Japanese vs American Akita: Discover Their Similarities & Differences

Akitas are large breeds that are some of the most loyal and dedicated dogs you can find. Although they are incredible canines, they aren’t the best choice for first-time owners. Until 2020, the American Kennel Club recognized the Japanese and American Akita as the same breed. Now, they are finally recognized as two separate breeds. Which Akita is more protective or family-friendly? Which Akita puppy is more expensive to buy? I explore these questions, the Akita breed’s origins, similarities, and what sets them apart.

Breed Comparison

Japanese Akita vs American Akita: 7 Key Differences

• The Japanese Akita is much smaller than the American Akita.
• American Akitas have a bear-like appearance, whereas the Japanese Akita looks more fox-like.
• The Japanese has fewer coat colors than the American and never has a black mask.
• The American Akita needs slightly more mental stimulation.
• They are both healthy, but American Akitas have a slightly longer average lifespan.
• The larger American Akita typically eats more than the Japanese Akita.
• Japanese Akitas are much rarer in the U.S. and usually have a higher puppy price.

Breed History

The American Kennel Club (AKC) now recognizes the Japanese and American Akita as separate breeds. To understand them better, it’s important to explore their journeys and what led to the two variants.

Japanese Akita

The Japanese Akita (JA) is the forefather of the Akitas. They are a member of the Spitz family and one of Japan’s largest native breeds. During the 19th century, the breed was mixed with the Tosa Inu and other large European breeds to create an exceptional fighting dog. But in the early 20th century, dog fighting was outlawed. The breed fell out of favor, almost becoming extinct.

After the World Wars, breed fanciers focused on preserving the breed, and Dewa and Ichinoseki lines were favored. Japan preferred the Ichinoseki line as it was most similar to the original large Spitz pup. They are celebrated as the foundation of the Japanese Akita breed. JAs are rare in America, and they only became members of the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service group in 2020.

American Akita

Akita ownership was once limited to the Imperial family and the courts. However, dog ownership rules eased over time, and the Royal family and other notable people gifted Akitas. Helen Keller was a lucky visitor who was gifted an Akita and took one back to America. However, the first Akita registered in America was a pet of a Military Officer. It was the Akitas from the Dewa lines, which had European Mastiff influences, that found their way to the U.S. These are credited as the foundation of the American Akita (AA). In the U.S., the AA is unsurprisingly more popular than the Japanese variant but is still relatively rare.

Appearance

The American Akita vs Japanese Akita’s main difference lies in their appearance. The Japanese variant resembles other Japanese breeds, like the Shiba Inu. They possess a foxy appearance with a more streamlined, athletic shape. Meanwhile, with their Mastiff influence, the American Akita is much larger, stockier, and square. American Akitas have a bear-like frame, a huge head, and appear more formidable than their Japanese cousin.

Japanese Akitas measure 22.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. American Akitas are taller, between 24 and 28 inches tall, and much heavier, weighing between 70 and 130 pounds. JAs are medium to large breeds, and AAs are large to giant breeds. They share small almond-shaped eyes, triangular, pricked ears, and the iconic curly tail.

Temperament

The JA and AA temperaments are more similar than different. Both are dominant and headstrong and require strict owners to lead them. Neither Akita is suitable for first-time dog owners. They are aloof and suspicious, always on the lookout for danger. If you’re seeking a protective guard dog breed, you can’t do much better than an Akita. The Japanese Akita is slightly more aloof than the American, whereas the American is slightly more territorial and loyal.

With their family, they are loving, gentle, and sweet. At times, they are goofy, and other times, they are laid-back (but always on duty). Although they are independent, they have a sensitive side and love to cuddle on the couch. They don’t like to be left alone for too long and are prone to separation anxiety. Akitas crave being part of the pack and loves participating in everything their family does.

I owned an American Akita mix, and she was a sweet dog with a super stubborn streak that was definitely an Akita trait. Boy, could she be defiant at times! But she was also the most loyal dog I’ve ever had, and I loved that about her. Pedigree Akitas are even more so, and Japanese Akitas are reportedly the same. To learn more about the depth of their loyalty, watch this short story about the most faithful and famous Akita, Hachiko.

Coat & Colors

Both Akita breeds have a thick double coat. The underlayer is soft and downy, and the top layer is longer and slightly harsher, making it weather-resistant. However, it is still soft to the touch. American and Japanese Akitas can inherit a long coat; some breeders call them “Woolie Akitas.” These long-haired Akitas are very rare.

There are a few differences when it comes to Japanese vs American Akita coat colors. The AA has a choice of several colors, which include a mixture of black, brown, brindle, fawn, red, silver, and white. Many American Akitas sport a white coat with color patches, often called the “pinto” coat (similar to a cow). AAs frequently have a black mask that sometimes covers their entire head. The JA only sports three colors, brindle, red, and white, and they never have black facial masks.

