The American and Japanese Akita are two distinct breeds that, while sharing a common ancestry, have evolved with unique characteristics that set them apart. Originating from Japan, the Akita Inu embodies the ancient tradition and cultural esteem of its homeland, renowned for its elegant, fox-like appearance and reserved demeanor. Conversely, the American Akita, developed in the United States, stands out with its robust, bear-like build and more outgoing nature. These differences, rooted in historical, cultural, and breeding practices, not only distinguish their physical attributes but also their temperamental traits, offering intriguing insights into how geography and culture can shape a breed.
The Akita is a remarkable breed with deep roots in Japanese culture, originally bred in the rugged mountains of northern Japan as a versatile hunting dog. Known for their loyalty, courage, and gentle nature, Akitas have long been cherished as both protectors of the home and symbols of good health.
In Japan, the Akita carries a special meaning; families often receive statues of the Akita to celebrate the birth of a child, symbolizing health, happiness, and longevity. Even when someone is ill, friends send these statues to wish for a quick recovery.
Today, the Akita has evolved into two distinct breeds: the Japanese Akita and the American Akita. While they share a common ancestor, their development has led to noticeable differences in appearance, temperament, and care needs.
In this article, we’ll explore these majestic dogs, breaking down what sets the Japanese and American Akitas apart to help you decide which breed is the perfect fit for your home.
An Overview of the Japanese Akita Inu
The Japanese Akita, also called the Akita Inu, is a dog breed from Japan. Its name means “large dog” in Japanese, and it has a long history dating back hundreds of years. Originally from the polar regions, Spitz-type dogs eventually made their way to Japan’s northern mountains, where the Akita was developed. Around 300 years ago, the largest and strongest of these dogs were bred to create the Akita, which was initially used as a fighting dog.
However, by the late 19th century, the Akita’s popularity as a fighting dog declined, but the breed smoothly transitioned into a successful hunting dog. The Akita was used to protect royal children and hunt animals like black bears, wild boar, and deer.
According to Britannica, in 1931, the Japanese government recognized the Akita as a “natural monument” for its importance to the country’s history. Today, the Japanese Akita is not only a hunting dog but also trained for police and guard work.
An Overview of the American Akita
The American Akita was first introduced to the United States in 1937 by Helen Keller, who received a puppy as a gift during her visit to Japan. The breed gained more popularity after World War II when American servicemen brought Akita dogs home because they admired the breed’s intelligence and adaptability. These loyal dogs quickly won the hearts of American families.
AKC states that in 1956, the Akita Club of America was founded, and by 1972, the breed was officially registered with the American Kennel Club. Over time, the American Akita evolved to be larger and more imposing than the Japanese Akita, thanks to selective breeding in the U.S.
Today, the American Akita is known for its impressive size and strong presence, setting it apart from its Japanese relative.
Visual Differences Between American and Japanese Akita
In terms of appearance, the Japanese Akita Inu has a more fox-like head and is generally less muscular compared to the American Akita. On the other hand, American Akitas are larger, more muscular, and have a broader, bear-like head. Although the American Akita and Japanese Akita Inu have distinct differences in appearance, they do share several physical similarities.
Both breeds feature a tightly curled tail, giving them their signature look. They are tall, strong, and powerful dogs with small eyes and erect ears. Additionally, both types of Akita can occasionally have a long coat, despite it being less common.
Differences Between the American Akita and Japanese Akita Inu
Size
American Akitas are noticeably larger than their Japanese Akita Inu counterparts. Female American Akitas usually weigh between 80-100 pounds, while males range from 100-130 pounds. Male American Akitas can stand up to 28 inches tall at the shoulders, with females typically a couple of inches shorter.
In contrast, Japanese Akita Inu females weigh around 60-80 pounds and stand 22-24 inches tall at the shoulders. Male Japanese Akitas weigh between 80-100 pounds and are slightly taller, standing 24-26 inches at the shoulders.
Coat Color
Another notable difference between the American and Japanese Akitas is their coat color. Japanese Akitas come in three main colors: red, white, and brindle, with red being the most common, often accompanied by white markings called “urajiro.” This limited color range is preserved to maintain the traditional and pure Japanese Akita lines.
In contrast, the American Akita has a much broader range of coat colors, including solid white, brindle, or pinto, along with combinations like black, brown, fawn, or silver. This variety gives American Akitas a more diverse and unique appearance compared to their Japanese counterparts.
