American akita | Facts & Information

Temperament: alert, docile, friendly, courageous

Origin

The first Akita, Kamikaze-Go, was brought to the US by the legendary Hellen Keller in 1937, followed by Kenzan-Go in 1939. Then, immediately after the war, many Akita began to be brought, mainly of the Kongo-Go Type.

Many American military and businessmen wanted to return from Japan with their own Akita, and even with another 3-4 for friends.

Thus, in a short time, a lot of breeders appeared that produced "conveyor" chickens, often of poor quality, to be sold to the Americans. In 1956 eleven enthusiasts who owned 30 specimens founded the american Akita Kennel Club which in 1960 changed its name to the Akita Club of America (ACA) and the AKC in 1973.

After things were settled and the registration in the book of origin of the AKC was finalized, it was decided that the copies imported from Japan should no longer be registered in the AKC and ACA, because Japan refuses reciprocity in this direction.

Then, in 1992, the reciprocity clause was adopted and imports from Japan reappeared. The result of these tribulations, fueled in large part by Pride, was that the so-called American Akita was a different breed, but not very special. Today's "american" Akita, coming from the Ichonoseki line, can always pass as "Japanese".

Globally, however, the differences exist and it is clear that the breed has evolved towards two main types: the American ones have become taller and more solid, with a shorter and stronger muzzle, frequently wearing black mask and without imposing urajiro, while the Japanese Akita is more refined, more stylized, with a somewhat longer muzzle and has a strict coloring from which any black spot is excluded.

Since the standard dictated by AKIHO in 1955 was perfectly applicable to Americans, fundamental problems arose only in 1990, when the FCI recognized the JKC standard. As a result, american-type specimens in FCI member countries could no longer be accepted as Akita.

Many Akita, champions in European countries, were even excluded from breeding overnight! Since the situation was serious, especially because the American population is very numerous outside the USA (England, Canada, South Africa and Australia all recognized the American version), the problem had to be solved.

In 1997 and 1998 (in Japan and Germany, respectively) the first two World Congresses of the breed were held. The result of the combined efforts led, starting with 1999, the FCI to recognize the American variant as a new breed the great Japanese dog.

Feed The American Akita

One of the first concerns, when talking about the akita breed, is diet. If the diet is not correct it can raise health problems for the dog, he may have gastric problems or not pleasant bloating.

The dog's stomach does not work and is not the same as the human's, which is why the dog needs a different diet. Unpleasant bloating at first leads to a great discomfort that turns into pain and eventually to the death of the dog.

The longer this problem progresses and is treated the later it can lead to surgery. For gastric problems, a set of vitamins and nutrients was established just for this breed.

If the animal refuses to eat do not force it, it is best to consult a veterinarian. Assuming that the above problems would not exist let's move on to the actual feeding of the dog. It should generally be fed twice a day with fresh food with as few preservatives and E's as possible.

A diet based on meat and high protein is recommended. There are some examples that do not favor fish meat but it is good to know that their stomachs digest fish meat very well. It can be introduced gradually into the diet so that the animal can get used to the taste.

For a long time this breed consumed large amounts of rice, it is also recommended. Other can be: cabbage, green beans, pork, potatoes, game, chicken (introduced gradually). It is best to avoid corn and beef. Another problem is obesity.

Processed foods and foods containing preservatives and salts should be avoided. Gaining weight of the animal can lead to weakening of the tendons, followed by other health problems.

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Appearance American Akita

Many are those who say that the "American" impressed them very much from the first sight. The reaction is explainable, because we are dealing with a very beautiful dog, full of performance, which inspires strength, nobility, dignity and balance (someone likens it to a happy combination between a feline and a bear).

It has an above average height, around 68 cm at the Withers (males), at maturity weighing around 58 kg. It is "dressed" in a shiny and dense fur, has strong bones and wears its tail twisted on its back.

The head typical of the great Japanese dog is massive, with a flat skull between the ears, with a wide, tall and full muzzle, and the lips, although thick, should not hang. The ears are very important to form the typical expression: they are small, triangular, slightly rounded at the tip, thick, wide at the base and borne erect, with the flag facing forward, in lengthening the neck line.

It is a compact and muscular dog, with strong allure and wide pitch.

All colors are allowed, from pure white to black, passing through all shades of red and brass and through all bicolor variants. Equally appreciated are the combinations black and tan and brindle.

The black mask is not mandatory, and the colors must be bright and well delineated.

American Akita Behavior

It is not "for everyone" not only because it is large, but also because it needs a certain autonomy and detests force ratios, because it must be understood as such and respected. from the very first days, he will observe his master, "weigh" him, assess his weaknesses and decide: he is a master who deserves respect or he is nothing.

If you try to dominate him through coercion and violence, in his eyes you will be at first ridiculous, then annoying, and soon he will consider you an enemy.

The "American" needs a wise, experienced master, able to understand what, how and how much he can impose on such a proud and independent dog.

If you know how to "take" him, from the tiger he becomes a gentle and loving kitty, but without annoying you with his love.

He must, however, be educated from a young age, with patience and consistency, without brutality.

American Akita Dressage

He has a strong and distinctive leadership personality. Requires training with an emphasis on obedience and compliance with commands. He is intelligent and cooperates well in exercises and commands.

Training should be conducted by an experienced, confident and determined person, and the exercises should be varied, so as not to get bored.

They need to socialize with children and other animals from an early age to eliminate any problems in adulthood. He has an average level of activity and loves to take long walks.

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Features Of The American Akita

It is an excellent guard, it watches its territory permanently, it does not bark unless an intruder appears on the horizon, in which case the "Kitty" becomes a tiger again. However, it remains at the threat stage; it must not assault the intruder; it looks only with disbelief and arrogance, barking without ceasing, until the master appears and takes over the "problem".

The great Japanese dog should be neither aggressive nor nervous, but only indifferent and "demonstrative" towards strangers.

It is a dog that loves children and protects them instinctively, provided that they are accustomed to children from a young age, and children, in turn, are taught to behave civilly with the dog.

He hasn't forgotten his past as a hunting dog either, so he follows and hunts whatever game comes his way. In the category" hunting " enter, unfortunately, and various domestic animals (primarily cats) and small dogs.

In addition, the Hunter's instinct urges him to roam where he sees his eyes. Here are enough reasons not to let your "Japanese-american" Free From the leash only in spaces where you are sure that he can not "escape" and where he will not meet with any "hunted".

She prefers outdoor life and loves snow.

To show off that particularly beautiful, double coat, American Akita dogs need a daily brushing. They usually shed twice a year. There is no need to wash the fur except in exceptional cases.

It is also highly recommended to exercise daily because these American Akita dogs develop a mass of muscles that form their strong, enviable Constitution.

Diseases Of The American Akita

Dogs of the akita breed are prone to hip dysplasia.

They may have thyroid problems and skin and sometimes eye problems.

There were also problems with the kneecap. Life expectancy is 10-12 years.

The female gives birth to 3 to 12 Cubs, on average 7-8.