I've rescued 3 Akitas in the last 20+ years and even if they were born and raised in America. The Akita blood line is still there. The first was a Japanese Akita,second was American and so was the third. The one thing they all had was loyalty and a bond to be by my side. Akitas are a special breed and all carry the need to be your best friend & loyal companion. I wish people would quit comparing them and just enjoy what the Akita brings you.

●●● Just lost my American akita seth to a rare cancer this past tuesday... he had one single violent seizure because of a small tumor in his brain. I found him in his nap spot. He was still alive when i got home but in a coma. His body was limp... I took him to the vet. Actually 2 completely different doctor's i talked to about him said he probably didn't feel pain because he was asleep. Then fell in to a coma... still didnt make me feel better... He was only 10... myself, my wife, my mom and dad, and my in laws are still mourning his perfect soul. Sweet as honey with the honor of a warrior... in the end, his heart still beat strong. My wife stood there over him in his last monents and said ok sethy its ok, we love you... we love you so much... you can go now it's ok... go on... moments later he slowly passed away naturally with no shot... while i later held his paw... i sure miss him... i may never get another akita again just because seth was my dog and we went through so much together. He hit every major plot point to my life. From when i was 19 to 29... from boy, to young man, to man... im taking it hard. But i know we gave him the best home with the best love... this akita didn't leave a paw print on my heart... ive got a stain so strong on my soul that no animal, no human, no living thing can match the love we shared together... I loved him with everything i had. And you know what, i don't care... i regret nothing. he made me so happy... and i know i did the same for him... ●●●

I have an American Akita puppy!the ones in this video are awesome examples of the breed!

The best dog bread. I truly love the American Akita’s!

I have two Akitas currently and have had two in the past so that makes four total. I love and have loved each one for they were and are different in their personalities. This comment is for LoveOlderWomen, dislike Americans all you want, but it was NOT Americans calling for Akitas to be split into two different species. Blame that on the Japanese themselves. American Akitas are Japanese Akitas or I should say they are a variety of Japanese Akita. American Akitas come from one of the Japanese Akita bloodlines where the Akitas are bigger. The Japanese, over the years after WWII, chose to breed a smaller Akita, which has different characteristics. Genetics is a funny thing, but it is what it is. American's breed for big, muscular dogs and the Japanese do not. Ironic isn't it that it was the Japanese that brought the breed to near extinction wanting the dogs thick coat to line the jackets of pilots. It was also a Japanese man who helped save the breed during WWII by hiding them high in the mountains. If you look at older pictures of Japanese Akitas in Japan, they even appear different then. Helen Keller's first Akita looked different from her second Akita. There is also a very old picture of five Japanese gentlemen with two Akitas. Both Akitas look very much like the American version of the Akita. They look like my two old Akitas. Lucymia, any pure bred dog is prone to health issues, and Akitas are no different, but it is not caused by them being bigger. Bigger doesn't correlate to unhealthy. Beautiful video by the way.

Thank you for the video on the two Akita's! I have an American Akita (13 years old), who is fawn colored with a black mask and white socks and a white underbelly. These dogs are a complete charm and I would love to have another

When I first moved up to Alaska in 98' there was a local dog that lived at a gas station named 'Boris'. He was 1/2 Akita and 1/2 TimberWolf. He was a monster. Amazingly awesome. Kids would play with him at the gas station. he would just lay there while the kids climbed on him lol. He was around 165 or 170 pounds. A true gently giant. Sadly he died from old age a few years ago now. When I went to that station I usually had my Akitas in my truck. They would sniff Boris lol.

I had an American Akita. One of the most amazing dogs I have had the pleasure to have and some day I will get another. I love him and miss him so much. He lived 12 years and the best years of my life with my Panda. He was white with brindle patches, God I miss him so much!

American Akitas are spectacular!

Akita...the best breed ever😍

@jolseen NOTE: "An akita is not a dog for everyone." We adopted three rescued akitas from ARSF out of Jacksonville. Rescue dogs usually don't have their best paw forward when being photographed; don't let that discourage you. If you get one, please keep the pup inside. We live in PA, and our furbabies still spend the day in front of an AC sucking down water. During the summer, we usually walk around 5AM and 9PM to avoid the heat.

