As a descendant of the traditional Japanese Akita, the American Akita is also known as the “Great Japanese Dog”. The American dog breed has a solid character. Loyal, attentive, and obedient, the self-confident dog will impress you with its independence and courage as well as with its friendly nature.
History of the American Akita
The American Akita goes back to an ancient breed of dog whose roots can be traced back to prehistoric times. The original Akita is considered a “national natural monument” in Japan. Due to the Second World War, the number of Akitas in Japan was severely decimated, so the dog breed was even threatened with extinction. To prevent this, breeders in Japan and the USA tried to preserve the breed. The population of the breed was increased again by corresponding crosses with other breeds. Since different breeds were crossed in Japan and the USA, a distinction is now made between the American Akita and the modern Japanese Akita Inu. Since the year 2000, the breeds American Akita and Akita Inu are listed as independent breeds at the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), since clear differences arose through crossbreeding.
Essence and Character
If you take a closer look at the American Akita, you will quickly find that the American Akita impresses with its size, but also scores with its nature and character. The breed’s representatives tend to form an extremely strong bond with their caregivers. He is reserved to indifferent towards strangers but remains friendly. Even in hectic and confusing situations, the American Akita stays alert, but also calm. Although impressively self-confident dogs have a protective instinct, they are reserved and have a bite inhibition towards people, so a well-socialized and educated American Akita is definitely a good and sociable companion in everyday life. Despite all the courage and independence, the pedigree dogs are also extremely obedient and cooperative.
Acquisition of an American Akita
Konrad Lorenz once described the type of “one-man dog” and this description certainly applies to the American Akita. With the American Akita, you first have to work out the recognition as a reference person and so it is basically not a beginner’s dog, because dogs of the breed need consistent training and leadership. When deciding on an American Akita, you should consider before purchasing that this is not a dog that just runs along the side, but that it is important that you are always attentive and give it clear commands. The pedigree dog gets along well with children, but they should not be left unattended.
The loyal fur noses develop a strong protective instinct towards “their” family so that they are always ready to defend all family members. So that there are no dangerous situations here, it is important that the owner gives the dog the “all clear” and thus a corresponding level of security. Once they get used to it, living with other pets, from cats to hamsters, is possible and usually works without any problems, but the Akita remains a loner at heart who appreciates peace and quiet. If you see yourself up to this task, there is hardly anything standing in the way of purchasing an American Akita.
What do I need to pay attention to when purchasing?
You should not break the decision to buy an American Akita over your knee. Above all, choose the breeder wisely, as it is extremely important that American Akita puppies who are already born are well socialized and raised in the breeder’s household. Make an appointment with the breeder and take a look at the environment in which the dogs are kept. Everything should be clean and tidy and the dogs should be able to move freely. Despite all your enthusiasm for the puppies, you should also keep an eye on the parents.
If the parent animals are well-groomed, sociable, obedient, and appear healthy, then this is a good sign. Don’t just ask for the pedigree, but also the medical records of the puppies and their parents. Reputable breeders also document the development of the puppies and are happy to give you insights into breeding. In addition, the breeder should also ask you a few questions, because precisely because the American Akita is not a beginner’s dog, reputable breeders attach great importance to the fact that the interesting ones also have an appropriate background and the experience to do the American Akita justice.