Akita Inu is Japanese breed dogs that appeared on the island of Honshu. The Akita Inu breed is the largest Japanese Spitz dog. The Akita Inu dog is a true hunter. Very for a long time they were used to hunt deer, wild boar and even bear. The Akita Inu dog breed is a national treasure of Japan. Below you will find a description of the Akita Inu and photos, learn the character of the Akita Inu, and also find useful information about the care and maintenance of the Japanese Akita Inu dog.
A description of the Akita Inu breed should begin with the size of these dogs. The Japanese Akita Inu is a large hunting breed dogs that were bred in the mountains of northern Japan. The height at the withers for males varies from 65 to 70 cm, for females from 60 to 65 cm. The weight of Akita Inu is 40-50 kg. The lifespan of an Akita Inu is 12-14 years. Dogs of the Akita Inu breed are well and proportionally built, have a strong muscular body, high large paws and big head in the shape of an inverted triangle.
The Akita Inu dog looks somewhat like a wolf, a fox and a bear at the same time. This breed has small dark brown eyes, a large black nose, a short neck and a wide chest. The Akita Inu's ears are pointed upward and look slightly forward, and the tail curled into a ring lies on the back. The Akita Inu breed has a very unusual and original appearance, which immediately attracts the eye. The Japanese Akita Inu looks proud and majestic, which definitely makes it stand out among other breeds.
The Akita Inu dog most often has a red color with white urajiro (this is when there is fur on the face, chest, belly and inner surface of the paws white). There are also all-white Akita Inu and brindle with white Urajiro. The Akita Inu's coat is very thick and consists of several layers, giving the dog a plush appearance. The description of the Akita Inu states that only the presence of all three layers of wool makes appearance dogs that meet the standards.
The topmost layer of wool is the longest, coarse and straight, the middle layer is shorter, but also quite hard. The last layer is the undercoat, it is the softest and thickest. The longest hair on the Akita Inu is on the tail. Also, the shoulder blades and panties of these dogs have slightly longer hair than the rest of the body. There are Akita Inus with shorter or longer hair, but in any case the coat must meet the required standards.
History of the Akita Inu breed
Today the Akita Inu breed is best known for to the legendary dog nicknamed Hachiko. Surely everyone has watched a thrilling film about how a faithful dog was waiting for his owner. In Russia, the Japanese Akita Inu dog breed is rapidly gaining popularity. Even our President Vladimir Putin has an Akita Inu dog, which he gave to him in 2012 Japanese governor Akita Prefecture. The president named the puppy Yume, which means Dream in Japanese.
The history of the Akita Inu breed dates back to ancient times, as evidenced by the found remains and preserved drawings. Scientific research showed that the Akita Inu breed is one of the oldest both in Japan and throughout the world. The Akita Inu was bred in the northeastern part of the island of Honshu, in the Akita province, as a hunting and guard dog. Hence the name of the breed, translated from Japanese “inu” means dog, and the prefix “akita” is the name of the area where the breed appeared.
In Japan, clubs for lovers of these dogs were founded, where they drew up instructions on keeping, breeding and training. Special books were kept where information about dogs was recorded. Also, the surviving documents indicated that Akita Inu dogs took part in fights, which were soon banned. And if at first the Akita Inu dog breed was a peasant breed, they soon became elite pets of aristocrats and emperors. In Japan, the Akita Inu dog became sacred and to offend it meant signing your own death warrant; offending was very severely punished.
A society for the protection of the Japanese Akita Inu breed was founded. Ultimately, this breed became available only to high rulers and their families. Perhaps it was precisely this turn in the history of the Akita Inu breed that allowed it to survive in its purebred form to this day. After all, these dogs were kept excellently at court. However, during the Second World War, the Akita Inu dog breed did not undergo better times. American soldiers crossed the Japanese Akita Inu with a mastiff and German Shepherd. Thus, a new breed was developed - the American Akita, which you can see in the photo below.
Akita Inu character
The popularity of these dogs is growing not only because of their interesting appearance, but also due to the amazing character of the Akita Inu. These dogs are smart, brave and reserved, just like the Japanese themselves. The character of the Akita Inu is characterized by a calm and even disposition. These dogs are very balanced and outbursts of aggression are not typical for them. Of course, if the owner’s life is threatened, the dog will react, but first he will carefully study the situation. The Akita Inu dog is an excellent hunter and watchdog by nature.
