Differences Between American and Japanese Akitas - Family - Pets

Dogs were first domesticated in Asia, and akitas are one of the oldest breeds. Ancestors of this dog breed were originally bred in Japan for hunting deer and bears, and those who have been bred to keep their ancestors' original characteristics are referred to as the pure, or Japanese, line. Those whose line has veered off into characteristics desired by some Canadian and American breeders are referred to by many as American akitas.

Helen Keller is said to have been the first to bring an Akita to America, in 1937. During World War II akitas were ordered killed by the Japanese government and some of their owners let them go in the forests to keep them alive. There they mated with an older type of half-wild dog, the Matagi. Other akitas were crossed with German Shepherds since the government allowed German shepherds to live. After the war the Japanese found what dogs they could and concentrated on restoring the breed to the original Japanese work of art. At that time American soldiers brought akitas of a type not shown in Japan to the United States. The two lines continued to diverge until the two types recognized today were formed.

There are stringent characteristics Japanese akitas must have to be considered pure. Since akitas are a national monument, it must follow only characteristics deemed part of the art developed for this dog breed over the centuries. Japanese akitas are allowed only four colors: red fawn, red fawn with black lips, and white. Except for the pure white dogs, akitas must have triangular patches of whitish hair on the sides of their muzzles, as well as white patches throughout their coats. Any black fur is undesirable.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized akitas in 1955, and sets the standards for akitas in the United States.. The AKC standard describes the akita as a large, powerful, heavy dog, with a variety of colors and color combinations being acceptable. Except for white dogs, akitas are allowed to have a black mask.

The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), too, describes the akita as large and powerful with heavy bones. It, too, allows a black mask (or uniform black stripes) on all but white dogs.

In Canada and America both types are considered members of the same dog breed, while in the rest of the world they are considered two separate breeds. In 2005 Federation Cynologique Internationale, or World Kennel Organization, recognized the American akita as a separate breed at the request of the Japanese Kennel Club, and the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom followed suit the same year, recognizing two separate dog breeds, the akita, or American akita, and the Japanese akita inu. The Japanese Akita Club of American, but not the Akita Club of America, which is affiliated with the AKC, supported the Federation's decision. If the Japanese Akita Club of American could be recognized by the AKC, then the two types could be recognized as different dog breeds in the United States.