Akita Inu - photo and description of the breed, price of puppies. Hachiko - Akita Inu dog breed (photo): an excellent companion and wayward friend Akita miniature

This powerful and surprisingly harmoniously built dog is a national treasure of Japan. The locals affectionately call her "tender heart and indestructible strength."

The Akita Inu is the largest dog breed in Japan. A beautiful, powerful and sedate dog impresses with its impressiveness. This is a born watchman with a strong character. He needs constant contact with his master. His firm hand and broad socialization are necessary to pacify the independence and natural dominance of this animal, which, if not properly trained, can develop into aggressiveness. In the hands of an experienced owner, this is an intelligent, loyal and cheerful dog.

From the history of the breed

The Akita dog breed, a photo of which can be seen in all dog guides, belongs to the 14 most ancient breeds in the world. This is not a legend, but a scientifically proven fact. Scientists thoroughly studied the pedigree of this dog and conducted a detailed genetic study. The fact that the Japanese Akita dog breed is very ancient is evidenced by the discovered remains of these animals dating back to the second millennium BC. e. Researchers have discovered ancient drawings of dogs that are very similar in appearance to the modern Akita.

The name of the breed is translated from Japanese as follows: “inu” - “dog”, “akita” - the name of the area in the north of the island of Honshu. It was here that the first dogs appeared in the 17th century, and their appearance has not changed to this day.

Akita is a dog breed that belongs to the few purebred animals without any impurities. Initially, the Akita was a reliable guard in the homes of peasants and a great hunter. Since the 17th century, dogs have changed their status and become elite. The emperor of Japan issued a law according to which a person who offended or killed an Akita Inu was subjected to severe punishment. Soon this dog was available only to members of the emperor's family and the ruling aristocracy.

In 1927, a society for the preservation of this breed appeared in the Land of the Rising Sun. During the Second World War, most of these noble animals were sent to the front. At that time, the Japanese Akita Inu dog breed began to be bred a little less due to a lack of funds for their maintenance. In Japan, only a few purebred individuals survived at that time. Despite this, the Akita dog breed, the photo of which you see in our article, has been preserved.

Akita dog: description of the breed

Akita Inu is restrained, calm, has great dignity. But behind her calmness hides an ardent temperament. In her family, among people close to her, she is transformed, becomes sociable and active.

Dogs of the Akita breed conquer a person at first sight. Their slanting and very expressive eyes seem to radiate wisdom. Their powerful and at the same time graceful torso and proud posture make dogs unique and different from other breeds.

Dogs of the Akita breed are active and cheerful, they quickly become attached to their owner for life. But for this, the animal must feel love and friendliness from the owner.

External features

The Akita Inu dog breed is very harmoniously built. It is a strong, very robust and muscular dog, with a characteristic flat and heavy head and a short muzzle. She looks a bit like a bear. The body is slightly stretched, the chest is flat and wide, the back is completely straight.

It may seem that this is an animal of classical form, but its appearance is quite original. The Akita is one of the largest Spitz dog breeds. Her height is from 67 to 74 cm.

Wool and color

The coat is double, with a soft and dense undercoat. The outer coat is much longer and much coarser than the undercoat. On average, the length of the coat on the body is 5 cm. On the stomach and tail, it is slightly longer.

Any color is allowed by the standard (red, fawn, white, etc.). Possible piebald, as well as brindle. It should be clear and clean, without streaks. The tone of the undercoat may be slightly lighter.

Varieties of Akita Inu

Today, there are several varieties of the Akita Inu dog breed, which were obtained by crossing a Japanese dog with a German shepherd. They were bred in the middle of the last century. By that time, three varieties of Akita were known:

• hunting;
• fighting;
• shepherd's.

It was at this time that dog handlers decided to restore the original appearance of the Akita, to restore its natural qualities. The result of this long and painstaking work was the modern Japanese Akita Inu dog breed, which is now popular and known throughout the world.

Quite rare varieties are tiger and red Akita. Such animals are bred in several areas of Japan. Brindle is possible with black, red or white. The red Akita has a red coat with white spots on the muzzle, paws and belly.

