American Akita
American Akita
American Akita
Have you heard of the dog breed called "American Akita"? When you hear "Akita," you probably think of the Japanese "Akita Inu." That's right, the American Akita is closely related to the Japanese Akita Inu. Let's introduce the American Akita!
American Akita Basic Infomation
Basic Information
Country of Origin: USA Height: Male 66-71cm Female 61-66cm Weight: 27-59kg The American Akita has a sturdy and solid body. It has a broad, triangular-shaped head with round eyes. The ears are erect, and the tail is either curled over the back or hanging down the side. It has a double coat with a thick, dense undercoat and a coarse, short outer coat. The coat is thick and comes in various colors such as red, white, golden fawn, and more. There are also brindle patterns and pinto markings. While the American Akita resembles the Japanese Akita Inu, it is larger and has a more defined, shepherd-like face.
History of the American Akita
The ancestor of the American Akita is, of course, the Japanese "Akita Inu." The Akita Inu originated in Akita Prefecture, and its ancestor was the "Matagi Inu," a bear-hunting dog. After 1603, the Matagi Inu was used for dog fighting. It is said that the Akita Inu was born by mixing their blood. In 1908, a ban on dog fighting was issued, and then World War II began. During the war, due to food shortages, an order was issued to capture all dogs except for the "German Shepherd Dog" used by the military. To avoid being captured, Akita Inu owners mixed their dogs with breeds like the "German Shepherd Dog" and the "Mastiff" to disguise them. These mixed-breed Akita Inus were known as the "Dewa Line" and became popular. However, by the end of the war, only a few purebred Akita Inus remained. The popularity of the Dewa Line extended beyond Japan, appealing to American soldiers stationed there. Even before the war, in 1937, Helen Keller visited Akita and brought two Akita Inus back to the United States, where they became famous. As a result, American soldiers in Japan also started keeping Akita Inus and brought them back to the US. In the US, the Akita Inu population grew, and in 1972, the breed was registered with the American Kennel Club. However, there was no confirmation from the Japan Kennel Club, so the breed developed independently, creating the "American Akita." Meanwhile, Japan worked to restore the original Akita Inu, leading to the two distinct breeds we see today. Currently, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the Japan Kennel Club recognize the Akita Inu as a Japanese breed and the American Akita as an American breed. Although they share the same roots, their paths diverged, resulting in differences in appearance, build, and possibly even temperament.
American Akita Q&A
What is the Origin of the Name American Akita?
Initially, the American Akita was also called "Akita," but after being registered with the American Kennel Club and recognized as different from the Japanese Akita Inu, the word "American" was added to distinguish them. The American Akita is also known as the "Great Japanese Dog," reflecting its Japanese origin, which is nice to remember.
Is the American Akita Friendly?
The American Akita is known to be friendly, combining the simplicity and dignity of the Akita Inu with a gentle and friendly nature. They are kind and loyal to their owners and will try to protect their owners and family. They are also alert and courageous, wary of strangers. They have a strong territorial instinct, confronting anyone who enters their territory. American Akitas can get along with other dogs and children, but early training is essential. They generally treat their family with affection and can be good watchdogs and family members.
Can You Keep an American Akita in Japan?
American Akitas are not commonly found in Japanese pet shops. You may need to find a specialized breeder or import one. When importing, ensure good communication with the other party to avoid problems during transportation. It might be best to gather information from current American Akita owners in Japan and, if possible, visit the breeder to see the condition of the dogs before making a decision. If you find a specialized breeder in Japan, they can provide detailed information about raising an American Akita, including their living conditions and the condition of the parents, giving you peace of mind. However, specialized breeders are rare in Japan, so be patient in your search.
Can American Akitas Live Indoors?
American Akitas can live both indoors and outdoors, but there are considerations for each. Indoors, the thick coat of the American Akita can trap heat, so they may be more comfortable in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. However, they need ample space due to their large size. Keeping them in a cramped space can lead to stress and aggression. Outdoors, a large yard is ideal. As a giant breed, they can easily reach items indoors that they shouldn't, but this is less of a concern outside. Fresh air is also beneficial for them, though they are prone to heatstroke, so they should be kept indoors during summer. Whether indoors or outdoors, the best living arrangement depends on the individual dog. Choose the method that suits your American Akita best.
Do American Akitas Need a Lot of Exercise?
With their ancestry as bear-hunting and fighting dogs, American Akitas have high stamina. They need two walks a day, each lasting 30-60 minutes. Include light jogging and allow them to exercise freely in a dog park. Insufficient exercise can lead to stress, aggression, and obesity, so it's crucial to meet their exercise needs. Owners should also have the stamina to keep up with them.
What Do American Akitas Eat?
Feed your American Akita a complete and balanced diet labeled as "complete nutrition" to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Given their activity level, foods containing high-quality meat are recommended. It's tempting to give extra treats or food when they beg, but stick to the recommended amounts to maintain their health.
Is Training an American Akita Difficult?
Given their large size, it's important to train American Akitas properly from a young age to avoid problems. If training is neglected, they can become unmanageable. Establish yourself as the leader early on. They are intelligent and quickly learn what you teach, but they can be stubborn. Consistent training and building a trustful relationship are essential. Use praise rather than scolding during training. It's also crucial to socialize them as puppies to avoid sudden reactions to noises or people. Expose them to various environments and allow interaction with other dogs to help them learn social behaviors. Teach them the "wait" command to manage their excitement and avoid trouble. They may bark at strangers out of protectiveness, so train them not to bark unnecessarily. Use positive reinforcement and show them love through communication and training.
Is Grooming an American Akita Difficult?
American Akitas have dense double coats that require daily brushing to remove loose hair. Gently wipe away dandruff and debris with a damp towel. During shedding season, brush more frequently and thoroughly. Monthly baths are sufficient, but bathing a giant breed can be challenging at home. Use an outdoor area and thoroughly dry them after washing. Regularly check and clean their erect ears to prevent infections. Given their size, grooming can be time-consuming, so work together as a family.
What Diseases Are American Akitas Prone to?
As a giant breed, American Akitas are prone to certain health issues. Regularly observe your dog and seek veterinary care if anything seems off. "Hip Dysplasia": Common in large breeds, this condition involves malformation of the hip joint, causing pain and difficulty walking. It can be congenital or result from excessive exercise or obesity. Seek veterinary care if your dog shows signs of discomfort while walking. "Patellar Luxation": This condition involves dislocation of the kneecap, common in heavy dogs. It can be congenital or result from obesity. Maintain a healthy weight to prevent this condition. "Sebaceous Adenitis": Common in Akitas, this condition causes greasy fur, dandruff, and hair loss. While the cause is unknown and the condition is progressive, early veterinary care can slow its progression. "Hypothyroidism": This condition involves insufficient thyroid hormone production, leading to low metabolism and lethargy. It increases the risk of other diseases, so seek veterinary care if your dog seems unusually tired. The average lifespan of an American Akita is 10-15 years. While this is average for large breeds, it is short compared to humans. If you welcome an American Akita into your family, care for them with love and responsibility throughout their life.
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American Akita References
American Akita Introduction of media used
出典：https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/アメリカン-秋田-犬-ペット-4161395/
出典：https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/秋田-アメリカン-休暇-屋外-3186439/
出典：https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/犬-秋田-アメリカン-歩く-3753726/
出典：https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/秋田-アメリカン-休暇-屋外-3186562/
出典：https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/アメリカンアキタ-秋田-984561/
出典：https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Akita_Americano_cucciolo
出典：https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:American_Akita
出典：https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/秋田-アメリカン-犬-哺乳類-3186020/
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