Akita vs Akita Inu
The interest about the dog breeds is something that can never be evaded after having a hint about it, and Spitz dogs such as Akita and Akita Inu are not away from that attentiveness. They exhibit a range of characteristics that are common for both of them, but the differences between Akita and Akita Inu are also important to consider. They can be confused if adequate attention is not paid; hence, it is important to know their characteristics, especially the characteristics that differentiate the two.
Akita
Akita is a dog breed that has been originated in Japan, specifically in the northern areas of Japan. Although they were originated in Japan, Akita is the American strain of Akita dogs. This is a breed of Spitz dogs with a massive body structure, which ensures great personality for them. They are dominant and independent animals accompanied by a strong body structure. The males are particularly large with heights at withers range around 66 – 71 centimetres. The accepted weights of males range around 45 – 66 kilograms. Females, slightly smaller than males, are about 61 – 66 centimetres high and weigh about 36 – 54 kilograms. They have a double coat that can have any pattern of colours including solid white, black mask, white mask, pinto, all types of brindle, and many others. Additionally, their inner coat and the overlaying hairs can have different colours. The shape of the head and the small eyes are very important to notice as those resemble the appearance of a bear. The chest is prominent, which gives Akita a great and brave personality. They are seriously affectionate with the owners, but can be very unfriendly with strangers. It has been about 50 years since the divergence of this American strain of Akita started from the main breed, but now most of the prominent kennel clubs have accepted this as a separate dog breed.
Akita Inu
Akita Inu is the Japanese strain of the Akita Spitz dogs, and they have been originated in Japan. The Matai dog was their ancestors, which has been a great hunting dog that could hunt a range of animals including large animals such as deer and bear. That suggests about the great agility and abilities of Akita Inu dogs. Their swiftness is accompanied with longer forelegs than the American strain. Akita Inu breed is lighter and slightly smaller than the Americans are. The chest is not prominently sticking out of their body as in the American strain. The head of Akita Inu resembles a fox with almond shaped eyes. The colouration patterns are strictly considered about Akita Inu breed as only few of the patterns are accepted through the kennel club standards. The standard colourations of Akita Inu include red, fawn, sesame, brindle, white coat with Urajiro markings, and pure white. With their great affection towards the owner, they can be a little aloof towards strangers, but some individuals are docile, as well.
What is the difference between Akita and Akita Inu?
• Akita is larger and heavier than Akita Inu
• The head of Akita resembles a bear’s while Akita Inu resembles the head of a fox.
• Akita has small eyes while the Akita Inu has large almond eyes.
• The ears of the Akita Inu are set more forward and lower than the ears of the Akita.
• Chest is more prominent in Akita than in Akita Inu.
• Forelegs are longer in Akita Inu than in Akita.
• Akita Inu has few defined coat colourations while Akita breed could have colouration pattern in their coat.