American vs
Japanese Akita: Exploring the Differences
When it comes to Akita dogs, there are two main branches of this magnificent breed: the
American Akita and the
Japanese Akita. Both have a rich history and possess unique characteristics.
In this article, we will delve into the key differences between these two breeds, their appearance, and other interesting facts that make them stand out in the dog world.
History
To fully understand the divergence between the American and
Japanese Akitas, we must travel back in time to the aftermath of World War II. The Akita breed suffered greatly during the war, with many dogs falling victim to disease and malnutrition.
However, in the midst of this devastation, a few Akitas managed to survive, and their lineage went on to shape the future of the breed.
American Akita
The
American Akita is a descendant of these war survivors who found their way to America. Here, they were selectively bred to create a larger and more robust dog.
American breeders focused on enhancing the Akita’s size and strength, resulting in a dog that became popular for its ability as a working class hero. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the
American Akita as a separate breed in 1972.
Japanese Akita
On the other side of the world, in Japan, efforts were made to preserve the original characteristics and appearance of the Akita breed. Japanese breeders wanted to maintain the Akita’s traditional traits, which included a strong loyalty to its family and a fearless nature.
The
Japanese Akita is slightly smaller in size compared to its American counterpart and is recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club (JKC) as an important national treasure.
Club Recognition
The differing perspectives on the Akita’s future led to divided recognition by kennel clubs. The American Kennel Club recognizes the
American Akita as a distinct breed, with its own breed standard.
The breed standard includes specific guidelines for physical appearance, temperament, and working class capabilities. It emphasizes the importance of muscularity, imposing size, and large bones.
Additionally, the
American Akita is known for its “bear-like” head, with fox-like features. These characteristics give the
American Akita a distinctive and awe-inspiring presence.
The
Japanese Akita, recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club, also has its own breed standard. This standard places more emphasis on maintaining the traditional appearance and attributes of the breed.
While still muscular and imposing, the
Japanese Akita has a slightly leaner build compared to the
American Akita. It exhibits similar fox-like features but tends to have a more refined and elegant appearance.
Physical Appearance
The physical appearance of both American and
Japanese Akitas is captivating, but they have certain distinctions that set them apart. The
American Akita is a large and powerful dog, with males typically weighing around 100 pounds and standing at a height of 26-28 inches, while females are slightly smaller at 24-26 inches.
The
American Akita’s coat can come in various colors, including red, gray, black, silver, pinto, white, black brindle, blue brindle, brown brindle, red brindle, fawn, and fawn brindle. This wide range of colors adds to the allure and uniqueness of this breed.
Size and Coat Color of
Japanese Akita
In contrast, the
Japanese Akita is slightly smaller in size. Males typically weigh between 90-110 pounds and stand at a height of 26-28 inches.
The females are generally lighter, weighing around 70-100 pounds and standing at a height of 24-26 inches. The
Japanese Akita’s coat color options are more limited compared to the
American Akita, with red, brindle, or white being the primary colors.
In Summary
In conclusion, the American and
Japanese Akitas are both remarkable breeds with their own distinctive characteristics. The
American Akita, bred for size and strength, exudes a powerful and imposing presence.
On the other hand, the
Japanese Akita, with its loyalty and elegant appearance, represents a cultural treasure. Whether you prefer the muscularity and diverse coat colors of the
American Akita or the graceful charm of the
Japanese Akita, one thing is certain both breeds possess a captivating allure that has made them highly regarded in the world of dogs.
American Akita Temperament: Understanding Their Unique Traits
The
American Akita is a breed known for its impressive size and imposing presence. Along with these physical characteristics, it is essential to examine their temperament and behavior.
In this section, we will explore the distinct temperament traits of
American Akitas, including their aggression and loyalty, as well as their compatibility with other animals. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of training and socialization in shaping their behavior.
Aggression and Loyalty
One prominent aspect of the
American Akita’s temperament is its potential for aggression. As a breed that originally developed for guarding purposes,
American Akitas have strong protective instincts.
They are known to be loyal and devoted to their families, often displaying unwavering dedication to their loved ones. However, this loyalty can translate into suspicion and wariness towards strangers.
American Akitas may exhibit a reserved and cautious demeanor when encountering new people, and it is crucial for owners to properly manage and socialize them from a young age.
Compatibility and Behavior with Other Animals
American Akitas have been historically bred to have a determined and, at times, territorial nature. When it comes to interactions with other dogs, Akitas can be less tolerant and may not get along well with unfamiliar canines.
Their hunting instincts, which were once crucial for their working roles, can sometimes make them prone to aggression towards other animals, including smaller pets. Early socialization and proper introductions to other animals can help mitigate this behavior, but it is important to understand and respect the breed’s innate tendencies.
Training Difficulty and Methods
Training an
American Akita can prove to be a challenge for even experienced dog owners.
American Akitas are known for their stubbornness and independent nature.
While this independence can be attributed to their lineage as working dogs, it can present difficulties when it comes to obedience training. However, it is essential to remember that positive reinforcement-based methods tend to work best with these intelligent dogs.
Rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, and playtime can encourage them to respond positively. On the other hand, punishment-based methods can cause the Akita to become defensive and potentially exacerbate aggression.
