The Akita is a breed of Spitz-type dog that originated in the Akita region of Japan. Over time, two different lines of Akita dogs were differentiated: the Akita Inu or Japanese, and the American Akita. The Akita Inu kept the traits of the primitive breed, while the American Akita adopted some characteristics of other breeds with which they were crossed. Although both types of Akita are very similar, there are some differences that allow us to distinguish them more easily.
If you want to know the different types of Akita dogs that exist, their main characteristics and their differences, don't miss the following article from our site.
General characteristics of Akita dogs
The International Cinological Federation (FCI) includes the Akita Inu and the American Akita within the group of Sptiz-type dogs or primitive type. Specifically, they are part of the Asian Spitz and similar breeds section.
In general, they are calm dogs, faithful and very protective with their family. However, they tend to have a dominant and territorial character that requires proper education from an early age to avoid unwanted behavior when they reach adulthood.
In general appearance, Akitas are large in size and strongly built, with the American Akita being slightly larger than Japanese. Their eyes are relatively small and dark in color. In the Akita Inu it is typical for the eyes to be slanted upwards. In both types of Akita the ears are relatively small, thick and triangular, always erect and slightly tilted forward. The neck is thick and muscular, the back is straight and the loin is broad and strong. The tail is thick, set high and is usually carried curled over the back.
Like all spitz dogs, their coat has two layers The first layer, short and woolly, protects them against inclement weather. The second coat is made up of long, straight hair. The color of the coat will vary depending on the specific type of Akita.
Akita inu or Japanese
The Akita Inu or Japanese Akita is a dog native to the Akita region, located in northern Japan. It is considered the national dog of Japan. So much so, that it was designated a National Monument of the country in 1931.
Initially it was a breed of medium-sized dog used for bear hunting Throughout history, this Japanese dog was crossed with various breeds, such as the Tosa Inu, Mastiff or German Shepherd. As a result of those crosses, larger dogs were obtained but the characteristics of the spitz-type dogs were lost. In order to recover those characteristics of the breed, some fans carried out crosses with the Matagi Akita line. In this way, they managed to restore the primitive traits and create the pure and large breed that we know today.
Character
This type of Akita is a dog with a calm temperament that tends to show a calm demeanor even in stressful situations. In general, it is a dog faithful and docile, characterized by being loyal and protectivewith his family, although somewhat distrustful of strangers. Although it is a dog that does not usually seek confrontation or attack for no reason, it must be taken into account that it is a breed with a very marked character and, on occasions,, dominant both with other dogs and with people. For all these reasons, they are animals that require an experienced caregiver who knows how to provide them with the appropriate education, always based on positive reinforcement. In addition, it is convenient to socialize them with other dogs from puppies, in order to avoid problems in their adult stage. To do this, consult our article on How to properly socialize a puppy.
Appearance
This is a large dog breed, well balanced and with a strong constitution. Males weigh between 34 and 53 kg and reach a height at the withers of 67 cm. Females weigh between 30 and 49 kg and reach a height of up to 61 cm. The body of females is slightly longer than that of males.
The most notable characteristics of its official racial standard are:
- Facial region: they have a defined stop (fronto-nasal depression), but not very marked. The snout is moderately long, with a broad base that tapers towards the tip. The nose (nose) is large and black. In specimens with white hair, the nose may lack pigmentation. The eyes are relatively small, almost triangular, with the outer angle slightly slanted upwards. The color of the eyes is dark brown. The ears are relatively small, thick and triangular; they stand upright and lean forward.
- The neck is thick, muscular and free of jowls. Ends in a deep, well-developed chest. The back is straight and the loin is broad and muscular.
- The tail is thick and set high. They usually carry it twisted around their back.
- It is characterized by having a double coat, that is, two layers are distinguished. The outer layer is made up of smooth and hard hair, while the inner layer is made up of fine and abundant hair. The withers and hip area is covered with slightly longer hair. The hair on the tail is longer than the hair on the rest of the body.
- The coat of hair can be of 4 colors: red-fawn, sesame (red-fawn with black tips), brindle or white. All colors except white must have "urajiro". It is called “ urajiro” to the white hair present on the sides of the snout, on the cheeks, under the jaw, on the neck, chest, abdomen, under the tail and on the inside of the extremities.
American Akita
At the end of World War II, some American soldiers brought Akitas that had been crossed with other breeds to the United States. Specifically, they introduced into the country those Akitas that had characteristic features of the mastiff or German shepherds. Its growing popularity made the Americans develop their own breeding line until they created a new breed different from the Japanese dog: the American Akita.
Character
Like the Akita Inu, he is a loyal and protectivedog with his family, but somewhat reserved with strangers. Unlike their Japanese relative, they are more affectionate with family and are more obedient and trainable dogsHowever, they maintain their dominant character, they are very territorial and can be aggressive with other dogs if they have not been properly socialized. In short, they are large dogs with a strong character that require an experienced handler to provide them with the necessary discipline from an early age to avoid behavioral problems in their adult years.
Appearance
The American Akita is a large dog with a strong build and well balanced. It is slightly larger than the Japanese Akita. The males have a height at the withers of 66 and 71 cm and the females between 61 and 66 cm. The weight can range between 40 and 70 kg.
The most characteristic features of its official racial standard are:
- Facial region: the stop is well defined, but not too abrupt. The muzzle is wide and deep. The nose is wide and black. In white specimens the nose may be depigmented. The lips are black. The eyes are relatively small, almost triangular in shape and dark brown in color. The rims of the eyelids are black. The ears are triangular, erect and angled slightly forward.
- The neck is relatively short, thick, and muscular and, unlike the Japanese Akita, has a slight double chin. The chest is broad and deep. The back is straight and the loin is firmly muscled.
- The tail is strong and hairy (the hair is hard, smooth and abundant; it does not form fringes). It has a high set and is curled on the back or resting against the flank.
- Like all Akita dogs, has two coats of hair The outer coat is made up of straight, coarse hair, and the undercoat with abundant, soft, dense and shorter hair. The hair on the head, distal part of the limbs and ears should be short, while the hair on the withers and rump is approximately 5 cm. On the tail, the hair is longer and more abundant than on the rest of the body.
- The coat can be any color, including red, fawn, white, brindle, or pinto. They may or may not have a mask on their face, except for plain white dogs that should not have one. The hair on the innermost layer may be a different color than the outer layer.
Differences between the Akita Inu and the American Akita
After reviewing the characteristics of both types of Akita we have already been able to verify their differences. Sometimes these dogs can be confused, however, they have distinguishing features that allow us to differentiate them. In summary, these traits are as follows:
- The American Akita is slightly larger and stockier than the Akita Inu.
- The American Akita can be any color, unlike the Akita Inu, which is only accepted in 4 colors and must always present the characteristic "urajiro".
- The Akita Inu doesn't have a double chin, while the American does.
- The ears of the Akita Inu are smaller and more triangular than those of the American, which are more pointed.
- In general, the Akita Inu has a more rounded and fluffy appearance.
- The American Akita tends to be more affectionate than the Akita Inu, although this will also depend entirely on the experiences gained and the education received.
- The American Akita is also usually easier to train due to its character, however, both require a handler with knowledge in dog training.
If you are thinking of adopting one of these breeds, we insist on the importance of socialization and education. Therefore, if you do not have the appropriate knowledge, do not hesitate to go to a professional canine educator. Of course, make sure you always use techniques based on positive reinforcement.
