They were interbred with a couple American breeds to make the American Akita.

If the Japanese Akita is fox like, the American is a bear dog.

Their temperament varies. Mine loves other dogs, but doesn't like people. She's fine with children and the elderly, but she dislikes men. The only time I've seen her act truly aggressively is when someone invades my wife's personal space, or someone picks up my neices besides their grandmother or mother.

She's a nearly silent dog unless either of the two things I mentioned above, or a unidentified man shows up. Then she let's the world know she isn't having it.

They aren't like golden labs or retrivers. These are guard dogs that can be extremely dangerous if not socialized and trained. The fact that she considers my wife an VIP cannot safely be denied and that gives me great comfort when I'm away from home.

They're wonderful dogs, but require a competent and committed owner. (My wife in this case. I'm just the Akita's idiot best friend.)