American Akita originated from the eastern part of Japan, which is a mountainous range. Naturally, this breed has features that make it suitable to live in extreme cold weather. Generally, around the globe, American Akita and Akita Inu, the original breed, is considered to be two different breeds. However, in the US and Canada, they are not considered separate and taken to be different types of the same breed. It was very recently that the name given by FCI as the Great Japanese Dog was changed finally to “American Akita” for this breed.

American Akita is well known for its huge size, which is almost overwhelming. Dogs belongings to this breed have a very strong built and an equally alert mind with high potential. They have only heavy bones, and a bear like big head that appears to be wide and bluntly triangular when looked from above. The skull is broad and flat in between the ears, which are erect and triangular in shape. Akita’s ears are set in an angle that’s followed by the neck arch. A good breed should touch the rim of the upper eye when folded for measuring, which is considered to be a good sign. Drop or broken ears can disqualify the Akita. Its muzzle is broad and full and the jaw has minimum dewlap.

The eyes of American Akita are generally of dark brown color. They are small, triangular in shape and deep set in the skull. The nose of this breed should be broad and black in color. Particularly in case of white Akita, black nose is the standard. However, nose with lighter shade but a blackish or grayish tinge is also acceptable. But when there is no pigmentation on the surface of the nose, it is disqualified. The neck part of American Akita is generally short that gradually widens towards the shoulder part. Neck of this breed is muscular and thick.

In this breed, the chest is deep and wide, which reaches down to the elbow. It also has well sprung ribs. The back of American Akita is level and the stomach is a little drawn back. The loin area has firm muscles. American Akita carries its tail in a way that is characteristic of this breed. The tail is carried in a sweep that goes down the loin area and up the back. The tail has a gentle curl or often a double curl. The root of the tail is usually strong and large while the tip dips sometimes down the flank.

American Akita has double coat, which can be of any color including brindle, white, or pinto. The undercoat is generally very soft, thick and dense, while the outer layer is generally straight and harsh. Hair in outer coat sticks out. The tail has longer hair compared to the rest of the body. Its skin folds but the wrinkles ease out when the skin is at ease.

Though the dogs of this breed groom themselves, the owner would still need to opt for daily brushing sessions.