Importance of Early Training and Socialization
To shape the temperament of an
American Akita and ensure they become well-rounded and well-behaved companions, early training and socialization must occur. Early socialization is particularly crucial due to the breed’s natural territorial instincts.
Introducing the Akita to various people, animals, places, and experiences from a young age can help them become more accepting and less reactive towards strangers and new environments. Consistent and positive training from puppyhood is key to establishing good behavior and teaching them appropriate ways to interact with others.
Socialization and Acceptance of Strangers
While
American Akitas can display suspicion towards strangers, they can also learn to accept them given proper socialization and training. Early and continuous exposure to different individuals can help them develop confidence and lessen their inclination to be overly protective.
Teaching them to differentiate between friendly visitors and genuine threats is essential. Encourage positive interactions with strangers and provide rewards for good behavior to reinforce their understanding of acceptable conduct.
Owning an
American Akita requires a commitment to their training and socialization needs. They thrive in an environment where they are provided with consistent boundaries and positive reinforcement.
This breed is not suitable for inexperienced owners or those who are unable to invest time in their training and socialization needs. In summary,
American Akitas possess unique temperament traits that require careful management.
While their loyalty and protective instincts can make them excellent family companions, their potential for aggression and territorial behavior must be properly handled. Early training and socialization play a crucial role in shaping the Akita’s behavior and ensuring they develop into well-adjusted dogs.
By understanding their distinct temperament and providing them with patient and positive training,
American Akitas can thrive as devoted and well-behaved members of their families. Potential Health Problems of
American Akitas: Ensuring Their Well-Being
When considering adding an
American Akita to your family, it is essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect this breed.
In this section, we will explore the common health problems associated with
American Akitas, their average lifespan, grooming needs, as well as the considerations when rescuing or purchasing a puppy.
Common Health Issues
American Akitas, like many large dog breeds, can be prone to certain health conditions. It is important for potential owners to be aware of these issues and take proactive steps to ensure the well-being of their furry companion.
Some of the common health problems seen in
American Akitas include:
1. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to vision loss or blindness in dogs.
Regular eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist can help detect and manage this condition. 2.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain, lameness, and mobility issues. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for hip dysplasia to minimize the risk of passing on this condition to the offspring.
3. Bloat: Also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself.
This can quickly become fatal if not treated promptly. Feeding smaller, frequent meals, avoiding vigorous exercise right after meals, and monitoring for any signs of discomfort or bloating can help mitigate the risk of bloat.
4. Autoimmune Thyroiditis: This condition occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hormonal imbalances that can affect a variety of bodily functions.
Regular thyroid function testing is important to detect and manage this condition. 5.
Von Willebrand Disease: Von Willebrand Disease is a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of a clotting factor in the blood. It can lead to excessive bleeding or prolonged bleeding after minor injuries or surgeries.
Responsible breeders conduct appropriate testing to identify carriers and reduce the risk of passing on this condition.
Lifespan and Grooming
American Akitas have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. However, it is important to note that individual dogs may vary, and proper healthcare, nutrition, and exercise can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
In terms of grooming,
American Akitas have a thick double coat that requires regular maintenance. They undergo seasonal shedding, during which their coat will shed profusely.
Weekly brushing, particularly during shedding seasons, can help remove loose hair and prevent mats and tangles. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also essential for their overall health and well-being.
Rescuing an
American Akita
Rescuing an
American Akita can be a rewarding experience, but it may come with additional considerations. Akitas in need of rescue may have experienced neglect, abuse, or abandonment, which can lead to trust issues and potential behavior problems.
Working with a reputable rescue organization that specializes in the breed can provide guidance and support in the process of helping a rescued Akita adapt to their new home. Patience, consistency, and understanding are essential when working with a rescued Akita, and professional training may be beneficial to address any behavioral challenges that may arise.
American Akita Puppy Breeders
If you decide to purchase an
American Akita puppy, it is crucial to work with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Avoid purchasing puppies from pet stores or puppy mills, as these establishments often prioritize profit over the health and welfare of the animals.
A reputable breeder will prioritize health screenings, genetic testing, and socialization of their puppies. They will provide proper documentation, such as health certificates and pedigrees, and offer ongoing support and guidance to the new owners.
When bringing home an
American Akita puppy, ensure you are prepared to meet their needs. This includes providing a nutritious diet, regular exercise, appropriate grooming, and a stimulating environment.
Akitas are intelligent and require mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues. Providing them with suitable toys, a comfortable crate for rest, and engaging activities will contribute to their overall well-being.
In conclusion, being aware of the potential health issues in the
American Akita breed and taking preventative measures is crucial for their well-being. Regular veterinary check-ups and appropriate health testing are essential.
Understanding the grooming needs of the breed and investing time and effort into training and socialization will further contribute to a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted
American Akita. By rescuing from reputable organizations or working with responsible breeders, you ensure that your
American Akita has the best chance at a long, fulfilling, and healthy life.
In conclusion, understanding the unique traits and needs of
American Akitas is crucial for potential owners. From their distinct temperament, potential health issues, to the importance of training, socialization, and responsible sourcing, it is clear that caring for an
American Akita requires commitment and knowledge.
By being informed and proactive in their care, owners can ensure the well-being and happiness of their beloved companions. Embracing the beauty and challenges of this remarkable breed can lead to a deep bond and a rewarding journey.