The Japanese Akitainu is the “original”Akita dog. In most parts of the world aside from the USA and Canada, the Akita has split into two separate breeds – the Japanese Akita and the American Akita. Here in the U.S., the UKC has recognized both, however AKC (by far, the bigger of the two registries) has not. This may be changing in the future however, as the Japanese counterpart has just been admitted into AKC’s FSS program. To make things even more confusing in America, there are AKC breeders with Japanese Akitas whose dogs are registered “Akitas” (read: American) however are in all actuality Japanese because of their pedigree! If the Japanese Akita gains full recognition here as it is in the rest of the world, this confusion should die down a bit as the two separate strains will be labeled as such.
While sharing similar bloodlines, there are still a number of differences between the two breeds. Appearance-wise, the Japanese are slightly smaller and with less substance than their American counterparts, however they are still large dogs! This said, they are perhaps more athletic and agile than the bigger American Akitas that are known in this country. There is also an obvious difference in the heads and expressions of both breeds – the Japanese being more wedge-shaped with smaller eyes and the Americans with blockier faces and eyes set further apart. Finally, when it comes to color the American standard has much more allowance to colors and patterns while the Japanese has stricter rules for both. Only red (with particular markings), brindle (with those same particular markings) or solid white are allowed. Unlike American dogs, Japanese Akitainu cannot have a black mask, nor can have pinto markings.
A noble breed, the JA can be aloof and standoff-ish towards strangers. He has a serious and “I-mean-business” personality, especially when it comes to protecting those he loves! In fact, his loyalty and dedication to his owner is paramount. A working breed through and through, any prospective owners worth their salt should do plenty of research beforehand to make sure they are prepared to handle this large spitz. This is a breed for experienced dog owners only.
The JA is known to be dog-aggressive, particularly to members of the same sex. In addition he can have a high prey drive. For both of these reasons it is paramount that he only be owned by responsible people who can keep their dogs secure on leash or in a fenced area, lest he get loose and run after other dogs or small animals. This is not to say that he is an untrustworthy or “bad” dog, but his drives are fairly hardwired and it’s important to be aware of them. Well socialized and trained dogs can easily enjoy outdoor activities under the watchful eye of an experienced dog owner, but it does take work. It is also particularly important to socialize the dog extensively while still a puppy.
The Japanese Akitainu does not require a lot of grooming except when he is shedding, which he does twice a year. This shedding period is profuse because he actually has a triple coat! At this time, brushing should be increased from 1-2 times a week to daily (depending upon how much you mind dog hair in the home). Other than this, keep the nails trimmed, teeth brushed and give the occasional bath. No special trimming is necessary.
The Japanese Akitainu is an intelligent breed who needs an outlet for his mind. Using obedience as a foundation, one can also assign other tasks or dog sports to give him a job – which is a good way to enrich his active brain! As with other highly intelligent dogs, he does best with several small obedience sessions broken up throughout the day rather than a large chunk of training all at once. Keep in mind that stubbornness and manipulative behaviors are not uncommon – be prepared to make training fun while keeping an eye out for flat-out-refusal… and work through it!
Photo By Peter Theakston