Japanese Akita Inu vs. American Akita

All colors are accepted in the American Akita. The Pinto color and black masks, as seen in the American Akita, are not permitted in the Japanese Akita Inu. In the U.S., some breeders interbreed the original Japanese type with the heavier American type, which is larger, and allows more colors. It is felt by some that combining the two types leads to improved appearance and genetic health by increasing genetic diversity. It has often been commented that the Japanese Akita has an extraordinary elegance. There is only a single Akita breed registered by the American Kennel Club; in all other countries besides Canada the breed has been separated into two breeds: the Akita Inu and the American Akita.

There are many articles written about these differences in the Akita breeds. You can find some great ones on the Japanese Akita Club of America site.

The American Akita featured in the center does not have a correct head or ear set. Plese see the puppies below, shown with permission and courtesy of
Mike and Donna Bennett of Liberty Akitas
for correct conformation.

Two male pups - Japanese on the left and American on the right (Liberty's Dr Feelgood)

These are two female akita pups - Japanese on the left and American on the right (CH. Liberty's La Te Da)

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