The character of the Akita Inu is very friendly and inquisitive; these dogs literally stick their curious nose everywhere, especially in childhood. As they grow up, they become much more diligent. An Akita Inu puppy is considered up to the age of 2-2.5 years. Despite the fact that already at 4 months they reach about 70% of the size of an adult. The older an Akita Inu dog becomes, the more clearly its character traits such as restraint, confidence, independence and composure appear. These dogs seem to become wiser over the years. In any family, the Akita Inu dog will become a faithful, devoted and reliable friend for everyone. The Japanese Akita Inu is a kind and cheerful dog breed that loves children.
Behind the external self-sufficiency, coldness and serene calm lies the same curious baby who loves attention to himself. The character of the Akita Inu is obedient; these dogs are not inclined to do dirty tricks. The Japanese Akita Inu dog is a rather vulnerable and sensitive creature. This breed must be treated with respect and kindness. Believe me, it will be deeply mutual. The Akita Inu dog breed is very cheerful, playful and sociable. These dogs need long walks and exercise.
Akita Inus are distrustful, vigilant and wary of strangers, although they do not show it. This breed has a difficult relationship with other dogs, because Akita Inus tend to be dominant. Having met another dog on the street, they can immediately rush into battle, proving their rights to the territory. Therefore, with early childhood It is necessary to educate the Akita Inu and pay a lot of attention to it, then the dog will be able to show only its best natural traits. Usually Akita Inu has friendly relations with other pets in the house.
By nature, Akita Inus are independent and stubborn. There will be difficulties with such a dog if you do not educate and socialize it. Show moderate persistence and exactingness in training. Remember that the Akita Inu is a true Japanese, so it is very important to show the dog a strong character so that he recognizes authority and obeys. But don’t forget to also reward your pet for its success. Rest assured, the time spent will definitely pay off and you will get an excellent companion with good manners and developed intelligence.
Akita Inu puppies
If you have acquired an Akita Inu puppy, try to immediately set priorities and set restrictions. Show it to your baby sleeping place, bowls with food and water. Akita Inu puppies are very restless, they are constantly moving mischievous lumps. Don't allow him to sleep in the bed, bite during games, or chew on things. Then it will be almost impossible to wean yourself from these habits.
In raising an Akita Inu, it is very important to be consistent and see everything through to the end. Relationships with this breed should be built on mutual respect. Be patient, never yell at the dog or use physical punishment, Akita Inus have phenomenal memory, in which you will forever remain an enemy. Misdemeanors should only be punished with a reprimand, but you must speak calmly and clearly, then the baby will understand everything.
Do not indulge in begging under any circumstances, no matter how pitiful and pleading the look may be. Remember that Akita Inus are prone to gaining excess weight, so you need to strictly monitor the amount of food consumed. If you indulge the dog, he will begin to manipulate you. Akita Inu are very smart and quickly understand how to behave in order to get what they want. If you allow this behavior, it will be very difficult to achieve obedience from the dog.
Nobody likes monotonous repetitions, so the education process should be diluted with games. As for physical activity, it should be moderate. Especially for babies who are still developing, otherwise there is a risk of injury. The Japanese Akita Inu breed is clean and quite quiet; these dogs do not bark unnecessarily. Each dog has an individual temperament, communicate with your pet more often, don’t let him get bored and try to get to know him as best as possible.
Caring for an Akita Inu requires brushing the coat at least 1-2 times a week, and during periods of shedding at least 3 times. These dogs do not need to be groomed. Akita Inu grooming includes bathing with special shampoos 2-3 times a year; bathing more often is not recommended. It is necessary to brush your teeth and ears once a week, and trim your nails once a month. If necessary, wipe your eyes with water or chamomile decoction.
Keeping an Akita Inu requires good and good nutrition. Try not to train your dog to eat from the table. It is best to feed your Akita Inu premium dry food, which already contains all the necessary ingredients. healthy vitamins and minerals. If you prefer a natural diet, then the Akita Inu should be fed with lean meat and vegetable broth, and you can also give low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, eggs and fish 2 times a week. When eating natural foods, you should additionally add vitamin complexes.