Exercise

Both Akitas have the same exercise needs and are medium to high in energy. They need around one hour of exercise daily, with mixed activities to stimulate their body and mind. Both Akita breeds need mental stimulation throughout the day to avoid bad behavior. As the larger and more protective of the two, the American Akita needs slightly more interaction and brain stimulation throughout the day. For this reason, the Japanese Akita is slightly less maintenance when it comes to exercise, but not by a considerable amount.

Keep your Akita healthy and happy with high-quality and durable toys. We have tested the Bark Box Super Chewer subscription box, which we recommend for dogs like the AA and JA.

Training

The Japanese and American Akita are tricky to train and intelligent. They are also headstrong and protective, so they often think of themselves as the boss. Both Akita breed owners must take training seriously from day one. The AA and JA must also be socialized as young pups. Otherwise, they can become dangerous dogs and be challenging to integrate into family life.

Training an Akita is a lifelong commitment. But which Akita is harder to train? Many Akita lovers believe the American Akita is slightly more headstrong than their Japanese counterparts. But every Akita is different, and no evidence supports this claim. Ultimately, both Akita breeds should only be taken on by experienced dog owners.

Do you need a helping hand with training? We have reviewed the best online dog training courses to help you get the best out of your pooch.

Health

The American and Japanese Akita are generally healthy breeds with a typically long lifespan. The average lifespan of an AA is 10 to 14 years, and the JA is 10 to 12 years. They are both prone to hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, affecting a variety of bodily functions. It’s incurable but can be managed with lifelong medication. They are also both at risk of developing eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, and ectropion. The AA is more prone to hip dysplasia, whereas the JA is more susceptible to patella luxation.

Nutrition

There’s not much difference between the dietary needs of American and Japanese Akitas. American Akitas consume more because of their larger size, making monthly food bills more costly. They both need a high-quality diet to meet their nutritional needs. I recommend feeding AAs a large breed diet, especially during their developmental period, which is typically up to 18 months. Large breed puppy food provides them with the optimum nutrients to grow into a healthy large breed, particularly supporting joint health.

It is crucial to keep the AA and JA at their optimum weight and avoid overfeeding them. Being overweight puts additional stress on their joints, which already carry a lot of weight. I recommend choosing low-calorie treats or fiber-rich vegetables as healthy snacks. Many breed experts recommend that Akitas over seven years old should eat weight management or less calorie-dense options, such as senior-specific diets, to offset their propensity for kidney disease.

Are you not sure what to feed your Akita? Why not try a high-quality fresh option like The Farmer’s Dog? This tailored nutrition is healthy and convenient, and our dogs love it!

Grooming

The American and Japanese Akita have similar grooming needs. They both have a double, medium-length coat that requires weekly grooming to keep it looking and feeling healthy. A slicker brush is ideal for regular, weekly grooming, and a de-shedding brush is great for the shedding seasons. Akitas spend a lot of time cleaning themselves and have little doggy odor compared to other breeds. Most Akitas really enjoy being groomed by their owners and sharing this special bonding time. If you have a Woolie Akita, you’ll spend much more time grooming your dog’s long hair to keep their coat dirt and tangle-free.

Puppy Prices

American and Japanese Akita puppies cost between $1,500 and $3,000 on average. Puppy price varies hugely and is influenced by various factors such as breeder reputation and experience, puppy bloodline, location, demand, and more. My research shows that Japanese Akitas usually command a higher price than American Akitas in America.

Researching for and purchasing an Akita puppy from a responsible breeder is essential. You must ensure the breeder conducts health checks and can provide you with health certificates, and they must be socialized and raised in a loving home. Irresponsible breeders and puppy mills neglect their dogs, which can lead to medical and behavioral problems in the future. A great place to start your search for a puppy is via the AKC’s puppy pages for the American Akita and the Japanese Akita.

Other Large Dog Breeds To Consider

If you’re a large dog lover like me, there are many other dog breeds to learn about or consider. The Cane Corso is becoming increasingly popular in America. Or why not a Leonberger, a hairy hound with lots of love to give? Perhaps a cute Chow Chow is more up your street? We’ve got breed profiles of them all.

Do you have an Akita? Or do you have any comments to add to our American Akita vs Japanese Akita discussion? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. She previously owned an American Akita mix called Babs, a sweet but sometimes defiant madam. Before joining the Canine Journal team, Emma was a full-time dog walker and sitter. She is passionate about sharing her experiences and knowledge with her readers. Emma works with a dedicated team to make Canine Journal a reliable and current go-to online dog resource.