If you looking at the American Akita and the Japanese Akita as the preferred dog breed to own as a pet, then you need to know the differences between them.
Although there is a debate and many people strongly believe that both dog breeds are the same, the American Kennel Club considers the American Akita and the Japanese Akita as two different breeds. So, there is a difference between the American Akita vs the Japanese Akita.
The American Akita resembles its cousin the Japanese Akita, so one can hardly notice any difference between the two dog breeds. One noticeable difference between these dog breeds is size- the American Akita is slightly bigger than the Japanese Akita.
Both dog breeds are lovable and loyal but knowing the difference between them may help you in choosing the perfect breed.
American Akita
The American Akita is a newer dog breed compared to the Japanese Akita which originated from the mountains of northern Japan. Unlike the American Akita, the Japanese Akita is an older breed that became a companion of men centuries ago.
The American Akita is a bit larger than its older cousin, the Japanese Akita. It’s a large, dignified dog breed with small triangular ears and dark eyes. The American Akita has a strong body that is balanced by its large, full tail.
The Japanese Akita is an older breed that emerged centuries ago. It originated from a colder climate and appears to have a short double coat, a similar physical trait compared to other northern spitz breeds.
The two different varieties of Akita are the native Japanese strain known as Akita Inu or Akita-ken and the American Akita- the American Akita is a larger mixed strain that became a popular breed in the United States in the 1950s.
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Japanese Akita (Akita Inu or Akita-ken)
The Japanese Akita is a loyal dog breed of larger size and an older cousin of the American Akita. Akita Inu is a muscular and aggressive breed that has a short double coat.
Akita Inu originated from a colder climate in the mountains of northern Japan. The Japanese Akita has been man’s companion for centuries. Akita Inu is a more aggressive dog breed that was often used for guarding and hunting in the wild.
Although the history of the Akita Inu highlights its aggressive nature to fight, guard, and hunt in the wild, it remains a lovable breed and a loyal companion to rely on.
The Japanese Akita is a breed that would love to own as a pet, especially if you prefer having a larger pooch.
American Akita vs Japanese Akita: Key Differences between the American Akita and the Japanese Akita
The American Akita and the Japanese Akita are relative dog breeds with slight differences that are often difficult to notice. Akita Inu and the American Akita are almost the same size and other physical features differentiate the Akita Inu from the American Akita.
American Akita vs Japanese Akita: Appearance
The Japanese Akita is the older cousin of the American Akita. Their appearance is quite similar but there are some differences in colour and their face shape.
The American Akita naturally comes in a variety of colours than the Akita Inu. The Akita Inu only comes in brined, black, and red colouration, whereas the American Akita comes in a variety of tan and brown shades.
The Akita Inu appears to have a fox-like shaped face. The American Akita has a face that is similar to that of a bear.
These slight differences are physical features you may not notice at first. But owning an Akita Inu or the American Akita may feel all the same regardless.
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American Akita vs Japanese Akita Size
If you prefer to own a slightly bigger breed, then the American Akita is the breed to choose. Bigger but fluffy and beautiful to own as a pet, the American Akita is slightly bigger than the Akia Inu.
This is one of the main differences between these two relative dog breeds. The Japanese Akita may be the older breed but the American Akita slightly grows bigger than its cousin.
Now, male pooches are usually bigger than females. The American Akita grows up to 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66 cm) tall and can weigh about 70 to 130 pounds (31 to 59 kilograms).
The Japanese Akita can also weigh between 65 to 120 pounds (29 to 54 kilograms) and can grow up to 23 to 25 inches (58 to 63 cm).
American Akita vs Japanese Akita: Behaviour
As a dog lover who intends to adopt either the Akita Inu or the American Akita, it’s important to know the behaviour of these loyal dog breeds.
Historically, the Akita Inu was used for guarding and hunting bears in the wild. The American Akita and the Japanese Akita tend to be suspicious and wary of strangers.
Beautiful, loyal, and fluffy, the Akita breeds exhibit their frustrating behaviour towards young children, especially the American Akita.
These dog breeds can be aggressive sometimes and owning pets like this will require extra careful handling. If you are trying to adopt any of the Akita breeds, your skills with dogs play an important role in this situation.
The American Akita and the Japanese Akita are stubborn breeds that can be aggressive towards other dogs of the same gender.
But shouldn’t discourage you from adopting the Akitra Inu r the American Akita. They are loyal and beautiful dog breeds that love to run around and be a regular companion to go on a walk with.
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American Akita vs Japanese Akita: Training
Training the Akita breeds is a task for experienced dog owners. These dog breeds are known for their stubborn streak, so training them won’t be easy for a first-time dog owner.
The American Akita is less stubborn compared to its older cousin. Training the American Akita will require experience and patience to tolerate their independence.
Your best option for raising a well-behaved pup is by using positive reinforcement and avoiding harsh punishment.
This upbringing strategy also works with the Akita Inu.
American Akita vs Japanese Akita: Ancestry and Breeding
The ancestry and breeding of the Akita Inu and the American Akita differ.
The Akita Inu is an older breed that originated in the mountain regions of northern Japan in the 17th century. In contrast, the American Akita is a newer breed that originated in the United States in the 1940s.
The American Akita was bred as a guard dog, while its older cousin, the Akita Inu was bred as a hunting dog.
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American Akita vs Japanese Akita: Lifespan
The lifespans of the Akita breeds are naturally similar.
As an older and slightly smaller breed, the Akita Inu tend to live longer than the American Akita. The American Akita can live up to 10 to 12 years, whereas the Akita Inu can live up to 10 to 13 years.
American Akita vs Japanese Akita: Comparison Chart
| American Akita | Japanese Akita | |
| Appearance | A large, muscular body, with a bearlike shaped head. Thick double coat with a variety of colours and erect ears. | A large body, with a fox-like shaped face. Erect ears, with smaller eyes, and naturally in brindle, red, and black colourations. |
| Behaviour | Tend to be wary of strangers and aggressive towards other dogs of the same gender. | A lovable and loyal breed that also required adequate training to ensure a well-behaved pup will be raised. |
| Ancestry | Introduced to the United States in the 1940s as a guard dog. | Originated from the mountains of northern Japan in the 17th century. |
| Lifespan | 10 to 12 years | 1-0 to 13 years |
Conclusion
The Akita Inu and the American Akita are relative dog breeds with slight differences. The American Akita is a bit bigger than the Akita Inu, but both breeds are fluffy and beautiful companions to have as pets.
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References
- Wikipedia: Akita (dog)
- A-ZAnimals: American Akita vs Japanese Akita: 5 Key Differences