During shedding, with any type of food, it is necessary to give special supplements so that the new coat is healthy and grows faster. Always make sure your pet has enough fresh food drinking water. The Akita Inu dog breed has excellent health. But no matter how excellent it is, it is necessary to take proper care of it. Visit the vet, do necessary vaccinations and monitor your pet's diet.
The following diseases are most often diagnosed in Akita Inu: joint dysplasia (usually a hereditary disease), eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, retinal atrophy, entropion) and digestive problems (due to poor diet). Proper nutrition, an active pet lifestyle and regular visits to the veterinarian will help avoid a lot of health problems.
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People have always been interested in animal breeds that have come down to us from time immemorial. And the Japanese Akite Inu is just such a dog - a purebred, once sacred, pet not of ordinary people, but of emperors. Today the breed is known thanks to the legendary Hachiko - to the faithful dog Akita Inu dog breed. Naturally, interest in these dogs has not waned to this day, and the history of the breed attracts even more admirers.
According to evidence obtained by historians, Japanese Akita Inu belongs to the oldest dog breed. Except genetic analysis, this is evidenced by the remains, which, according to archaeological data, are about 4 thousand years old. In addition, dogs similar to Akita Inu are depicted in drawings from antiquity.
If to our ears the name of the breed sounds somewhat exotic, then for the Japanese it is a completely common combination of words - “inu” in Japanese means dog, and “akita” means a province located on the island of Honshu. Breed in modern form appeared here in the 17th century, and has not undergone any external changes since then.
Akita Inus were originally pets for peasant families, and were later elevated in status to become pets of aristocrats and even the imperial household. AND ordinary people the pet of this breed has become completely inaccessible. There was even a law punishing Akita Inu offenders.
The rarity of this breed also lies in the fact that it is purebred, without crossing with representatives of other breeds.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a special society was created to preserve this breed. This helped ensure that it remained pristine.
During World War II, Akita Inu breeding ceased and most of the dogs were sent to the front. There are only a few purebred representatives of the breed left in Japan, but dog handlers still managed to preserve it and restore it to its previous level.
Description of Akita Inu
Perhaps some may find her appearance a little rustic, but the dog is not without charm, has a special look, and her slanted eyes glow with intelligence.
If we talk in more detail about appearance, purebred pets have a strong, proportional physique, with heavy bones and fairly well-developed muscles.
External features include the following:
- Head blunt, triangular in shape. The skull is wide, between the dog’s eyes there is a barely noticeable notch that also covers part of the forehead.
- Nose The Akita-Itu's coat is large and black. Only white representatives of the breed are allowed slight pigmentation.
- Ears in dogs they are small, especially when compared with the size of the head, open and in a standing position, with a slight rounding at the very tips.
- Eyes They have a normal fit, do not protrude, and are small in size and dark brown in color.
- Dog neck quite powerful, short, with minimal dewlap.
- Back straight, with muscular lumbar region. Rib cage wide, well developed.
- Skin do not have a strong fit, small folds may form.
- Tail The Akita Inu's tail is large in proportion to the body, located high, usually curled into a ring and thrown over the back. Sometimes it lies along the back, wraps around most of the ring, then the tip hangs to one side.
- Coat dogs have a thick, coarse coat, the average length of which is about 5 cm. It has a dense undercoat that is softer than the main coat.
- Paws Both the front and rear of pets of this breed are characterized by power, the rear are slightly spaced apart. The paw pads are reminiscent of a cat's, straight with a thick crumb and protruding knuckles.
Color purebred dog can be varied, there are white, fawn, red, brindle, and piebald Akitas. There is one requirement for everyone - the color must be pure, the drawing must be clear. Smudges and blurred lines are not allowed. Sometimes the color of the undercoat slightly differs from the main coat, but this is quite acceptable.
According to the requirements of the breed, a male must have a height at the withers of 66-71 cm, and a female - from 61 to 66 cm.
This amazing Japanese character
Being a native Japanese breed, the Akita Anu has absorbed the characteristics of the eastern temperament. Restrained and calm in the presence of strangers, she often shows wariness and becomes good-natured and sociable in her family.
Akitas are very active and cheerful and require long walks. Dogs are very playful and even when in old age will respond to the owner's call to frolic.
They immediately become attached to the owner and become loyal friends and companions. But this is only subject to complete reciprocity.
