They are independent, fierce guard dogs that have a deep connection with one or two people in their lives. The American Akita or just Akita is a descendant of a Japanese dog breed called Akitainu.
The American Akita is a strong and powerful-looking guard dog that will stop the intruders with only their looks and deep, strong bark. This is a dog for those who know how to handle a large dog. They are not for the first-time dog owners or those who have never had a large guard dog.
- American Akita Size
The American Akita is a large dog. Like in most other dog breeds, males are slightly larger than females.
- Male Height: 26 to 28 inches
- Male Weight: 100 to 130 pounds
- Female Height: 24 to 26 inches
- Female Weight: 70 to 100 pounds
These are AKC-accepted numbers, however, irregular and irresponsible breeding programs often lead to Akitas being larger than normal. So, I am sure you can find American Akitas that weigh more than 130 pounds.
- American Akita Color
According to the American Kennel Club, there are 9 standard colors. These colors are:
- Black
- White
- Red
- Fawn
- Brown brindle
- Brown + black overlay
- Red + black overlay
- Silver + black overlay
- Fawn + black overlay
Besides these, there are 11 more coat colors that are not accepted as standard but can be registered. Some of these include red brindle, silver brindle, silver, and brown.
- American Akita Trainability
If you look into Stanley Coren’s book The Intelligence of Dogs, you will find Akitas in 54th place out of 100 dog breeds he tested. Once again, it is important to know that Stanley used two parameters:
- How many repetitions a dog needs to learn a new command
- Does a dog obey on first command
Why did Akitas rank so low? Because like some other smart dogs, they are very independent and stubborn. They don’t want to do what you tell them because they always think about what is in it for them.
The stubbornness and independent nature are two main reasons why American Akitas are not easy to train. They also have a very strong prey drive. Combined with their strength and size, it is obvious why Akitas need a strong and firm trainer from an early age.
It is best to leave the training to a professional dog trainer with lots of experience with large dog breeds. This way, you are securing a safe life not only to your dog but to other dogs and people around your home.
However, once they are properly trained and socialized, you will have a very alert and fierce guard dog.
- American Akita Social Traits
American Akitas are not the friendliest of dogs. Same sex aggression has been noted and is something to seriously think about before bringing Akita to your home.
The aggression is focused on same sex dogs of any breed or size. Simply put, Akitas are very territorial and have a strong desire to be alpha dogs.
Don’t get fooled by the initial puppy phase when they are cute and not aggressive towards other dogs. As soon as the hormones kick in, during the teenage phase, the aggression can be seen and if not prevented can escalate into very serious injuries and even death of smaller dogs.
So what to do?
Socialize Akitas from a very young age and keep on doing so all to their adulthood. Expose them to different sounds, smells, and sights.
Get them used to other dogs, big and small, male and female. Also, get them used to other animals, especially if you plan on having cats or you live on a farm.
Basically, the key is to socialize, socialize, and socialize American Akitas.
- American Akita Activity Needs
We can put American Akitas in a group of dogs that need a medium amount of daily exercise. However, they need mental stimulation and attention apart from that.
Usually, a 20 to 30 minutes walk in the morning and evening will do the trick. Or at least one hour a day of playtime or exploring time.
They are working dogs that need something to do. If you don’t have any mental stimulation for them, they can become quite destructive.
A dog puzzle toy can be useful if you have to leave your dog for a few hours alone each day. Kong dog toys are useful in these situations. They are durable and you can fill them with a dog treat to keep your dog occupied.
- American Akita Feeding Guide
Every dog is unique and the amount of food they need depends on their age, sex, health, and activity needs. When talking about healthy adult American Akitas, they often need up to 3 cups of quality kibble food daily.
Quality food means rich in proteins and low in carbohydrates. You can ask your vet if they recommend a certain brand, but most owners choose either Purina Pro Plan Salmon or Taste of Wild Salmon.
You don’t have to choose the salmon flavor. See which flavor your dog likes and choose that one. Also, you should pay attention to your dog’s amount of daily activity. If it is a more active dog, it is OK to add the fourth cup – divided into 2 cups in the morning and 2 cups in the evening.
- American Akita Grooming Requirements
Akitas have a double medium coat. They require weekly brushing with a regular rake comb and a bath once a month or once every couple of months. Like most dogs, they shed more during the shedding season.
When that happens, more frequent brushing is required to keep the fur healthy, clean, and to keep the dog hairs off your furniture.
Don’t forget to trim the nails and brush your dog’s teeth regularly. The only pet toothpaste officially approved by the veterinary oral health council is the Petsmile Professional Toothpaste.
- American Akita Possible Health Issues
While responsible breeding programs minimize the risk of health problems, some issues can always happen. These issues include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Skin problems
- Eye problems
- Immune system disorders
American Akitas are large dogs and as such have a risk of developing bloat or GDV (Gastric dilatation-volvulus). It is a very serious and sometimes deadly condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach gets filled with gas, liquid, or food and subsequently twists.
Summary
It is important to know that American Akitas are not for first-time dog owners. They are also not for those who have never had a large and fairly independent dog breed. If you are used to Golden Retrievers, switching to Akitas might not be the best option.
Think it through, see if you have the time and will to go through intense and long training and constant socialization.
However, those who can control these powerful dogs get an outstanding dog guard and a loyal companion for life.