The white Akita was bred in the middle of the last century. The standard prescribes a completely white color, except for the black nose.

dog breed american akita

During World War II, the soldiers of the United States brought these magnificent dogs from Japan to their homeland. Bold and beautiful animals very quickly won the hearts of American dog breeders.

Modern American and Japanese Akitas are different from their native ancestors. To be convinced of this, just look at the effigy of Hachiko stored in the Tokyo Museum.

In the fifties of the last century, a club of lovers of this breed appeared in America. The modern American Akita dog breed has become different from its Japanese relatives.

This is a well balanced dog with heavy bones, deep muzzle, medium sized eyes, erect ears. The height of the male at the withers is 71 cm, the female is 66 cm. The weight of the male is 65 kg, the female is 55 kg. Many breeders in our country prefer to breed this particular variety.

Character

Probably, some of our readers will now grin incredulously when they read that the Akita is a dog breed that does not have negative character traits. In puppyhood, Akitas are mischievous, funny and playful "cubs". Unmotivated attacks of aggression or sudden mood swings are not typical for these beauties. Their temperament is balanced, it seems that in any situation they control the situation. Before interceding for the owner and rushing into battle, they instantly assess the situation and calculate their actions. Akita is extremely smart, the Japanese say that wisdom has accumulated in this dog for centuries.

Boundless curiosity and the desire to be aware of everything that happens could be called the negative features of these beauties, if they did not do it so sweetly and naturally.

Akita Inu dogs will make great friends for any family. In addition, they are good for single owners, for whom they become indispensable companions. Distinctive features of this breed are individuality and spontaneity. In order for the Akita to show its natural intelligence, it should be practiced from the first months of life. You need to know that an Akita puppy is from the moment of birth to 2.5 years. Paying attention to raising your pet, communicating with him and satisfying his curiosity, you will get a devoted and intelligent friend.

This animal is not at all prone to dirty tricks and self-will. Akita obedient and even, one might say, submissive dog. Akita treats strangers with distrust. She does not flaunt her vigilance and alertness. Things get much more complicated when there is another dog nearby. Akita always sees her as his enemy, encroaching on her rightful territory. In this case, she will not hide her aggression and can rush into battle instantly. This is a natural instinct to dominate other quadrupeds.

If you decide to buy an Akita Inu, then do not worry about the cost of maintenance and care. Akita is picky. It can be kept both in the yard and in the apartment. Her luxurious fur coat will not let her freeze outside even in a very harsh winter.

A dog living in an apartment needs to walk twice a day for at least 2 hours. During a walk, the Akita behaves very calmly: she proudly paces next to her beloved owner. But if such an opportunity presents itself, then she will gladly run and play pranks. Please note that the “apartment” Akita does not experience the necessary physical exertion, so she can gain excess weight, which will negatively affect her health and even character.

Grooming this dog's coat is easy. It is enough just 2 times a week to carefully comb and comb out the tangles. It will become a little more difficult during the molting period. At this time, your friend will need help. To speed up the molting process, you should comb it out with a special brush.

Akita does not need frequent bathing. 2-3 water procedures per year are quite enough. But you should use only special shampoos for large dogs. Hair after bathing should be well dried with a hair dryer or towel.

Feeding

Choosing food for your pet should be very responsible. It is strictly forbidden to feed the dog from your table. The best option is the right dry food. You can use combination food. For example, twice a week pamper the Akita with low-fat cottage cheese, lean meat. Your pet should always have fresh and clean water. During the shedding period, combine food with special additives that promote healthy coat growth.

Samurai, a Japanese song, a classic of Eastern culture, a treasure of an entire nation - all this is about one of the most amazing dogs, which has been mentioned since the second millennium BC. The Akita Inu breed has survived the ups, becoming the chosen one, and the downs, being on the verge of extinction, retaining all of its unique character traits and appearance, for which it has been loved for so many centuries.

Training
Wits
Hair loss
Security guard
watchman
Difficulty in care
Friendly with children
Country of origin	Japan
Lifespan	10-14 years old
Price	30-100 tr.
Male height	64-70 cm.
bitch height	58-64 cm.
Male weight	45-50 kg.
bitch weight	40-45 kg.

