The American Akita is a beautiful, strong and impressive dog breed that originated in Japan. It is known for its unusual temperament and courage, making it an ideal companion for owners who need an alert and independent dog.
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American Akita – description and appearance of the breed
The American Akita is a medium-sized dog that can reach a weight of 34 to 59 kg, depending on gender. It is characterized by a strong build, well-developed muscles and beautiful, dense fur. There are two types of fur: short and long. The short fur is soft and smooth, while the long fur is rougher and harder to the touch.
The American Akita has a strong and broad head, with a well-defined foot and a wide nose. The eyes are small and triangular, and the ears are small and triangular. The tail is large and curved in an “S” shape. Overall, the American Akita has a solid and sturdy build that helps it perform a variety of tasks.

Character of the American Akita dog breed
Skills – what should you know?
The American Akita is a dog with a lot of potential and a lot of skills. They are very independent and strong dogs that can handle a variety of situations. However, the owner should remember that the American Akita requires good and consistent socialization from puppyhood to teach it to behave in society.
What kind of personality does it have?
The American Akita is a dog with a strong personality, which makes it not a breed for everyone. They are very loyal and devoted dogs to their owner, but at the same time independent and reluctant to obey commands. They are also very alert and cautious, which makes them good watchdogs. However, keep in mind that due to their independence and strong character, the Akita requires good socialization and consistent training.
American Akita – how to train and raise?
Training and raising an American Akita requires time, patience and consistency. The owner should start socializing the puppy from an early age to teach the dog appropriate behavior in the company of other dogs and people. It should also be remembered that the American Akita is a breed that needs consistent training, but does not tolerate harsh training methods. The owner should use positive reinforcement, rewarding the dog for good behavior.
For whom is the American Akita suitable?
The American Akita is a dog that is not for everyone. Due to its strong personality, it requires an experienced and consistent owner who will be able to control the dog. Due to its alertness and innate protectiveness, the American Akita will work well as a guard dog, but also as a companion for active and experienced owners.
American Akita – price
The price of American Akita puppies in Poland ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 zlotys, depending on the breeding and origin of the dog. However, it should be remembered that the price of the dog should not be the only criterion for choosing a breed, and the owner should be prepared to bear the costs associated with grooming, nutrition and veterinary care.

Advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages
One of the biggest disadvantages of the American Akita is its strong character, which can be difficult for a novice owner to control. In addition, the American Akita is prone to many inherited diseases, such as joint dysplasia, skin allergies and heart disease.
Advantages
One of the greatest advantages of the American Akita is its strong and independent personality, which makes it a great companion for experienced owners. They are also very loyal and devoted dogs that will be ready to defend their owner in any situation.
American Akita – Health, diseases and grooming
Nutrition
The American Akita is a breed that requires good quality food that will provide adequate nutrition. The owner should choose food that is high in meat content and low in grains and artificial additives. Keep in mind that the American Akita can be prone to being overweight, so the amount of food fed should be controlled and adequate exercise should be provided.
Grooming
The American Akita is a breed that requires regular grooming of its coat. It should be brushed at least once a week, and more often during the moulting season to remove dead hair. The owner should also regularly trim the dog’s claws and clean the ears and teeth.
Diseases
The American Akita is a breed prone to many inherited diseases, such as joint dysplasia, skin allergies, heart disease and diabetes. The owner should visit the vet regularly to monitor the dog’s health and prevent diseases.
Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?
Preparing for the arrival of the American Akita in the house requires appropriate equipment. You should get a large dog bed that will provide a comfortable place for the dog to sleep and rest. Feeding bowls and leashes and collars are also important.
An important piece of equipment is also a grooming kit, which should include a brush, comb and scissors for trimming the coat. You should also keep in mind the dog’s toys, which will provide the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation.
History of the American Akita dog breed
The history of the American Akita breed can be traced back to Japan, where it has been bred for hundreds of years. The Akita is a breed originally used for hunting wild game, but also for property protection and companionship. In Japan, Akitas were also used as fighting dogs, and some breeders specialized in breeding fighting dogs.
By the end of the 19th century, the Akita breed was almost on the verge of extinction, and the Japanese government introduced a breed protection program to restore the Akita population. As part of the program, Akitas began to be crossed with other breeds, resulting in three varieties: Matagi Akitas, Akita Inu and American Akita.
In 1931 the Akita Inu was recognized as the national breed in Japan, and in 1934 a breed standard was established. In 1937, the breed was declared a “National Heirloom,” which meant that the breeding of Akitas was protected by the state.
During World War II, the Akita breed nearly became extinct, as breeders were forced to kill their dogs to avoid extinction. After the war, breeders began to restore the Akita population, but during this time a new trend emerged in Japan – the crossbreeding of Akitas with other breeds, such as the German Shepherd and Labrador retriever, leading to changes in the appearance and character of the breed. In 1955, the American Akita was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a separate breed. At the same time, the Akita Breeders Club was established in the United States to breed and promote the breed.
Since then, the breed has grown in popularity, and in the 1970s and 1980s the American Akita became one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. The breed was not recognized in Japan until 2006, and to this day remains more popular in the United States than in its country of origin.
Over the past few decades, the breed has been intensively bred, leading to the development of two varieties of the American Akita: the Japanese type and the American type. The Japanese type has a more traditional appearance, while the American type is larger and bulkier.
Nowadays, the American Akita is bred and kept as a companion dog, but is also still used for hunting and rescue work. The breed is also popular in canine sports such as agility and obedience.

