American Akita
Other Names: American Akita, Great Japanese Dog, Akita
The American Akita is large, sturdy, strong, balanced, and well-boned. The American Akita is an exceptionally large dog with a very specific personality. He is loyal and protective of his owners and is also very conservative in his dealings with humans. However, from an early age, her character was more playful and open to others. Therefore, it is necessary to use this time for proper education and socialization. He does not need to be very athletic, he likes to bask in the sun. He shows loyalty to his master and will defend him at all costs. The Akita has a low tolerance threshold, which implies more caution, especially with children. Learning to read and respect your dog's communication signals is crucial, which is very subtle with the American Akita.
Breed history
The American Akita has the same origin as the Japanese Akita (Akita Inu). Their common ancestor lived in the Akita region in the northern part of the Japanese island of Honshu. They are often used as fighting dogs, many of which are crossed with mastiffs and tosas for larger, more powerful dogs. This trend continued until dog fighting was banned in 1908. Akitas all but disappeared after World War II, when Japanese authorities commandeered most dogs of all breeds to use their skins for fighting. military uniforms. The only breeds spared by this measure were the German Shepherds used in the Imperial Army.
To circumvent this rule, breeders had the idea of crossing Akitas with German shepherds. Of these dogs, the Dewa line of dogs was particularly attractive to Americans, who imported several into the United States.
The Japanese Akita and the American Akita separated there. The latter became so popular that the Akita Club of America was founded in 1956 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1972. Then it was the turn of the Fédération Canine Internationale (FCI) of the endorse on May 30, 1999.
Physical description
His hair:
Straight, straight, slightly parted, short on the head, the bottom of the legs, and the ears. The outer coat is associated with a shorter, thicker, softer and fuller undercoat.
Its color:
all shades such as red, fawn or white. Variegated and spotted colors are also allowed. The monochromatic white body does not show the mask. Primer color may be different from topcoat color.
Head:
Obtuse triangular, large and well proportioned, without wrinkles at rest. The skull is flat and broad, with a well-defined point of insertion without being overly intrusive. The nose is wide and black, the muzzle is wide and high, and the lips are black without drooping.
Ears:
Erect, small, triangular in shape with slightly rounded tips. Their attachments are wide and not too low.
His eyes: Relatively small, dark brown, almost triangular in shape.
Its body:
can be written in the form of a rectangle (longer than high). The back is straight, the loins are well muscled, the chest is broad and drooping and the belly is slightly raised.
Its tail:
Thick, covered with a thick, coarse, and well-decorated hair, attached high, carried on the back or on the sides, rolled up to three quarters in a full or double circle.
Character
The American Akita is a very calm dog with a strong personality. Alert and full of courage, he knows very well how to guard his master's house. He is also particularly suspicious of strangers, although he does not necessarily bark to show his displeasure.
He was also admired for his dignified side, his confidence, and the dignity he displayed. He is a protective, independent, and decision-making dog. He may tend to seek confrontation with those close to him, mainly of the same sex. Breeders strongly advise against the cohabitation of two dogs of the same sex. Be careful, he can very badly interpret the clumsy gestures of a child and react dangerously to the youngest. Either way, it's a great playmate for older kids, but it can be unwieldy due to its size.
Living conditions
The American Akita adapts to all living conditions. He likes to be free outside, in a large fenced garden, and to spend time with his family inside. Life in an apartment suits him badly and he can't stand loneliness.
Its shape allows it to withstand extreme temperatures, especially cold. In an apartment, the American Akita must be able to exercise several times a day to limit weight gain. Cohabitation with young children must be done under close parental supervision.
Education and training
The American Akita should be socialized early and fully throughout its life to reduce retaliation against other dogs. The education of this dog must be respectful because it reacts badly to harsh methods and is more natural to violence. In fact, too cruel an education would make an aggressive dog. Therefore, education should be reinforced through play and positive reinforcement.
Maintenance and hygiene
American Akitas shed 2 times a year resulting in massive hair loss, which can make maintenance a little tricky. Apart from these moulting periods, its maintenance is very simple.
It is recommended to brush your dog once a week. It should only be cleaned when it is too dirty. Brushing becomes more frequent (2-3 times per week) during moulting.
Nails should be trimmed about once a month. If you are new to this area, it is recommended to seek advice from your veterinarian. Eyes and ears should be checked weekly to ensure there is no evidence of dirt or infection. The ears should be cleaned with a cotton ball soaked in a neutral pH ear solution.
Health
The American Akita is a robust dog whose double coat offers excellent protection against the cold.
However, the breed is prone to certain diseases, mainly skin diseases: pemphigus, pyoderma (bacterial infection) or sometimes bone problems (hip dysplasia).
Its life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years, on average.