I am brand new to this forum and I hope I am posting in the appropriate place. I am researching Akitas. I am considering getting a puppy as a family pet. Over the course of my research, I learned there is a distinction between American Akitas (U.S. and Canadian) and "regular" Akitas. I read most of the postings by Ed since I am debating between an Akita or a GSD. Based on Ed's article and many others who cite the differences between American bred lines of dogs versus others (i.e., working), I was wondering if anybody knows much about the difference between the two Akita lines in terms of temperament and drives. Are there specific lines to avoid or look for? I reside in Canada so any advice or recommendation to specific kennels (please PM me on this) would be appreciated.
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
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Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA
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There are several forums with the american Akita clubs about this topic. Basically the american Akita is altered for show to the point where most don't consider it the same breed as the original Japanese akita dog.
The American version is much heavier, , with a much rounder appearance than the japanese version of the breed which tends to be solid with a white chest spot, much more angulated and reminds me more of a husky than an akita.
If you have your heart set on Akitas as a family pet research... research... research. Meet both parents for your puppy and see a mature Akita's temperment in action as it is a unique one in my experience both from observing the dogs and observing what the breeder believes is good temperment. http://www.akitaclub.org/tempermnt/temperament.html the akita club also covers this in good depth and also speaks to having these dogs with children.
Generall the Japanese type dog is much lighter in build and in the Japanese standard the only accepted colors are white, red and brindle. The American type dogs are the ones that I find much more attractive. They are much heavier in build and come in a wider variety of colors and often have a black mask. As far as if there are any temperament differences I honestly don't know. My dogs were American lines. They are peculiar dogs and personality wise are nothing like GSD's. I always told anyone that asked about them that basically living with an Akita is like living with a 120# Chow. That said yes I would have another one in a heartbeat but then when I had the two Akitas I had seven Chows too.
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American Akita vs. Akita
#195792 - 05/21/2008 08:39 AM 
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