In addition, representatives are distinguished by independence and independence. If you do not have the appropriate skills, then training your pet will not be easy. To be successful in this matter, the owner will have to show persistence, and in some places even exactingness, so that the dog obeys and recognizes the authority of the person. Physical strength does not play any role in this matter, only mental strength is important. If taken seriously, training will bring positive results.
Akita Inu is perfect for living in a family with small children. Of course, when a pet comes into contact with younger members of the family, it is necessary to monitor it, because it is still an animal.
Dog care
If you have the desire and opportunity to have an Akita Inu, then you don’t need to worry about keeping it - these pets are very unpretentious. They can live perfectly well on the street (the thick undercoat is designed for this), and are quite suitable for living in an apartment. If the dog is purchased for street life, then it is necessary to provide her with an insulated booth for the winter.
Photo of dog breed - Akita Inu
It is worth taking into account the activity of the dogs, since it is necessary to walk the Akita for a long time - twice a day for 2 hours, at least. Otherwise, the animal will find something more interesting to do, and this does not bode well for the owner.
When walking, dogs behave in a disciplined manner and rarely enter into conflicts. But they can frolic with their own kind.
It is worth taking care that the dog does not gain overweight. And for this you need balanced diet and proper physical activity.
The Akita's coat does not require special care. It is enough to brush your pet 1-2 days a week, while simultaneously ridding it of tangles. But during seasonal shedding, the dog will need to be brushed almost every day. This will allow the coat to renew itself faster. During this period, you can give the animal complex supplements.
Representatives of this breed should not be allowed often, as frequent bathing can provoke the development of various diseases. It is quite enough to carry out the procedure once every 4-6 months. It is necessary to use special detergents, and after washing the wool must be dried.
Feeding your pet should also not raise questions, since there is no special difficulties. Like other pets, it is not recommended to feed the Akita Ana with food from your table.
Modern dog breeders prefer to feed their pets with dry food, sometimes supplementing the diet fermented milk products, lean meat, vegetables and broth. The pet should be provided with free access to drinking water.
Photo of the Akita Inu breed
Akita Inu video
Where to buy and what is the cost of Akita Inu puppies
It is worth saying that not everyone can afford an Akita Inu puppy. Since the price for them is not small.
In addition, problems may arise with the purchase, because the Akina Itu is not such a popular breed in Russian Federation and not every city has nurseries. The largest Akita Inu nursery is located in the capital, so Moscow is the easiest place to buy a puppy.
Nursery in Moscow: http://akita-shinatoinu.ru/nashishenki/28-stranica-schenkov.html
You can see nurseries in different cities here: http://www.dressirovka.spb.ru/index.php/breeders?catid=32
The price of an Akita Inu can scare away potential buyers; to prevent this from happening, you need to familiarize yourself with the cost of young animals in advance. It can vary from 40,000 rubles to 70,000.
Buy four-legged friend You can go to a specialized nursery (the price is set around $3,000), or you can find the owners of dogs of this breed at a local fair/exhibition. This often requires attending several events. In the second case, a puppy from active show dogs can be significantly more expensive than in a kennel. If you are persistent, you can find the right puppy.
Another better way to find a purebred Akita is by using special sites on the Internet. Here you may be lucky to buy a puppy at a lower price.
An Akitu Inu dog is the dream of many. A kind, friendly and intelligent dog, a godsend for any family.
Breed characteristics
- Height: 59-70 cm.
- Weight: 33-50 kg.
- Characteristic color: red, white, fawn, brindle.
- Wool length: short, hard, with a thick and soft undercoat.
- Lifespan: 11-15 years.
- Advantages of the breed: Cheerful, active and very smart breed. Very brave and loyal, good guards. They practically don't bark.
- Difficulties of the breed: desire for dominance. Heavy character, difficult to raise and train.
- Average price: when buying a puppy from hand – from $300, from professional breeders with a good pedigree – from $700, show breeds – from $1000 and above.
Origin story
Akita Inu is the oldest Japanese dog breed that existed in Japan 8,000 years ago. In ancient times they were used for hunting, and by the 18th century they began to be considered privileged animals, they were kept in the palaces of high-ranking nobles, and each dog of this breed had its own servant.
