If you are looking for a loyal, powerful, and a beautiful dog breed, American Akita is your perfect choice. American Akita dogs have captured the attention of dog lovers around the world. Dog Akita American is an entertaining and playful breed that will keep you engaged at all times. If you are planning to bring one home, we shall be sharing some interesting insights into the dog breed along with tips in raising an American Akita puppy in this article. So, stay tuned till the end and gather all the information you must know:
Let’s begin with some quick facts on American Akita that every dog lover must know about this dog breed:
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Origin | Japan |
Location | They are Developed in the USA |
Weight | Males: 45-59 kg or 100-130 lbs Females: 32-45 kg or 70-100 lbs |
Height | 24-28 inches (61-71 cm) |
Diet | Balanced diet containing high-protein dog food along with carbohydrates and healthy fats |
Coat Type | Thick double coat |
Coat Colors | White, black mask, pinto, brindle, and various other colors |
Lifespan | Mostly 10-14 years |
Temperament | Quiet, Loyal, independent, protective |
Grooming Needs | Moderate: Requires seasonal shedding care like 2-3 brushings per week |
Exercise Needs | Needs atleast 45-60 minutes of exercise daily which includes playing and walking |
Common Health Issues | Hypothyroidism, Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) |
Best Suited For | Families without small pets and experienced dog owners |
Predators | None (Top of the chain in domestic pets) |
Origin and History of the American Akita
The roots of American Akita are in Japan, evolving from the Akita Inu originaly. However, during the early 20th century, the American Akita dog breed entered into the United States. Here, the breed developed its unique traits which lead to the existence of the dog Akita American we know today. Normally Japanese dog breeds are small but Akitas are quite larger in size and are more muscular. They are available in a variety of colors too.
During the 1930s, Helen Keller brought the first Akita to America which lead to the popularity of American Akita dog breed. Since then, their protective and loyal nature has made them best buddies and the most beloved pets around the area.
Physical Appearance of American Akita
The American Akita dog breed is quite large in size. Male dogs in American Akita breed normally weigh between 100-130 pounds, while the females dogs weight somewhere from 70-100 pounds. These dogs have a muscular body along with a broad head as they stand tall with a robust body. They have thick coat that’s available in different colors.
Some key physical features include:
- Colors: American Akita dogs are available in different colors like white, pinto, black masks, and brindle.
- Coat: They have very thick double coat to keep them warm during the cold weather.
- Eyes: They have smaller, triangular eyes which gives the breed a noble and intense facial expression.
- Tail: They have fluffy, curled tail.
If you are planning to raise an American Akita puppy, it is essential that take care of their diet and nutrition in order to ensure they have a healthy growth.
Temperament and Personality of Akita American Dog
The dog Akita American is recognized for their courage and unwavering loyalty. They can form stronger bonds with their households and are known natural guardians. They are highly affectionate with the families they live in but they can also be found aloof around strangers at times.
What are they Key Personality Traits of Akita American Dogs?
- Protective: Akita Americans guard families and homes so they make excellent watchdogs.
- Loyal: As soon as an American Akita puppy connects with their owners, their loyalty cannot be matched.
- Independent: American Akita dogs require training but they sure have a strong-willed personality otherwise.
- Quiet: American Akita dogs do not bark excessively.
All of the above listed traits make them the best furry buddies around, they still need their owners to understand their basic reeds and requirements.
Training and Socialization for American Akita
You’ve got to be firm, consistent, and patient in order to train the American Akita puppy or the dog even. The breed is highly intelligent but can become difficult to handle at times, so it’s better to provide socialization and training at early stages itself. You must get your American Akita puppy enrolled in obedience classes which will help them to get familier with different people, pets, and environments.
Training Tips for American Akita:
- Start Early: Make sure to start training your American Akita puppy as soon as you bring them home.
- Positive Reinforcement Goes a Long Way: Try using praises and rewards like treats for motivating them.
- Be Firm: Establish some ground rules while loving Akitas. This dog breed requires clear guidance.
- New Experiences are Best for Them: Make sure that your American Akita puppy gets to socialize with new people and places so they can easily avoid their anxiety and aggression.
American Akita Grooming and Maintenance Tips
The thick double coat of American Akita sheds heavily and needs grooming. Especially during the seasonal changes, they might require ongoing grooming to help reduce the shedding and to keep their coat healthy. Here is a usual routine for grooming that Akitas might need:
Grooming Routine for American Akita:
- They need Bathing: Every 6-8 weeks, Akita’s need to bathe properly in order to keep the coat clean.
- They need Nail Trimming: You need to trim their nails from time to time to avoid any discomforts.
- Brushing: To prevent tangles and mats, your Akita would need brushing atleast 2-3 times per week.
- Dental Care: You need to take care of their dental hygine like brushing etc to prevent dental issues.
The dog Akita American must be kept well groomed to stay comfortable, healthy, and beautiful.
Do American Akita have Exercise Needs?
Yes, absolutely. These are among the most active dog breeds around and they requires regular exercise to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated. You can take them for regular play sessions, long walks, and trainings.
Suggested Activities:
- Plan to take them for walks daily for minimum 45-60 minutes.
- Obedience exercises or agility training work best.
- Schedule a long playtime within a secure yard.
If you bring home an American Akita puppy, try to avoid overexercising them. Their growing joints and bones are not fully developed yet so must be kept protected.
What are the key Health Concerns for dog Akita American?
Dog Akita American are usually healthy dogs that can survive for a lifespan of 10-14 years, yet they are prone to some health concerns. Listed are a few below:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
American Akita puppy sure needs a nutritious balanced diet along with regular vet check-ups in order to stay healthy while growing up.
Is the American Akita Right for You?
If you are planning to adopt American Akita, you must evaluate if your lifestyle matches with their expectations. These dogs are perfect for experienced dog owners who can provide them with complete comfort and fulfil their expectations. If you are sure you can provide them training, make them exercise, and help them socialize then only adopt them. We are putting down some pros and cons of owning them to help you decide better:
Advantages of Owning an American Akita Dog:
- Clean and quite dog breed.
- They are protective and loyal.
- They become excellent watchdog.
Disadvantages of Owning an American Akita:
- They might require efforts towards socialization and consistent training.
- They can be a bit aloof with other pets or strangers.
- They do shed heavily during seasonal changes.
Final Thoughts
An American Akita is an amazing pet for experienced owners. However, it’s loyal and stunning dog breed that can easily adapt with dog lovers who love a protective and strong companion. If you think you can devote good enough time and efforts towards raising dog Akita American or the American Akita puppy, these dogs will bond with you for life. Just provide them with a comfortable environment and be ready to enjoy their companionship for years to come.