When I firstly saw a picture of an American Akita, it was more than 25 years ago, and it charmed me – such a proud attitude and expression! It gave an impression of majesty and tender. There was a brief mention under the photo that the Akita is a faithful and loyal and is easy to train. I was dreaming about exactly such type of a dog those times. Many years passed since this moment but finally I took home a small Akita puppy :) Many other years passed but now I know thanks to years of living together with American Akita, that you cannot describe them in just few words. So I was looking for all sorts of articles about the character of this majestic breed. In fact, I always found a very brief description on a few lines. So I finally decided on these grounds, to try to describe the character and behavior of the breed myself. In recent years, a lot of articles were written about the Akita Inu, with which many people confuse the American Akita. In fact, although both of these breeds have the same origin, but are two different breeds, which differ not only in its look, but also in its character.

             What is actually the character of American Akitas can this question even be answered? I will try to describe at least most common behavioral characteristics and temperament of the breed. I am a graduate in zoologist focusing on canine ethology - mainly wolfs so I try to use all my knowledge in this field. I don´t want to develop specific principles of behavior and its consequences, but I just want to outline, without technical terms as simple the c haracter with regard to the fact that all Akitas are great personalities with strong independent thinking. So as you meet no man the same with another, every AA is something very specific and original. Then one has the option to choose the type of an Akita, which is of the character closest to his liking.

             American Akita, is a very proud, dignified and balanced dog that is able to have very close relationship with his people and it is very psychologically d ependent and loyal. Therefore is very difficult for him to adapt to changes regarding a new master and family in older age. You have to think r eally carefully if you want to buy American Akita, because it is a commitment of up to 15 years for your future life.

             The American Akita is a dog that rarely shows aggression towards people. In some cases he can express shyness or indolence, but rather it´s a dog that is easy to be friend and loves contact. But in its territory, and without your presence, behaves very alert and is interested also in what is happening outside its territory, although doesn´t bark too much. He needs only a short bark usually to announce something is going on in the neighborhood. Most Akitas are very considerate and calm – therefore the breed is fine for families with children. But of course also there is a rule not to leave a small child and a dog unattended. Akitas will lay somewhere nearby you most of the day, but without obstruct you. As Akitas are very dependent on their people, they need to be trained for independence from the very beginning, in order to avoid possible destructive behavior when left alone. It's not a dog for life in the pen. He wants to be near his people and part of the family. You also have to pay attention to socialize your Akita, especially dogs tend to have dominant attitude toward other males. With good socialization you can avoid this feature a lot, but if it attacked by a strange dog, a Akita rarely wants to give up without a fight. You can teach him quite easily to tolerate other animals and to live together with respect. Akita is very flexible, it can live outdoors or in the house. Cold weather is OK for him. In the hot summer days he hides himself in the shadow and welcome refreshing water, but also these days tolerates quite well - usually sleeps:)

             The teaching of obedience should not use violence. In most cases, if you brake this rule, your AA becomes harder and suspicious, and training is a problem. In contrary, positive motivation is very docile and receptive. But it is always necessary, mainly with males, to set up clear who is the head of the pack. Females are more calm and obedient, but it's a lot of the question of character of each puppy. Therefore you need to speak with the breeder as he knows the nature of his puppies. Then you have to do the decision according to a these facts. Character is largely inherited, so it's good to know what character puppy parents have. During training, commands are don´t have to be often repeated, but it is important to ensure that they´re always met. Very good is to use treats as motivation. On the contrary, frequent repetition of consecutive orders is for your Akita boring and after a while he can stop to work.

             The American Akita is very versatile dog. He´s mainly devoted to family members, but can be used in canine therapy, caniscross, guarding, pulling in harness, carrying loads (backpacking). They can very quickly learn to walk with them and don´t make any damage to them (a dog can carry up to 1 / 3 of its weight, but after a training!). I also saw the use of American Akitas as working dog for blind people as well as police dogs. Akita can be an Agility dog, but in this case, one has to admire their movement, not speed. However they could seem to be lazy bears, they can run very fast, if they need to ...:)

             As I wrote at the beginning, each American Akita is somehow specific in its character and personality, but what they all have in common is their dedication, dignity and self-reflection. If you manage to make a close relationship with your Akita and if you´ll be to understand the breed´s thinking and character, it will be very hard for you to find a dog more loyal and devoted!

             If you need any with your current American Akita or if you are maybe wondering whether to buy a puppy of this breed, do not hesitate to contact me anytime. It will be my pleasure to advise you on what you need to be careful on or also how to approach them in training or in any Akita matter.