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|    STATISTICS    |    ARE YOU PLANNING TO PURCHASE AN AMERICAN AKITA    |

 
 
 

 
A breed full of contrasts
 
The American Akita is very much the creation of American breeders. The official breeding started after World War II with dogs which had been brought to the country by soldiers returning from Japan. Hence the former name of the breed (Great Japanese Dog) relates to distant Japanese relatives.
 
The American Akita is a sturdy, large molosser type Spitz. He is heavily built with strong bone. His expression is very imposing and he has a large, bear like head. He has a weather resistant, harsh double coat. The colour of his coat can vary from red, to fawn, white, black, pinto (with coloured patches) and brindle and so on. Males stand at approx. 66-71 cms at withers, whereas bitches measure 61-66 cms.
 
The American Akita is very courageous and his guarding instinct may be very strong. He is a very calm and self-confident dog. The American Akita is most gentle and devoted to his own family. His true character is full of contrasts which makes him so charming and unique.
 
 
Dignified and strong willed
 
The calm and dignified appearance of the American Akita may be most misleading as he can act very quickly indeed, for instance when meeting another dog on the street. The American Akita is a very self-confident and fair dog. As he is so dignified and possesses a very strong mind of his own, he may not be the keenest dog to obey his master if he is not interested in doing so. Therefore we do not recommend this breed if you are looking for a very easy working dog. A clever trainer can naturally motivate his dog and teach him good manners (the breed does compete in Obedience Trials), but this may require much tolerance and a good sense of humour at times! Our breed is very intelligent, he learns quickly and has an amazing memory capacity. If he is not interested to obey, then he is to be motivated with rich rewards. Do not push him too hard - he has a stubborn mind and will show his dislike very clearly!
 
 

A devoted family dog - no time for other people
 
The American Akita is a most devoted and kind dog towards his own family, although he does not enjoy constant patting and cuddling. He is quite happy to enjoy his own company. He is a good companion with children as long as the kids are taught to respect him and do not treat him as a toy. Due to his mighty size and characteristics he is not suited for wrestling matches, so do not attract him with pull toys or wrestle with him. Visitors and strangers should be particularly aware of his characteristics and understand that this breed is wary with new people. Some American Akitas may not come and greet the visitors, but often observe them at an appropriate distance. Please do not approach an American Akita if he is alone at home - he may put his guarding instinct to good use. If you are approved and accepted, then the American Akita will always remember you and is likely to give you a warm welcome.

Puppy life
 
The American Akita puppy is exactly like a baby and will require a lot of sleep in the first months of his life. It is essential that he can have all the rest and peace and quiet he requires. At about six months he will gradually change and shows affection towards the family. It is characteristic for the breed to "talk" and this is a much loved trait. He has a rich voice scale and may attract his master to answer him in his own American Akita language! He may be an obstinate fellow, but by jove he has a charm of his own!
 
The American Akita is a very clean dog and it is easy to house train puppies. Normally they do not destroy things, but exceptions have been known! So please do not re-decorate your house just prior to the puppy's arrival and be prepared to be met with chaos when you return home from work. Our recommendation is that you purchase new furniture when the puppy has reached a safe age - say 12 months or so. Normally puppies sleep a great deal when alone. Also at an older age they are very quiet indoors and leap and bounce outdoors. It is a very good idea to train your dog right from puppyhood to be quiet and calm indoors and playful when outdoors. Thus he is also probably calm when left alone at home.
 
 
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