History of the Akita Inu breed

The Akita Inu was originally bred to hunt bears. However, over time, the relevance of this occupation as the most important entertainment of the Japanese nobility disappeared, and dogs began to be used as watchdogs. After some time, dog fighting was carried away in the country, which led to a change in the appearance of the breed. Akitas have acquired greater height, weight and aggressiveness towards relatives. It was during this period that several copies come to America, where they find their fans. There are currently two varieties of the Akita Inu: the Large Japanese Dog and the Japanese Akita.

The imperial dog, full of self-respect, energetic, strong, is the pride and national treasure of the Land of the Rising Sun. It is still considered a symbol of happiness and prosperity, and thanks to the notorious history, it has become symbolized with selfless canine love and devotion.

Appearance of Akita Inu

In both versions, representatives of the Akita Inu breed are strong, but not rough, harmoniously balanced. A special difference is the ears - only a triangular shape with a slight forward inclination is allowed. The American Akita is slightly taller, more powerful, with a mandatory black mask on the muzzle. Average height: males 68.5 cm, females 63.5 cm, average weight 48 kg. The Japanese variety has more stringent requirements for the correct position and size of the tail, as well as the shape and expression of the eyes, since this is considered the hallmark of a true breed type. The average height of males is 67 cm, females are 61 cm, weight is not more than 45 kg. In addition, the color features of both breeds are very clearly specified, including disqualifying variations and the mandatory presence of urajiro (areas of white wool are allowed only on strictly defined parts of the body, and should not exceed the established size).

Akita inu character

Representatives of the Akita Inu breed are calm and balanced, which is an undoubted advantage when choosing a dog for a family. They will not explicitly single out only one person as the owner, treating exactly all members of their “pack”. But at the same time, by the smallest signs, it will be clear which of them is the unquestioning authority for the animal. If there is a small child in the house, they will quickly become friends. The dog will not only be a partner in everyday pranks, but will also be able to protect the baby, if necessary.

It should be remembered about the difficult past of the Akita Inu: first a hunter of large predators, then a fighting dog. They are fearless and quite aggressive towards relatives. That is why representatives of this breed are most often the only dog ​​in the house. At the same time, relationships with cats and other animals are built much better.

You should not expect great manifestations of love from a pet - poise, self-esteem, self-sufficiency - these qualities do not allow him to behave like most dogs. Of course, the Akita will be glad to have you come and talk, but "the samurai must always remain reserved."

Akita inu training

Representatives of the Akita Inu breed require maximum attention in the process of training. This is a fairly tough dog that needs a firm hand.

Due to the origin, pet training should be carried out taking into account several points:

• early socialization. The breed is very conservative and the more the puppy learns, the easier it will be to introduce something new at an older age;
• prohibition command training. Since they are prone to making independent decisions, it is important to influence the dog in time (do not pick up from the ground, do not run far);
• correction of aggressive behavior. A strong powerful dog, throwing itself at its fellow tribesmen, can become not only your problem, but also a threat to others.

In general, this is a very smart and understanding four-legged friend who can bring a lot of joy. Just do not expect from him the unquestioning obedience of a shepherd dog and the ingratiating manifestations of love of decorative small dogs. Akita is serious and knows what he wants. So you should not start this breed for people with a soft or indecisive character - there is a great risk of growing a domestic tyrant.

How to choose a puppy

A small plush baby with a smile on his face - his hands are reaching out to take the first one that comes across. But do not give in to emotions. First of all, it is necessary to decide for what purpose the pet is taken.

Home pet. Most often they have flaws in appearance or color (of course, we are not talking about health or carriers of genetic diseases). Such defects do not affect the breed character in any way, but can significantly affect the value of the puppy down. The choice of a pet of this level should be conscious, since further matings are unacceptable.

Show class. This is a standard puppy with no significant visible flaws. The price for them varies greatly and largely depends on the popularity of the breed in general, and on the exterior features or famous ancestors of a particular baby, in particular. It should be remembered that the acquisition of such a dog does not mean that you have to attend every show in the city - for many it is enough to realize that they have a purebred dog.

When choosing a future pet, be sure to check the availability of relevant papers - a puppy card and a veterinary passport, which should contain dates and stamps on vaccinations made according to age, dewormings carried out. Please note that the stamp number on the puppy matches the documents. Appearance matters too:

• pure wool;
• lack of discharge from the eyes, nose and ears;
• clear look;
• activity;
• lack of excessive thinness or fullness.

