Akita inu dog

History of origin

Akita Inu is not in vain highly respected in the Land of the Rising Sun: it is one of the most ancient breeds and the largest of the spitz-shaped in Japan. Just imagine: the first ancestors of the Akita lived about 8 thousand years ago (!). These cute dogs got their name in honor of the Akita province on the island of Honshu, where they were originally bred as hunting dogs – they were used to hunt wild boars, deer and bears.

In the XNUMXth – XNUMXth centuries, when there were a lot of hunting dogs, and there were not enough watchmen, Akita Inu began to be used for these purposes. As watchdogs, these large animals proved to be more than successful. For their merits, dogs ended up at the imperial court and began to be considered an elite breed. One of the Japanese rulers even issued a decree on the death penalty for anyone who dares to encroach on the life of the Akitu Inu courtiers. The worship of these red-haired beauties reached the point that in the families of the emperor and the nobility, dogs had a personal servant, and everyone who addresses these respected animals was forbidden to raise their voice and use rude expressions. And maybe Akitas would have rested on their laurels if the country had not introduced a fashion for dog fights. Representatives of this strong breed began to be used in bloodthirsty spectacular shows, and over time, from those close to the court, these dogs began to spread throughout the country.

And already in the XNUMXth century, a new test awaited the Akita: during the Second World War, dogs were drafted into the army, they were used for various purposes and even allowed into fur coats. The breed almost disappeared from the face of the earth and survived only thanks to the pets, which were saved by the representatives of the nobility. After the war, Akitas spread throughout Europe and the Americas – many military personnel returned home with these four-legged animals.

Breed description

Akita Inu has an expressive appearance, it is not for nothing that this breed is included in the top of the most beautiful in the world. This is a large dog of strong build. The head is large with erect triangular ears, slightly tilted forward. The eyes are very dark, triangular or almond-shaped, the outer corner of the eye is slightly raised. The Akita has powerful paws and a massive back, a taut belly. The strong tail is set high, carried over the back and curled into a full circle. An Akita in a cheerful and good mood will never drop his tail.

The coat is pleasant to the touch – the outer hair is straight and hard, but the undercoat is thick and soft, which gives volume and plushness.

According to the standard, three types of coat color are allowed:

• ginger,
• brindle,
• white.

Photos

Character

Akita Inu are ideal contenders for the role of a companion: for lonely people they can become a true friend, and for families with children – an indispensable lifesaver, ready to entertain your child. Akita will never give a voice for no reason: it is believed that these dogs do not like to bark, preferring to snort, growl and grunt. Representatives of this breed are very active and energetic, they need daily physical activity, and this should be taken into account by those who dream of a calm pet. An Akita should be walked for 30 minutes to an hour a day.

Needless to say, one of the main advantages of the breed is loyalty. Suffice it to recall that very Hachiko (by the way, who really existed, and not just in the movies), who for nine years after the death of the owner was waiting for his return. For life Akita remains devoted to one owner.

However, Akitas can be quite delicate with relatives. Restrained and loving with people, they are capable of aggression towards other animals. Therefore, the Akita must be under the control of the owner on the site. Of course, internal jealousy and intolerance can be corrected by education, but this breed is still prone to dominance and will show superiority.

– Akita Inu should be started only by experienced dog breeders, beginners simply can’t cope with it, – says Marina Sharpan, head of the Akita kennel “Rosia Kara”. – This is a really serious and wayward dog, not just an animal with a cute muzzle. Yes, Akitas need to communicate with a person, but they need to be educated. An ill-mannered dog may run away – because Akitas are curious and love to explore the world, and are quite capable of biting. Therefore, devote more time to your pet, learn to understand and manage your dog. A well-bred Akita can get along with cats and other dogs.

Care and maintenance

Akita Inu is unpretentious in everyday life. Representatives of this breed feel comfortable both in an apartment and in a country house. Just do not keep the dog in a booth or on a leash – its place is next to a person. Such a breed requires attention: if your pet gets bored, he can bark, get angry and ruin things.

Akita coat care is quite simple. The secret is that these cuties know how to wash themselves like cats, and you only need to bathe them once every 3-4 months. However, the dog needs to be combed weekly with a special brush, and during the molting period, it will have to be done every day.

– Nutrition Akita should be varied. This breed has Japanese traditions at the gene level, so dogs eat fish with pleasure,” says Marina Sharpan. – And their main diet is meat and offal, which must be alternated with dry food, selected individually with the help of a veterinarian. As a delicacy, you can offer your pet fruits and vegetables. For example, our dogs are happy to eat strawberries, bananas, apples, dried apricots, cucumber-tomatoes.

But chicken, veal and high-fat dairy products are allergenic foods for most Akitas.

Education and training

Akitas get along well with humans and need constant attention, especially tiny puppies. These dogs are smart, curious and very stubborn. But if you think that your dog will happily run after a ball or a stick to please you, you are wrong. Akita Inu need painstaking training – which is why experts advise experienced dog breeders to get them, and not just as a family member.

The Japanese character is manifested in their daily behavior: in everyday life, Akitas are independent and wayward, they demand respect for themselves. If you are serious about raising a pet, you will need to show perseverance and perseverance. Let the dog know that she is a full member of the family – with her own rights, interests and boundaries, and the Akita will thank you.

“If you take it seriously, you can teach an Akita anything, up to complex tricks,” says Marina Sharpan. – Trained Akitas can even walk on their hind legs. One of our dogs works in the search and rescue squad, looking for lost people. Other owners take the Akita with them for hunting – the dog not only accompanies, but can also bring a duck. And most dogs like active runs with the owner.

If you decide to get yourself an Akita, study the breed, visit exhibitions, chat with breeders and owners. Raising a puppy is very important for a future family dog. Then Akita will make your life happier and add bright colors.

Health and disease

According to the head of the nursery, Akita Inu, as a rule, have good immunity and good health, and with proper maintenance, the pets almost do not get sick. However, Akitas can have joint problems, so owners should carefully monitor the balance of nutrition and physical activity of the pet.

At the age of 6 – 8 months, the Akita may experience a special ailment – inversion or eversion of the upper and lower eyelids. In this case, the eyes are injured, the dog’s tears flow. At home, such a sore cannot be coped with – an operation will be required.

Among the most common problems in Akitas is bloating, which causes noticeable discomfort to the animal. Try to exclude from the menu products that can “ferment”: cabbage, onions, stale meat. Otherwise, the dog may have a volvulus of the intestines, and surgical intervention cannot be avoided. Important: Akitas do not tolerate anesthesia well, so choose veterinary clinics with intensive care for treatment.

Popular questions and answers

We talked about the Akita Inu breed with zoologist, cynologist Irina Makarenkova.