Akita American dog breed pattern
The Akita American breed pattern describes the breed’s appearance, size and proportions, as well as its characteristic physical features.
The American Akita is a dog with a strong and massive build, with a harmonious and proportional body. According to the breed’s standards, males reach a height at the withers of 66 to 71 cm, and females from 61 to 66 cm. The body weight should be proportional to the size of the dog and range from 34 to 54 kg.
The head of the American Akitka should be broad, but not heavy, with a distinct stop between the forehead and nose. The nose should be black in dogs with a black or black and white coat, and may be dark brown or gray in dogs with a fawn, white or fawn-white coat. The eyes should be medium-sized, brown and set wide.
The neck of the American Akitka should be short and strong, passing into well-muscled and straight front legs. The chest should be deep and the back should be straight and strong. The tail should be fluffy and carried curtly on the back.
The American Akita’s coat color is varied and can have different color combinations, including black, fawn, white, sable and fawn or sable coat with white markings. The white coat should have a uniform white color without yellow or fawn spots.
The Akita American breed standard also describes characteristic traits such as a strong and independent personality, proud and dignified behavior, loyalty and devotion to its owner, and potential aggressive behavior toward other dogs.
However, it is worth remembering that each dog is an individual and does not necessarily conform to the breed standard. Breeders, however, do their best to ensure that their dogs match the pattern as closely as possible and have the right physical characteristics and distinctive breed traits.
American Akita – interesting facts about the breed
The American Akita is a dog breed that fascinates many four-legged lovers around the world. Here are some interesting facts about this breed:
- During World War II, American soldiers brought several Akita Inu from Japan, which were later crossed with other dog breeds, creating the American Akita.
- In Japan, the Akita was traditionally considered a symbol of health, happiness and long life, and its appearance was the model for sculptures and paintings depicting the guard dog at temples and palaces.
- In 1931, Hachiko, an Akita from Japan, became world-famous after he stood at a Tokyo train station for 10 years waiting for his owner, who died suddenly at work. Hachiko is considered a symbol of fidelity and is often depicted in Japanese culture.
- The American Akita is one of the few dog breeds that have coat colors described as “pinto,” which means an irregular, speckled pattern on a white background.
- In 2013, an American Akita named Mica set a world record in agility for Akita dogs, completing an obstacle course in 33.15 seconds.
- The American Akita is often confused with another breed of dog, the Siberian Husky. Although the two breeds are similar in appearance, the Akita has a more stocky physique, while the Husky has a more compact and slender body.
- The American Akita is known to be very loyal to its family and is ready to defend them when threatened. At the same time, it can be a bit distrustful of strangers and other animals, so it is important to properly socialize it from puppyhood.
- Because of its impressive appearance and strong personality, the American Akita often appears in movies and TV series. An example is the movie “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” from 2009, which tells the story of Hachiko, an Akita from Japan who has become a symbol of loyalty and friendship around the world.
Summary
The American Akita is a dog breed with an impressive appearance and a strong personality, requiring a responsible approach and experience in raising dogs from its owner. It is an intelligent, loyal dog, but also independent and sometimes stubborn. Due to their remarkable history, akitas are highly valued in Japanese culture and are extremely popular around the world. If you want to adopt an American Akita, keep in mind that it is a large and demanding dog, but at the same time a wonderful companion and devoted friend.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.