In general, the Akita Inu breed is not demanding on the conditions of detention. They feel great both in an apartment and in an aviary. The only important thing is timely walking and regular physical activity. Strength exercises are allowed: pulling objects, draft dog sports. It should only be borne in mind that we are talking about an adult formed pet. A puppy needs a long walk with a change of soil and terrain under its paws.

Caring for the appearance also does not require special skills. Everything is standard, as for any short-haired dog: thorough combing a couple of times a week, daily during the shedding period. In the conditions of apartment keeping, the dog will shed more often and longer, in this case it is usually advised to use vitamins to strengthen the coat or to equip the pet with a place in a slightly cooler room. Akita Inu is quite clean and does not need frequent bathing. If the pet is very dirty, then you can use dry shampoos.

There are some specifics in terms of feeding. Most purebred Akitas, especially those with imported Japanese dogs in their pedigree, are very allergic. They poorly digest dairy products, chicken, beef and a number of cereals. The problem is easily solved if you make a menu of vegetables, fish and rice. When feeding with industrial feeds, rations made on the basis of rabbit, duck or fish should also be preferred.

Health and disease

Despite their ancient origins, Akita Inu do not have any specific genetic diseases, with the exception of Behcet's disease. The most common allergic reaction to improper feeding. As with any large dog, there are risks of dysplasia, eversion of the eyelids, and umbilical hernia. Otherwise, it is a healthy and long-lived animal. You also need to take into account the possibility of injuries from fights with relatives, so the first-aid kit must contain all the necessary drugs: a bandage, hemostatic agents, antibiotics, wound healing ointments, and so on.

Photo of Akita Inu

Despite all the advantages, the Akita Inu breed is not for everyone. Of course, any person wants to have his own Hachiko, but not everyone is ready to sacrifice something for this. Like any large breed, these dogs want your attention, time, and more in return for loyalty. And they really deserve it.

Photo of akita inu | dreamtime.com

basic information

Assessment of breed characteristics

Brief description of the breed

Akita Inu has a peculiar appearance: a large head and somewhat small triangular eyes. The strong body of the dog is the main factor that acts intimidatingly on the enemy. The breed is known for its unwavering loyalty to the owner, kindness and tenderness to loved ones. What could be better than having such a strong and loving patron?

Dogs of this breed are not prone to strong barking, but at the same time remain quite "vocal". The fact is that Akita Inu are prone to making various sounds similar to grunting, snorting, moaning, etc. Some owners say they get the impression that the dog is talking to itself, muttering under its breath. Representatives of this amazing breed are quite cautious towards strangers, but if the owner is nearby, then the dog is restrained and does not show aggression or other attention to strangers.

Akita Inu loves to carry various things in his teeth. It can get to the point that the pet will lightly grab your wrist and try to drag you somewhere. Do not take such a gesture as aggression. In fact, this is a manifestation of the attention of the pet. Often dogs of this breed hide slippers and personal items, they can drag the leash or, conversely, bring it to you. Thus, the animal shows its desire to walk.

An unusual feature that applies to dogs, the Akita Inu breed, is the so-called. "cat behavior" These animals love to lick their body. The method of hunting also applies to feline manifestations. The animal behaves like a tiger. Akita Inu hunt down prey silently, pressing the body low to the ground, and attack at the right moment. Unlike other dogs, the Akita Inu will not bark or growl.

Before acquiring an Akita Inu, it is important to study all the nuances of raising and keeping a dog. These pets, like other animals, do not respond well to aggression and harsh methods of education. The entire learning process should be built on mutual understanding and establishing contact between the pet and the owner. Remember that a dog is a full member of the family that needs love and respect.

Be prepared for the fact that the training and training of the Akita Inu will take more time than with training other breeds. Although the Akita is a fairly intelligent dog, its somewhat wayward, stubborn character will not go unnoticed.

Akita Inu are very sociable and social. They need a lot of communication, so they should spend a lot of time with their family. It is communication that will become the key in the process of learning and training. In no case do not resort to keeping an Akita Inu in the yard. The dog should live with you under the same roof! Loneliness for such dogs is destructive, the animal will become nervous and aggressive.