No, it's not like comparing a malamute and a husky. The malamute and husky each developed in isolation from each other as two distinct semi-landrace breeds. The American Akita was bred from Japanese Akita foundation stock. It is a variation of the same breed.

YEP! MY 1ST AKITA WHILE LIVING IN JAPAN, 52 YRS AGO, AMERICAN AKITAS THE LAST 45 & WOULDNT TRADE ONE!

Thank you for sharing! :) I only recently became aware that there are two types of Akita; previously, I had only known about the American type, and thought the Japanese Akitas I had seen were just big Shibas! But now I know! They are all very beautiful dogs!

Their major differences are their size and appearance. Their personalities are INCREDIBLY similar. Say what you want, a malamute and husky are also incredibly similar. At the end of the day, they are all snow dogs, and they are all very pack oriented, and they will be loyal, stubborn, and intelligent dogs. They are also incredibly healthy for pure breds compared to the other "mainstream" dogs out there. Cant go wrong with either of them.

that enigma track is timeless........

Beautiful video. Really made me understand the difference between the two. Thanks alot

Just another quick point. There have been pictures of dogs found on old pottery in Japan, that have a great likeness to the Akita. This pottery has been dated back over 4000 yrs. Akitas are one of the most amazing dogs that I have ever owned. Mine behaves more like a cat than anything else. Nothing seems to phase or frighten her and she has all the time in the world!!! American Akitas are wonderfull dogs and very impressive too, but the breed is only about 50 or 60 yrs old.

Good video, _especially_ for your first. And, I never knew about this before. Thanks!

Both spectacular looking breeds.

@Giodamus Yes, the japanese standard only allows a white mask (Or, techinically, no mask) However, they can come in a few colours, such as red/orange, white, black, or brindle.

First excuse my rusty english, portuguese a little better, returning to the video, nice video, good explanation, simple and comprehensive. Like the music very much. Personally i´m a fan of the Japanese Akita, find it more ellegant than the American Akita. But i´m also a big admirer of the Golden Retriever.

very nice! My AKITA - KALIB lived 13 tears then had a stroke Oct, 2010. He waited for me to get home , then "gave in" to the medical problem. Awesome dog, i am looking into getting another.I prefer the American Akita . hint...it is not "more longer" or "more wider", just "longer" or "wider". Good job though.

Thank you for setting it straight for all Akita lovers :-)

I enjoyed your video very much. I just lost my good friend and Akita of 11 years yesterday. She passed away in my arm's. Her name was baily aka chicken. She was so in love with her people and we will miss her. Thanks for the great video.

@jolseen Max and Snow add up to 216 lbs. of fur. If you brush them daily, it wont be "that" bad...unless they are blowing their coats. Then, you can fill a grocery bad or two a day/ dog, especially just after a bath. Yesterday, I thought about placing "Free Fur" a sign in the front yard. Peple say thtat Akitas shed 2x per year. It must be from January to June, and then July to December. In FL, the undercoat will be a bit thinner, but you'll still get a plenty of fur around the house.

Why are some of you guys hating on American Akitas?? They're just as beautiful. Just because they're a lot bigger in America doesn't mean you should shame them. Obviously there are thinner/smaller people in Japan so there's no doubt the dogs would be similar and the same goes with the quite literally bigger Americans.... Chill out.

@AwwCrap66 my first dog was a Tamaskan Wolfdog that the owner didn't want- out of control. With TONS of time and love I turned her into a manageable dog. She pulled/ran my newspaper delivery route with me every morning alongside my BMX bike, even in the snow. In the end of her life nobody had time for her and she started getting crazy attacked my brother and had to be put down. I would own another one but it takes lots of time and love and neither of these can falter or they start to "go wild".

During World War II the Akita was also crossed with German Shepherd Dogs in an attempt to save them from the war time government order for all non-military dogs to be culled. The ancestors of the American style Akita were originally a variety of the Japanese style Akita, a form that was not desired in Japan due to the markings, and which is not eligible for show competition. the jp akita will not get over a 100 pounds but the american male can be from 100 / 150

Nice video, I knew there was a difference I just didnt know exactly how to describe it but that exaple of the Tosa and the Shiba really did clear everything out. I love them pictures on Second 52 and on 2:12. I go for the American Akita. It makes the perfect nice looking, ready to work for anything, guard dog.

