An American Akita named Damascus made headlines when his owner booked an extra plane seat for him to ensure he could fly comfortably. Damascus acts as a loyal service dog.
American Akita
The American Akita is a strong, loyal breed with a protective nature. Initially bred in Japan as a hunting and guard dog, the American Akita’s story is unique and fascinating. Discover it here.
Country of Origin
United States of America
Breed Group
Working
Height
Male 66-71 In
Female 61-66 In
Weight
Male 45-59 Ib
Female 32-45 Ib
Life Span
10-14 years
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In a Nutshell
The American Akita is known for their deep loyalty to their family, which can also cause dogs of this breed to become overprotective and aggressive without proper training. With the right socialization skills, however, they make loving, intelligent companions.
Life With a American Akita
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
You’ll immediately notice that the American Akita’s build is large and muscular. This dog has a big, broad, flat head with erect triangular ears. The American Akita’s coat is thick and short, and comes in a range of colors, including black, white, brindle, and more. The dog’s tail is thick, furry, and hangs at a curled angle.
When it comes to their personality, these dogs are known for their loyal and protective nature. They are typically loving and affectionate with family, but around strangers, they have an instinct to guard (which is what they were bred for). With proper training and socialization, they can grow to become gentle and well-behaved, even if independent and stubborn at times. That being said, it is recommended that only experienced owners who take raising this dog seriously adopt an American Akita.
Common Health Problems
Despite being generally healthy, American Akitas are large and muscular dogs and, as such, may be prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia and autoimmune disorders.
A tip from a vet
Like all dogs, especially purebred ones, American Akitas require regular vet check-ups to monitor common breed-related health issues like hip dysplasia. Their thick double coat demands owners maintain a grooming routine, especially during shedding season, to protect the dogs from matting and skin problems.
A tip from a trainer
When training your American Akita, be proactive and take a calm, yet assertive approach. Begin socialization and obedience training early and use positive reinforcement and varied training activities to keep their intelligent minds engaged.
Did You Know
Helen Keller was one of the first people to bring an Akita to the United States, receiving the dog as a gift during her visit to Japan.
Actors Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. are proud owners of twin American Akitas, whom they often spotlight on social media.
Henry Cavill, known for his role as Superman, named his American Akita Kal after Superman’s birth name, Kal-El.
In The News
The History Behind the Breed
The Akita breed’s story begins in the region of northern Japan of the same name, where they were bred for hunting and guarding purposes but also served as fighting dogs, unfortunately. The breed first came to the U.S. when Hellen Keller was gifted a couple of Akitas during her visit to Japan.
American breeders developed the American Akita over time, creating a larger variation with a broader head and more robust build. Both types of Akita were considered the same breed until 1999, when they were first recognized separately by Europe’s Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). However, it wasn’t until 2020 that the Akita Club of America voted to separate the two breeds in competitions after recognizing their significant differences.
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