Akita Inu is not suitable for people who want to have a calm dog, as well as for the category of dog breeders who are afraid of serious responsibility. An animal will be a real gift only for those who are ready to put all their attention and love into raising a pet, its proper training. Such a host will be richly rewarded.

When choosing an Akita Inu puppy, you should decide on its variety. The fact is that there are two standards for this breed: American and Japanese. Japanese Akita Inu much smaller than the American, both in height and weight. The weight of the Japanese variety is about 15 kg less than the American one. The head of the Japanese dog resembles a fox's head in shape, which cannot be said of the American dog, which has a larger and wider head. Another distinguishing feature is the eyes. In the American variety, they are triangular in shape, while in Japanese dogs they are more rounded. american akita is the owner of a black mark on the face, the Japanese are characterized by white spots.

Such significant differences have become the subject of discussions about the official division of the breed. Despite the large number of those who support the idea of ​​dividing the Akita Inu into two breeds, until now this issue remains only the subject of much debate.

The natural hunting instincts of the Akita Inu have not disappeared in its long history. Now they are manifested in the tendency of dogs to frolic on the water and in the forest. These dogs can chase waterfowl while the owner is fishing on the shore.

Despite a lot of discussions and disputes, the fact remains that the Akita Inu is a really strong, fearless and loyal dog with wonderful character traits and amazing appearance.

Akita Inu are very compassionate. This can be confirmed by a case at the London Zoo. When a newborn baby Sumatran tiger was left an orphan, the zoo staff began to look for possible ways to feed the tiger cub. The choice fell on the Akita Inu, who was just feeding the puppies. The zoo staff were sure that the Akita would not be afraid of such a test, and they were not mistaken! The dog not only fed the tiger cub, but also played and looked after him. This is a sign of boundless love and tenderness of the animal.

Akita Inu is a dog for people who are confident in themselves and in their own abilities, for those who are ready and willing to give their warmth and attention to our smaller brothers!

Photo of Akita Inu:

Pictures of Akita Inu dogs | dreamtime.com

Origin story

The birthplace of Akita Inu dogs is Japan, more precisely, the server region of the island of Honshu (famous for its Mount Fuji, the highest point in the Land of the Rising Sun) is Tohoku. It was in those parts, mainly in the territory of Akita Prefecture, that the remains of ancient dogs similar to modern Akita Inu were found. In Japanese, "inu" means "dog", that is, the name of the breed is a dog from Akita. True, history is silent about who the ancestors of the Akita were, because according to some sources, animals similar in appearance to the Japanese Inu appeared no later than the 2nd millennium BC. By the way, this breed is recognized as one of the most ancient (as well as another famous breed from Japan), which developed almost without human labor. In other words, the pretty appearance of the Akita Inu is a gift of nature, and not at all the merit of geneticists and breeders.

There is an opinion that the ancestors of today's Akita Inu appeared as a result of crossing Chinese dogs with local individuals of the Japanese archipelago. At the beginning of our era, the territories of Japan began to be massively populated by Chinese and Korean peoples, who, in addition to their own simple belongings, transported their gou (i.e. dogs) to a new place of residence. Over time, there was a mixing of the blood of animals imported to Japan with dogs that had already lived there for many centuries.

Another version of the appearance of the Akita Inu is associated with the ancient people of the Ainu, who inhabited the southern part of the Japanese islands. Already from the Jomon period (about 13,000 BC), the Ainu began to experience difficulties in relations with Asian invaders (from South China and Southeast Asia), who decided to select the fertile soils of the south for growing rice. The Ainu, on the other hand, always found their livelihood in hunting, fishing and gathering, so they could not compete with resourceful settlers. So the indigenous people moved closer to the north - to the island of Honshu, covered with mountains, volcanoes and dense forests. And he also brought with him dogs that helped in hunting for a large animal - a bear, a wild boar, a deer.

But even here the unfortunate Ainu with their dogs were not left alone - gradually the invaders reached the north of Japan, having found out about the gold-bearing ores and valuable wood of the island. Relative peace came only towards the end of the 16th century, when not only the lifestyle of the original owners of the Akita Inu, the Ainu, changed, but also the dogs themselves, crossed with individuals once brought from Asian countries. Over the years, Akita Inu (during the Kinsays of the 1570s to 1860s AD) were used as, and (took part in dog and bull fights).