Over time, Akitas became more accessible, they began to be used to participate in dog fights, crossed with larger and more powerful breeds. And only at the beginning of the last century did Japanese breeders begin to restore the purity of the breed. Many of these dogs were killed on the fronts of World War II, but breeders managed to maintain the number of the breed to this day. Akitas gained the greatest popularity after the film “Hachiko”, which showed how loyal these dogs can be. Now the breed is widespread throughout the world, including in Russia. Very similar to her “brother” and.
What is the breed for?
The Akita Inu's ideal purpose is hunting, but it is also well suited as a companion dog and a kind family member. Thanks to his exceptional devotion, she is an excellent guard and will protect his master to the last.
It is recommended to own an Akita for people who lead an active lifestyle and for lovers frequent walks on fresh air and athletes. But for people who are not able to devote enough time to a dog, those who are lazy or weak-willed, it is better to choose a dog of a different breed.
Akita Inu character
Representatives of the breed are very patient, which allows them to be kept in families with small children. They calmly endure all kinds of children's twitching and pinching, maintaining humility. Another issue arises in these dogs' relationships with other animals. They often or show aggression towards cats or dogs, but only on the condition that they did not grow up together. Therefore, the issue of early socialization is of great importance.
Akita Inus are very active and full of energy. Growing up, they gradually become calmer, but still need daily walks. If the dog does not have the opportunity to spend his energy on the street, he will begin to splash it out on household items. After walking and having plenty of frolic, they become more flexible and easier to educate and train.
Dogs of this breed very smart, affectionate and calm, but are famous for their independence and strong will. Raising such a dog will be quite difficult, so experts recommend adopting only experienced people who have already kept large dogs at home.
The owner must always remember one thing: Akita is not pet like a kitten or a hamster, and true friend and comrade. These dogs do not like excessive displays of feelings and tenderness; they value the sincerity of a person much more, not accepting a condescending attitude towards them. This is expressed even in walks with them - they prefer to walk without a leash, accompanying you as a good companion and faithful protector.
Akitas treat strangers calmly, but somewhat distantly. But with children they return to their puppy self– can play and have fun with the kids as much as they want, showing patience, good nature and attentiveness. It was not for nothing that ancient Japanese aristocrats took Akitas instead of nannies for their children.
The loyalty of Akitas is legendary. The most famous demonstration of devotion was the story of the dog Hachiko, on which a film of the same name was even made. After the death of his master, Hachiko continued to come to the station every day and wait for his master for ten years until he died. They even erected a monument to this dog, which became a symbol of love and boundless loyalty.
Video review of Akita Inu
Anyone will be interested in watching this video. If you are planning to get an Akita, you need to know all the pros and cons this breed, as well as the features of caring for and raising them, which is discussed in this video.
How to choose a puppy
It is not recommended to purchase puppies of this breed on the market. Before buying a puppy, you should find out what its parents were like by carefully studying the documents and certificates that only professional breeders can provide. When choosing an Akita puppy you need to consider:
- Health. If the puppy is healthy, it is strongly built and moderately well-fed, and its coat is shiny. He should be cheerful and curious, show interest in people and not be afraid of loud noises. A healthy puppy has a firm stance and a confident gait. The eyes should be clear and the bite should be in the correct shape.
- Pedigree. It is advisable that the puppy's pedigree be traced over several generations. If any diseases have been noticed in the dog’s family, it is better not to adopt such a puppy. The breeder must provide all necessary certificates and documents for the puppy and its parents.
- Standard. The puppy must meet all breed standards. The ears should be thick, with a wide space between them. The eyes are symmetrical, yellow-brown, slightly reminiscent of triangles, located close to each other. The puppy's bones should be thick and strong, and its paws should be of the correct shape.
- Age. An Akita puppy should be adopted between 8 and 12 weeks of age. By this time, he is already becoming independent and can do without his mother’s care. A two-month-old puppy should weigh 7-8 kg.
If you plan to raise a show champion, you will need a more serious approach. To select the ideal puppy, it is better to involve a third-party specialist.
Caring for an Akita is quite simple. You can keep it both in the apartment and on the street. You should bathe her very rarely; once or twice a year is usually enough. It is recommended to brush the coat a couple of times a week. so that it does not spread throughout the house.
The main thing in caring for this dog is daily walks. If the owner is not a supporter of active physical exercise, it will be necessary to teach the dog the “fetch” command.
