American Akita
Also known as Great Japanese Dog
- Height at the withers
- 61 to 71 cm
- Weight
- 32 to 59 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Japan (developed in the United States)
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- young children, without close supervision
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
Overview
A large, powerful, heavy-boned spitz, the American Akita is recognized by its broad head shaped like a blunt triangle, its frequent black mask and its tail curled over its back. Dignified, brave and deeply attached to its family, it is reserved with strangers and often intolerant of other dogs, especially of the same sex. A natural guardian, it needs an experienced owner and very careful socialization.
History and origins
It shares its origins with the Japanese Akita, which descends from the Matagi bear-hunting dogs of the Akita region, crossed from 1868 onward with Tosas and Mastiffs for fighting. After World War II, American servicemen brought heavier Akitas of the Dewa line back to the United States, and American breeders developed them separately, since no pedigrees were exchanged with Japan. The FCI separated it from the Japanese Akita under the name Great Japanese Dog, then as the American Akita since 2006 (no. 344), keeping Japan as its country of origin. In France, about 550 puppies a year are registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF).
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Uveodermatologic syndrome (VKH)
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care. Coat colors: red, fawn, white, brindle, pinto (patches on a white background), with or without a black mask.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Well, 4 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Very quiet, 1 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
American Akita FAQ
How big does the American Akita get?
The American Akita stands 61 to 71 cm at the withers and weighs 32 to 59 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the American Akita shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the American Akita live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the American Akita need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the American Akita good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the American Akita live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