Akita bloodline is still there!!! American Akitas still have the loyalty,bravery, and the friendship that can't be matched.

My akita kept me up late looking for her. When I found her outside she was playing (yes playing - not fighting) with a large deer. I had to wake up my wife and show her. I'll video them if it comes back to play - 2:30 am, need sleep...

I recommend that you people commenting read a book called Dog Man; An Uncommon Life on a Far Away Mountain before you bash the American Akita. I think that the life of Morie Sawataishi and his attempt to save a breed that the nation of origin USED AS FOOD AND CLOTHING will help you to understand the origins of these two types...The ORIGINAL Akita LOOKED more like an "American Akita" - look at the stamp of Tochibana Go - How about taking a look at Hachiko - he has the larger structure than the current Japanese type Akita....Do your homework on the breed before you open your mouth.

I have a American Akita and her 7 puppies they are all soo much fun love my baby's

Still love all Akitas!!! I have an american Akita and she is so very loyal. My best friend, always there for me.

it is so nice to see ppl who understand the difference, not even the temperments of these two breeds are the same. too bad the american and canadian kennel clubs dont realize this.

i love this video i think the song goes along with the personality of akitas. i have a 4 month old akita and i dont think i could ever own any other breed of dog.

You are correct! It is an important breed standard of the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita). This type of curl is called 太鼓巻き (taiko maki = "drum swirl"), and it must be curled tightly with lots of dense fur to make it look like a Wadaiko (=Japanese drum), and preferably curling above the rump. The other Japanese breeds have a looser curled tail than the Akita and are allowed to droop to a certain extent. There are about five different levels of curls, but for the Akita only the taiko maki is allowed.

Great explanation of the 2 breeds. I love them both.

thanks for making and sharing this clip, i enjoyed it very much!

Good clip gotta tell you been around dogs a good part of my life the akita is my favorite breed bought one she was beautiful loyal tough smart great with kids she had three champion line in her blood great dog to own. A MUST

amazing song, i used to be put to sleep to that song as a child.

Very nice video. Thanks for sharing. Good information.

i love the video! I have a american akita and he is 2 months old right now.. his very playful and smart cause he understand easily when i trained him..

They are both beautiful but as the owner of an American Akita I have to say I prefer the stature, size and almost noble expression on the American Akita, the little Japanses one do something cute which I noticed in some photo's, from the front they appear to be smiling :). I love all animals so I can't say one is better than the other just that each person has different preferences.

Both are unique in their own way.

I have both kinds and they are both amazing dogs

Well done video. Enteraining and informative. Socialization as a puppy is the key to a good Akita.

This is a fantastic informative video with great pics

Once one has been a ''care~taker of an AKITA, you will be changed forever!!!! I lost my baby 8 mos. ago and have not been able to let her go ...yet! Some day I will get another...but for now I have a ChowChow and an Akita/Chow mix and they are getting older so ya know how that goes....Thankx for sharing this video! Howls, Dark Wolf

I had Akita for over 13.5 year's. My was black and white the best dog ever very smart loyal and super protective. I miss you Panda ❤️😢.

@KB1978 Furthermore, "akita inu" includes both distinct Akita lines (what is now known as the "American" Akita and the "Japanese" Akita) as the word "inu" in Japanese merely means "dog". The breed name is "Akita" whether it follows the "American" style or the more recent "Japanese" style. Adding "inu" after the breed name only says the Akita is a dog. Additionally, the breed split designating the "American" style and "Japanese" style Akitas did not officially occur until 2006 by the FCI.

