnerability of Akita is his skin. He tends to eczema. Many animals are also sensitive to an oversupply of protein in the diet. Special diet, either expensive industrial food from the vet or a special home-cooked meals are then needed.

Weight / Height:

The male American Akita dog breed’s height is around 26 – 28 inches and weighs around 100 and 145 pounds. Female American Akita dogs can reach a size from 24 – 26 inches and weighs between 80 and 120 pounds.

Training:

The hunting instinct of the American Akita is very difficult to control, here is a very consistent training necessary. Also for this intelligent and active dog, suitable alternatives should be offered. Above all, variety is important to boredom. The Akita react with ignorance. Excessive hardness is more likely to stubbornness, as he would put his talent and stamina to the test. This dog is a large, imposing dog that has a good deal of self-confidence. Inexperienced people are not good owners for American Akita.

Activity:

The American Akita is a good companion and family dog. He guarded family and land autonomously. In the house, he is pleasant, rather quiet and unobtrusive. For the Akita, a combined entertainment indoors and outdoors is recommended. He should be free to decide on his whereabouts. He never should be isolated. This dog must be brought together, especially in his youth a lot of people, children and other dogs.

Photo Credit: Alden Chadwick/Flickr