Similarities Between the American Akita and Japanese Akita Inu
Personality and Temperament
Both the American Akita and Japanese Akita Inu share similar personalities despite their differences in appearance. They are best known for their loyalty and protective nature, being deeply affectionate with those they are attached to, but often reserved or distant with strangers. Their independence and strong will can make training challenging, but once trained, their loyalty and responsiveness feel incredibly rewarding.
The American Akita tends to have a slightly shorter temper and may not get along well with other pets in the household. While they can do well with older children, they require a bit more exercise than their Japanese counterparts.
American Akitas are generally quiet and loving but demand more attention from their owners compared to the Japanese Akita Inu. They thrive on daily walks and play sessions, along with consistent training and socialization, to stay well-behaved and content. The Japanese Akita, on the other hand, is a bit more laid-back and independent, making it less demanding of constant attention.
Health and Longevity
Both the Japanese Akita and American Akita have a similar lifespan, typically ranging from 10 to 13 years. While they are generally healthy large-breed dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues, especially since they aren’t very active by nature. Common conditions that affect both breeds include hypothyroidism, immune disorders, and bloat. Additionally, they may experience autoimmune diseases, hip dysplasia, and anxiety.
Because of these potential health concerns, it’s important to monitor their diet and ensure they receive regular checkups with a veterinarian. By keeping an eye on their health and providing proper care, you can help your Akita live a long, happy life.
Care and Grooming
Akitas are generally laid-back dogs, but they still require daily exercise and activity to maintain their health. Since they are not particularly active on their own, it’s important for owners to engage them in regular walks or play sessions to keep them fit.
In terms of grooming, both the American and Japanese Akita are similar. They have thick coats that shed heavily twice a year, during which they need more frequent brushing to manage the shedding.
Outside of these periods, weekly brushing is sufficient to keep their coats in good condition. Regular baths, ear cleaning, and occasional trimming are also necessary to maintain their hygiene and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Both the American and Japanese Akita dog breeds are powerful, loyal, and majestic breeds, each with their own unique traits and history. The American Akita puppies grow into strong, imposing dogs, while Japanese Akitas tend to have a more refined, fox-like appearance.
Although these two Akitas share the same breed origins in the Akita region of Japan, where the breed began, they have developed distinct differences over time, especially in size and temperament. Regardless of which Akita you choose, both breeds are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent guard dogs for the right home.
However, due to their independent and sometimes stubborn nature, neither breed is recommended for a first-time dog owner. They require experienced handling and early socialization, especially around other dogs and other breeds. Whether you are drawn to the original Akita with its historical ties to dog fighting or the more modern American Akita, the right training and commitment will help unlock their full potential.
Organizations like the Japanese Akita Club can provide valuable resources and guidance for anyone interested in welcoming one of these magnificent dogs into their home. Despite their subtle differences, both Akitas share many similarities in temperament, offering strength, dignity, and lifelong companionship.
FAQS
What are the key differences between the American Akita and Japanese Akita?
The key differences between the Japanese and American Akitas are most evident in their appearance and temperament. Japanese Akitas are known for their more elegant, fox-like appearance, with a slimmer build and refined features. On the other hand, American Akitas are generally larger, with broader heads and a more muscular, powerful frame. These physical traits give each breed a distinct look, reflecting their unique heritage and development.
How does the Akita Inu differ from the Shiba Inu?
The main difference between these two breeds lies in their size. Shiba Inus are smaller, with a nimble, athletic build suited for quick, light hunting tasks. In contrast, Akita Inus are much larger, with a more robust body built for more serious, demanding hunting activities. This size difference reflects their distinct roles and capabilities as hunters.
Which Breed is Best Suited for You?
There are a few key differences between the Japanese Akita Inu and American Akita besides their size. Both breeds don’t do well with other pets and need an experienced owner. They can be trained to get along with older children, but the Japanese Akita Inu tends to be more forgiving than the American Akita.
While both are independent and stubborn, the American Akita is slightly less so. However, they are strong and smart, requiring clear and consistent training. If you want a slightly smaller big dog, the Japanese Akita Inu is a better fit, but they still need daily exercise and space to roam.
In conclusion, while both the American and Japanese Akita share a common ancestry, they have distinct differences that set them apart. The American Akita is larger and more robust, often featuring a broader range of coat colors, while the Japanese Akita is known for its elegant, refined appearance with specific coat standards. Temperamentally, the American Akita is often more outgoing and tolerant of strangers, whereas the Japanese Akita tends to be more reserved and aloof. Both breeds exhibit loyalty, intelligence, and strong-willed nature, requiring dedicated training and socialization. Ultimately, choosing between them depends on individual preferences and lifestyle compatibility.