Training
Raising and training an Akita is a complex and lengthy process. It will be especially difficult in this regard for inexperienced people who have never owned dogs of a serious breed. They are very capricious and stubborn; it can take a lot of time to work out a simple command, so persistence is the most important quality that an owner must have such a dog.
It is necessary to start training as early as possible, under no circumstances using physical force or rough treatment of the dog. You should always speak to an Akita in a calm and confident voice; screaming is unacceptable here. The dog will be very obedient if early age will begin to recognize the person as the owner.
Advantages and disadvantages
Calm temperament and selfless loyalty are the main advantages of the Akita. Dogs of this breed are very smart and quickly begin to understand their owner literally at a glance.
Another advantage of the Akita is their innate cleanliness. They do not have any odor at all, and they are very easy to care for.
Disadvantages include their wayward nature and unpredictability in behavior. Although they love children very much, they do not tolerate bullying and can react aggressively to strong physical pressure.
How did your Akita show its character? What difficulties have you encountered? Tell us in the comments about how you raised your dog and what surprises it presented to you.
It is considered the oldest on earth. It was bred in northern Japan and used as a hunting dog. The Japanese consider it their pride and even gave it the name “Treasure of Japan.”
Today, the breed has gained immense popularity due to its attractive appearance and captivating character traits. Akita Inu is amazing beautiful dog with an impressive appearance that expresses her nobility and strength. The dog is densely built, of good proportions, with an elegant appearance and posture that commands only respect.
The Akita Inu breed has a loyal, reserved and calm character. But despite tolerant attitude to minor irritants, she is very wary of other dogs on the street, and instantly responds to any challenge from them. The Akita Inu breed perfectly combines restraint, intelligence and a fiery temperament. It was bred for hunting, protection and even herding. This active, cheerful, persistent and very stubborn breed was able to pursue large prey without a shadow of fear and hold it until the hunter appeared. She proved herself to be an excellent guard dog. Possessing unsurpassed sense of smell, sight and hearing, the Akita Inu only barks when threatened.
Description of the Akita Inu breed and the FCI standard (ICF)
- Round (considered ideal, it gives a classic look, a lively and smiling expression)
- Rectangular or Hakoguchi (box mouth; this type lacks prominent cheekbones and has drooping lips, which gives it a flabby appearance)
- Triangular (this type lacks fullness; the bridge of the nose is narrow, upper lip slightly saggy)
Photo of Akita Inu in the snow
Flaws:
- Deviation from the sexual type (male in the bitch type or bitch in the male type)
- Malocclusion(Overshot or undershot)
- Incomplete set of teeth
- Tongue with blue or black spots
- Lightened iris of the eye
- Short tail
- Shyness, cowardice
Disqualifying faults:
- Erect ears
- Hanging tail
- Long hair(shaggy)
- Black mask on the face
- Markings on a white background
P.S.: males have two normal, fully descended testicles.
Akita inu color
- Red - white
- brindle
- Completely white
- Sesame (red-fawn coat with black tips)
In all of the above colors, with the exception of white, Akita Inu should have “urajiro” (whitish hair on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheekbones, the lower surface of the jaw, on the neck, chest, body, tail and on the inner surfaces of the legs).
By nature, the Akita Inu is calm, sociable and affectionate. She loves people and will make a great family pet for you and your family. Akita is noble, famous for its quiet, easy-going disposition, and barks only when necessary. They are very smart and calm, with independent character, have enormous power will, an excellent watchman and house guard.
Many breeders claim that in the presence of an Akita Inu, a person feels relaxed and calm. It helps many people cope with stress and mental anxiety.
The Japanese respect it for its cleanliness, lack of odor and very clean and tidy appearance. Akita Inu is patient and loyal, gets along well with children and is always ready to protect them.
If he lives with other pets from puppyhood, then there will be no conflicts. In the future, when he meets a four-legged friend on the street, he will react more calmly. Akita Inu needs early socialization, otherwise it may show aggression towards other pets, including representatives of the same sex.
When choosing, it is advisable to already have experience in keeping similar breeds. Suitable for people with a strong, decisive character, since training and education turns out to be very difficult. Akita Inu can sometimes become very stubborn and assertive. Especially noticeable when insufficient quantities physical activity. Let it get bored and it will turn into destructive and difficult to control energy.
If you want to buy an Akita Inu, you need to know that the breed is naturally prone to hunting instincts and often displays possessive habits. Children should be taught to communicate with other animals from an early age.
