Which Dog Breeds Contributed to the American Akita?
The American Akita is a unique breed that was created by crossing several different dog breeds. Some of the breeds that contributed to the creation of the American Akita include Great Danes, Saint Bernards, German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows. Each of these breeds played a critical role in the development of the American Akita, and their traits can still be seen in the breed today.
Origins of the American Akita
The American Akita is a relatively new breed that was developed in the United States in the early 20th century. The breed was created by crossing Japanese Akitas with several other breeds, including Great Danes, Saint Bernards, German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows. The goal was to create a larger, stronger, and more muscular version of the Japanese Akita.
The Japanese Akita: Ancestors of the American Akita
The Japanese Akita was the foundation of the American Akita breed. The Japanese Akita was originally bred in the Akita prefecture of Japan for hunting, guarding, and fighting. The breed was highly valued in Japan, and it was even designated as a natural monument in 1931. The Japanese Akita is known for its loyalty, courage, and independence, and these traits can still be seen in the American Akita today.
How the American Kennel Club Separated the Breeds
The American Akita and the Japanese Akita were originally considered to be the same breed. However, in 2000, the American Kennel Club separated the breeds due to differences in size, temperament, and physical characteristics. The American Akita is larger and more muscular than the Japanese Akita, and it has a different head shape and coat type. The American Akita also has a more aggressive temperament than the Japanese Akita, and it requires more socialization and training.
Breed Characteristics of the American Akita
The American Akita is a large, muscular dog with a broad head and powerful jaws. The breed has a thick, dense coat that can be a variety of colors, including white, black, brindle, and fawn. The American Akita is known for its loyalty, courage, and protective nature. The breed is also intelligent and independent, which can make training a challenge for inexperienced owners.
The Great Dane’s Role in Creating the American Akita
The Great Dane was one of the breeds that contributed to the creation of the American Akita. The Great Dane is a large, muscular breed that was originally bred for hunting wild boar. The breed is known for its loyalty, bravery, and gentle nature. The Great Dane’s size and strength helped to increase the size and muscularity of the American Akita.
The Saint Bernard’s Contribution to the American Akita
The Saint Bernard is another breed that played a role in the creation of the American Akita. The Saint Bernard is a large, powerful breed that was originally bred for rescuing travelers in the Swiss Alps. The breed is known for its loyalty, courage, and gentle nature. The Saint Bernard’s size and strength helped to increase the size and muscularity of the American Akita.
German Shepherd: A Key Player in American Akita Development
The German Shepherd is another breed that contributed to the creation of the American Akita. The German Shepherd is a large, intelligent breed that was originally bred for herding sheep. The breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. The German Shepherd’s intelligence and trainability helped to improve the American Akita’s trainability.
The Alaskan Malamute: Another Contributor to the American Akita
The Alaskan Malamute is another breed that played a role in the creation of the American Akita. The Alaskan Malamute is a large, powerful breed that was originally bred for pulling sleds in Alaska. The breed is known for its loyalty, strength, and independence. The Alaskan Malamute’s strength and muscularity helped to increase the size and strength of the American Akita.
The Rottweiler’s Impact on the American Akita
The Rottweiler is another breed that contributed to the creation of the American Akita. The Rottweiler is a large, muscular breed that was originally bred as a herding and guard dog. The breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. The Rottweiler’s strength and muscularity helped to increase the size and strength of the American Akita.
Chow Chow: A Major Contributor to the American Akita
The Chow Chow was another breed that played a major role in the creation of the American Akita. The Chow Chow is a large, powerful breed that was originally bred for hunting and guarding. The breed is known for its loyalty, independence, and protective nature. The Chow Chow’s size and strength helped to increase the size and strength of the American Akita.
Other Dog Breeds Involved in Creating the American Akita
In addition to the breeds mentioned above, several other breeds contributed to the creation of the American Akita. These breeds include the Siberian Husky, the Boxer, and the Doberman Pinscher. Each of these breeds played a smaller role in the development of the American Akita, but their traits can still be seen in the breed today.