I am glad you took the trouble to point out the physical differences between the two breeds and I would like to take matters a step further, stressing the difference in their temperaments. This is something all dog lovers ought to be aware of, because American Akita is on the index of dangerous dogs and many people wanting to buy an Akita Inu would be put off if they thought that it was the same dog. It happened to me, who fell in love with one but initially resisted the temptation to acquire one because being on the dangerous dog register can have very sad consequences for a dog and its owner, as the dog on this register are not given a second chance but are mandatory destroyed "at their first bite" -whether they happen to bite a human or an other dog. The original Akita, or Japanese sheep dog, has been painstakingly researched and re-bread from few isolated specimen, found in very isolated areas of Japan where the dog had been allowed to carry on performing its original function. The Japanese are rightfully proud of their splendid sheep dog, legendary for his faithfulness and his love of his master, very quiet and very tolerant of other dogs, as long as it did not think that they were a threat to their master love, since Akita Inus are exceptionally jealous. My own Akita Inu was absolutely wonderful, and the only problem that like Siberian Huskys - my other dog- their average life span is only 10 years. I just saw a Spanish video on you tune aimed to introduce to the viewer the 10 most dangerous breeds and I was very annoyed that they should show the images of what is very obviously an American Akita as ther 3rd or 4th most dangerous dog referring to it as an Akita Inu, which which is the name of the dog that the Japanese elected as their National Symbol, so thank you very much for your lovely video. Incidentally if you should read my comment I would love to know the title of the beautiful background music to your video. x.

Thank you for having pictures of the Akita that represents the breed...All those Akita in your video are perfect...Their heads, muscular bodies, looking like a powerful Kodiak bear...Thanks!...There is not one Akita in your video that would not have heads turning...My late Akita "Samson" was a powerful dog and every time he turned heads...Also he represented every aspect of the breed to a 'T."

it really irritates me when people say they are the same thing-they clearly are not,i have an american akita puppy and i did my homework before i got her,and its amazing the amount of people who think there experts who dot even know there are 2 types,i think its disrespectful to the breed,they are both beautiful and deserve the honour of being agknowledged as individual breeds.you are exactly right i saying it would be like saying an alaskan malamute is the same as a husky.

@osullm24 I basically agree with you except for the fact that the Americans are a more recent offshoot from whatever dog line started with the matagi inu, brought one post-WWII by the American GIs who brought Akitas back to the US. Recent genetic testing affirmed that domesticated dogs all came from the Grey Wolf- some suspect that the shiba inu has some Fox in it but this is just legend. A fascinating development is that they have bred pet Foxes in Russia for 40 years- now they are for sale!

great video fully understand the difference

That was lovely x gorgeous dogs x I love Akitas xxx

@SupraGT510 The Mexican Federation has the Husky officially registered as an American breed, as well as the Australian Shepherd, and let's not forget about the Great Dane which is German and the French Poodle which is German too. So... confusing.

I have with regards on Japanese Akita dogs. very faithful and loyal to his master. I have seen the movie "Hachiko" and my tears fall down from my eyes specially at the last episode. its a very touching movie and dog lovers must see the movie...u

@originalmrmeaner this is why a Japanese Akita is best purchased in Japan. The lineage in the US was all mixed up for a while. The kennel clubs have been so political at times instead of just acknowledging what everybody knows already.

thank you for educational video

It seems that so called American Akitas are not American at all. During WWII, the military gov, of Japan decided that it's a waste to keep dogs unless they are useful for military, so only the breeds either German Shepherd or mixed with German shepherd were allowed. So the American Akita was bred in Japan. I'm guessing, they are called "American" because after the WWII many GIs brought them to US and raised them.

beautiful akitas!!

Very well done! I am more educated on the two diff now!.

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

I read a great book about the Akira breed which almost went extinct during World War II in Japan (their fur was needed for the war effort and people were so poor they couldn't feed themselves let alone dogs), and the main guy who tried to save them by breeding them secretly. It's called "Dog Man: an Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain" by Martha Sherrill. I recommend it if you love Akitas!

The American Akita Inu is stunning in it’s own way but I’m definitely gonna own a Japanese Akita Inu with that golden light brown/white fur. Spectacular breed of dogs 👍

both beautiful dogs

Beautiful dogs

@cristohv It is only what the two countries now consider as acceptable breed standard by each ones kennel clubs. All Akitas originated in Japan within the Akita Prefecture centuries ago. Japan just very recently changed their acceptable breed standard cutting out a good deal of the original Akita breed lines that ironically make the "American" Akita much closer to the original Japanese breed.

this is an awesome video. I love akitas. they are wonderful dogs.

