Before Akitas had an “official” breed name, they were all referred to simply as “snow country dogs,” but four years ago when we featured the Akita as our Purebred of Interest, many readers learned for the first time that there are American Akitas, and Japanese Akitas.
There are some significant differences between the two, mainly the weight and size, but also the girth of the muzzle, and the colors of the coat. The Akita Inu (or Japanese Akita) comes only in brindle, white and red, and regardless of color, they must have light cream or white undersides, starting underneath the chin all the way to the underside of the tail. The inner legs, sides of the muzzle and cheeks also must be light cream or white.
American Akitas and Akita Inus also differ in facial structure. The American Akita has a broad head and small deep-set eyes while the Akita Inu is more fox-like with almond eyes. The Akita Inu’s ears are slanted forward in a point, while the American Akita’s ears are more erect.
The Japanese Akita Inu grows to be only about 85 pounds, whereas the American Akita can reach over 145 pounds. To that end, the body shape differs between the two. The American Akita has a stockier, more, muscular appearance, while the Akita Inu, while still muscular, has a more defined tuck up and appears slimmer.
There are those who believe the differences extend to their personalities. The Akita Inu is an independent, if not periodically stubborn dog, and some would say “cat-like.” Wary of strangers, this is a loyal and protective dog whose aloofness with strangers can be misunderstood. The American Akita, like the Akita Inu, doesn’t always do well with smaller pets, but like the Akita Inu, the American Akita is protective and loyal, but not as suspicious of strangers, especially if they’ve been introduced to the household.
The two types began to diverge in type during the Post–World War II era when American servicemen brought home Akitas at the completion of their tour. They preferred the the larger, more bear-like dogs, while Japanese Akita fanciers focused on restoring the breed as it had known traditionally. The Japanese and American strains are considered two separate breeds in all countries except the United States and Canada. In the United States and Canada, the two strains are considered a single breed with differences in type.
Below, we post a couple of pictures shared with us by Lena A.M of her American Akita Therapy Dog:
Our post title is attributed to Barbara “BJ” Andrews, former Akita Club Of America Judges Education Committee Chair and developer of The Judges Guide Book.
Image: “Akita Ken And Pup” by Barbara Keith
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