Walks are active with elements of training to work the body and mind. She is strong enough and can easily cope with reasonable weights, for example, a child sledding in winter.
An Akita Inu puppy under 18 months should not be forced to pull huge weights, for the reason that their bones and joints are not yet strong and fully formed.
Give your dog the opportunity to exercise independently, jump, run, frolic and play whenever he wants. Be sure to buy toys that encourage running. Having received enough exercise, the Akita Inu will be calm, docile and obedient.
Education, training Akita Inu
Once in your home, the Akita Inu puppy must feel that you are the owner here, and she should obey the established rules. She has a strong and independent character and needs a strong-willed and strong owner. A person who is too soft or timid is unlikely to cope with her; once she feels power over the situation, she will not listen.
Obedience training to the owner the most important moment in pet training. Don't allow him to sleep in your bed, but allow him to be on the floor next to you. This will teach obedience, at the same time, it will give pleasure to be close to the owner.
Care for Akita Inu
Photo of Akita Inu at the door of a private house
Akita Inu has a beautiful thick coat, medium length with a very soft undercoat, sheds. Shedding is abundant, seasonal, 2 times a year: January - February and May-June. In the summer it can walk without undercoat, and only by autumn it begins to grow overgrown. If kept in an apartment with dry, warm air, it can shed for a whole year. Another reason for constant shedding is poor diet or health problems.
The main advantage of caring for fur is that it does not require cutting or trimming. The downside is that it sheds a lot, but the period lasts only a couple of weeks. During intense shedding the coat falls out in clumps.
Comb
Once a week, with a metal comb or brush with metal teeth. This way you remove dead hair and give your pet a massage.
During periods of shedding, you will have to comb every day:
- slicker
- furminator (you need to use it carefully so as not to cut off the guard hair when the fur starts to come out in clumps)
- rake-shaped metal brush
Bathing
It is not recommended to bathe Akita Inu too often, no more than 1-2 times a year, as needed or before a show. They are very clean; brushing removes dust and dirt. With frequent bathing, the coat loses its natural protective fatty lubricant and waterproofing properties.
Eyes
Inspect regularly, to prevent souring, wipe once a month with chamomile tea or special drops (ask your veterinarian). Healthy eyes are shiny, without tear or brown tracks. A little discharge in the corners of the eyes in the morning is considered normal if the dog has been running outside all day. Excessive tearing, redness or swelling of the eyelids, due to allergies or serious illness. If you notice such symptoms, be sure to show it to your veterinarian.
Teeth
Brush your Akita - Inu's teeth 1-2 times a week with a special toothpaste for dogs, using a toothbrush or a finger attachment. Do not brush teeth with toothpaste for people; many of them cannot tolerate the strong menthol smell and foam. In order not to discourage interest in the procedure, it is better not to experiment.
Photo of Akita Inu at competitions
Ears
1 time per week auricle wipe with a damp cloth soaked in warm water. Healthy ear enjoyment pink color, no unpleasant odor or liquid. If your dog notices redness, frequently shakes its head, rubs itself on the floor, smells unpleasant, or leaks fluid, contact your veterinarian immediately. There are several reasons, otitis media, ear mite, allergies, you should not self-medicate, it is better to consult a specialist.
Claws
Trim once a month with a nail clipper for large breeds. Sharp ends are smoothed with a nail file to avoid burrs. Accustom your Akita Inu to procedures from puppyhood, otherwise you simply won’t be able to cope with an adult. Never yell at her, speak in a gentle, moderate voice. If the dog is very nervous, postpone the procedure until the next day. After any procedure, be sure to praise and treat him with his favorite treat.
Diseases of Akita - Inu
- Dysplasia hip joint
- Bloating or volvulus
- Von Willebrand disease (blood disease)
- Cataract
- Entropy
- Glaucoma
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Acquired pseudoparalytic myasthenia gravis (a disorder of neuromuscular transmission, which is characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue.
Myasthenia, congenital or acquired. This disease causes weakness of the skeletal, esophageal, facial, pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles.
Signs of myasthenia gravis in dogs: exercise intolerance, megaesophagus, neck ventroflexion, swallowing problems, hypersalivation, regurgitation, inability to blink and loss of voice).