@635099 Yes, the Japanese Akita was the protector and friend of ancient Yayoi people as the ancients in Alaska and the arctic had their "best friends". I really like the ancient breeds basenji, Akita, Tamaskans, Malamutes, Huskies, etc. and I like Australian Cattle dogs. All of these are SMART, independent dogs. The American Akita has some newer genes in there which ultimately can be very good for dogs as a whole, they are also very smart and awesome with a fresh twist.

I can't decide, so I'll take one of each: the gorgeous, wild looking brindle Japanese one and the majestic black and white American one! :)

Where do you get those puppy animations? They are really adorable!

Yes there is. They're classified as separate breeds by the FCI.

BOTH are beautiful breeds in their own ":unique" way respectfully IMO as an "american" akita owner of 2

Akita ... great dog.

This was a really nice video--it's good to see the differences in breeding with side-by-side pictures. ...though I disagree on some of the points (it's a little EXTREME to say calling American/Japanese types are the same thing is the same as calling a husky a malamute). I've always felt like the American version is a much more impressive dog, but the Japanese version appears much healthier. Both are great!

@rohawk001 I plan on using a furminator to help with the shedding.

traditionally akita were bigger because they were bred for hunting bears. Modern Japanese Akitas are smaller because only a select few bloodlines survived in Japan after WWII. Many of the dogs were killed for their pelts and the bigger the dog the more coats could be lined with their fur.

Thank-YOU for this video. Recently adopted a husky/akita mix. She has Akita behavior and the magnificent curled tail but her body and head is much smaller than the photograph's I have seen of the Akita breed. You solved the mystery.

Very True . The so called American Akita has Tosa blood giving him a larger head. They were smuggled back to the US by American troops during WWII. At this stage Akitas were nearly extinct due to Japanese troops using Akita coats to line their own jackets. And "Inu" Just means dog. Akitas are also know as the great Japanese dog, or great japanese Mountain dog.

good work!!

@AwwCrap66 Akitas like the cold. I have an Akita in southern california. I keep him inside during the summer but during the winter he doesn't want to go inside. If you are ready to put your akita in his / her place if they challenge you then you are ready, but this is no easy task. They are big, stubborn, and look too damn cute to reprimand. However, they are the best damn dog you could ever ask for.

well done video!

i love this breed akita

wow never knew. but i see it now.

Awesome!! 5 stars!

thanks i learned a lot by this video! :)

@vicouswolf Yo, Vicious, there's a thing called "punctuation" and it is used in sentence structure in the English language. It includes a few funny little things like 'commas' and 'periods.' Look into it. As for the Akita question, imported Akitas evolved over time here in the USA due to breeding practices. They are still Akitas but with a different look about them. This has happened in many other breeds also.

Good video. Great grammar. >.> Still, good.

American Akita is a dog which is mixed with Japanese original Akita Inu and German Shepherd Dog. Once this kind of dog became very popular in Japan, and it was called Akita Inu. And the number of the Original Akita Inu became very small numbers, it is said less than 20 Original Akita Inu in Japan 70 years before. Because of the enthusiastic protection activities of Original Akita Inu, the number of Original Akita Inu has recovered surprisingly. Now in japan the dog mixed with Akita Inu and German shepherd which was once called Akita Inu is not found. This kind of dog is remained and Bred in United stay, and called American Akita, now.

The akita inu is not the same as the older japanese akita the ones in the very early days look more like the american akita does now,they had to almost rebreed the akita from scratch in japan after WWII as they was killing the akitas for food and pelts

I have a japanese akita 7 years old now picked him up in japan and he looks like what you call the american akita and is 134 lbs & very muscular & is the best ever.

The breed has been officially split into two distinct and separate breeds in Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) member countries as well as in the United Kingdom. FCI member countries recognize the breeds as the "Akita" and the "American Akita" . Only the AKC and CkC don recognize them as seperate breeds.

awww how cute i have got a japeneese akita and mine is the american version he is so bigger than the japeneese ones xx

Hachiko!!

The American Akita did originate in Japan but is a wartime cross breed of Akita, Tosa (Japanese fighting dog) and German Shepherd which is why American Akitas are larger. American servicemen brought these dogs home and continued to breed them which is why the are "American" akitas. Japanese Akitas are smaller and more graceful and American Akitas are more powerful. Even the AKC is looking at recognizing them as two searate breeds.

Akita's are the best dogs ever, Hands Down!