Akita Inu height and weight
Height at withers:
- Male: 64 cm - 70 cm
- Bitch: 58cm - 64cm
- Male: 40kg - 45 kg
- Bitch: 32kg - 45kg
They live on average 10-12 years.
Akita Inu photo
Many people fell in love with Akita Inu dogs after watching the film about Hachiko, this story touched everyone and, of course, many people wanted to make friends with such a dog. faithful dog. If you are thinking about adopting a puppy of this breed, first read the Akita Inu breed description. Perhaps some details and nuances will interest you.
Wool: short and fluffy.
Color: brown, sesame, brindle and white. All colors other than white must have "coloring", that is, whitish hair on the sides of the muzzle, under the jaw, on the throat, on the chest and belly, as well as on the underside of the tail and inside limbs.
Size: 64 to 70 cm for males and 58 to 64 cm for females
Weight: from 30 to 50 kg
Origin and history
Akita is very inu old breed dogs native to Akita Prefecture, Japan. He was born as a hunter, later became watchdog and a fighting dog. Currently in Japan, the Akita Inu dog breed is considered a "national treasure", meaning it is part of the list of Japanese traditions that need to be protected and preserved.
There were two main lines of the Akita breed in Japan: the Maiden and the Ichinoseki. The first branch of the breed that showed obvious signs of interbreeding with molosoids was transported to America to produce the so-called "American Akita", known today as the "Great Dog of Japan".
The second branch of the breed, which was much closer to the original type, was chosen by the Japanese as ideal and is today the true Akita Inu breed.
Characteristics of the Akita Inu breed and the dog's abilities
The Akita Inu is a majestic dog that behaves with dignity and restraint. Distrustful of strangers, he is very affectionate with people in the family, but always expresses his affection in a calm and dignified manner.
Typically, dogs of this breed have good guarding skills. They love children at home, but are not very sociable with those they do not know, and try to avoid them, leaving them to observe their indifferent and imperturbable dignity.
The Akita Inu dog fights a lot with other dogs of the same sex, especially if it is a male. If someone approaches him too sharply, he may even bite, especially if he does not know this person: after all, he is a samurai!
The Akita is not a dog for beginners, it has a strong character, education will need to be introduced for this dog from an early age. This applies to both calm and nimble dogs.
Living conditions
Sib Ina (American Akita) can live on outdoors at any time of the year and at any temperature, but prefers to live as a human.
At home he almost never barks. Akita Inu lives very well in an apartment because it is a very calm dog.
Akita Inu health
Although the Akita Inu is a simple and therefore hardy dog, two diseases usually affect the breed: sebaceous adenitis (skin disease, hair loss) and VKH (inflammation of the brain and iris, depigmentation of the skin and nose, etc.).
That's two autoimmune diseases: immune system The dog reacts to its body, it attacks diseased cells, but also healthy ones.
The mode of transmission is not clearly defined, but it is a hereditary pathology.
Average life expectancy: about 10 years
Physiological characteristics of Akita Inu
Akita Inu red blood cells may be small, without any pathological significance in this breed. They also contain more potassium, which must be taken into account when interpreting certain blood tests (potassium).
Cardiology
Interventricular septa and birth defects hearts are found in this breed 4.1 times more often than usual.
Akita Inu also has a significant increased risk occurrence of pericardial effusion (6.5 times). This disease usually occurs in middle-aged dogs.
Dermatology
In Akita Inu, granulomatous sebaceous adenitis is an uncommon inherited condition affecting older or middle-aged dogs. The disease tends to develop into discrete gray hair.
Hematology
Hemophilia A in familial form is sometimes found in Akita Inu.
Ophthalmology
Akita Inu is suspected of having multiple eye anomalies of hereditary origin ( congenital cataract, retinal abnormalities, posterior linthicon and microphthalmia).
Hereditary generalized progressive retinal atrophy has also been reported to be responsible for night blindness, which appears between the ages of 1 and 3 years. Dogs become blind between 3 and 5 years of age.
Orthopedics - musculoskeletal
In Akita Inu, patella disease is a common condition with a risk multiplied by 6.7.
Gap cruciate ligament is a common cause of chronic pathology of the limbs, and sterilized dogs are most predisposed to this.
Note
The breed was at risk of extinction, the first time due to a rabies outbreak in Japan, and the second time during World War II, when the dogs were killed to feed the population.