To increase malice and give the Akita special muscularity, the blood of Japanese dogs was increasingly mixed with breeds imported from Europe, which had a negative effect on both the appearance of the original appearance of the breed and their hunting character. By the beginning of the 19th century, fights involving dogs were banned, which made the breed unpopular, and therefore disappearing. And there were only a few purebred Akitas. By the 1920s, the work of breeders began, aimed at eliminating the metamorphoses that occurred with ancient dogs from random crossing, the Akita Inu Preservation Society was formed. In 1931, Akita Inu were recognized as the national treasure of Japan, and in 1938 the first breed standard was adopted. Although the Akita still had difficult periods ahead, one of which was the Second World War. In the conditions of difficult times during the war, many dogs were exterminated for sewing uniforms from skins, and the meat was used for food. However, already in 1947, the first exhibition was held, in which a little more than 20 surviving dogs took part.

In Russia, Akita Inu is primarily loved not even because of the unusual exterior, but because of the legends about the fidelity of these dogs (for example, the film “Hachiko: The Most Faithful Friend” or the ancient legend about Shiro, and the Japanese themselves call the Akita character -inu "innate prowess" - a kind of evidence of devotion, courage and love of an animal for a person). They were brought to our country at the beginning of the 21st century, since then the popularity of the Akita Inu has not fallen - nurseries have been founded, there are more and more people who want to get a dog from the Land of the Rising Sun as a companion.

Akita inu character

The Akita Inu was originally bred to protect members of the Japanese royal family. The strong and imposing constitution of the dog's body perfectly matches the general appearance of a guard dog. Despite their formidable appearance, Akita Inu are very affectionate and gentle with family members. They are excellent companions, but their character is somewhat stubborn, which can become a serious obstacle in matters of training and education. Representatives of this breed are prone to barking, often they show dominance and perseverance in character. The complex nature of the Akita Inu suggests that this dog is not suitable for beginner dog breeders.

Akita Inu dogs can come in a variety of colors, including black, white, chocolate, and brindle. These dogs have a fairly thick undercoat. In general, the Akita Inu coat is easy to care for, but in Akita Inu dogs, the hair is easily spread around the house, incl. on furniture and clothes, so you will have to vacuum quite often in the apartment. Abundant molting occurs twice a year. During this period, it is especially important to brush your pet weekly to keep his coat healthy and beautiful.

Despite the fact that Akita Inu are distinguished by their tendency to self-care, it is still necessary to bathe the dog three to four times a month because of the peculiarity of its coat. The thing is that representatives of this breed love to run through puddles and wallow in the mud.

Ear care involves weekly careful monitoring of the condition of the ear canals and treatment with a special solution with a balanced pH level prescribed by a veterinarian. It is necessary to ensure that there are no irritations and inflammations in the ears. Nails should be trimmed once a month.

Training and education

Akita Inu is difficult to train. This is primarily due to the complex nature of the dog. The coach must have leadership qualities and be self-confident. Consistency and perseverance are the main components of correct and successful dog training. Since the Akita Inu was originally bred as guard dogs, they are endowed with a natural alertness to everything unknown. That is why the process of early socialization of puppies of this breed is of particular importance. During the socialization period, puppies need to understand what is dangerous and what is not. The dog must also understand the difference between a guest and an uninvited stranger.

Health and disease

Most Akita Inu have such health problems: hip dysplasia, eye disease, incl. progressive retinal atrophy that causes blindness, immune disorders, von Willebrand disease, bleeding disorders, immune system disorders that affect the skin, sebaceous adenoma (a disease that can end in the death of a pet).

Some interesting facts

• The owner of the Akita Inu breed, nicknamed Yume, is Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia received the dog as a gift from Japan in 2012. Vladimir Putin in one of his interviews noted that this is a strict dog that always protects its owner.
• The main character of the sensational film "Hachiko: The Most Faithful Friend", based on real events, is a dog of the Akita Inu breed.
• Akita Inu is a symbol of loyalty and devotion in Japan.
• Akita Inu is aggressive towards other dogs, especially dogs of the same sex.
• For those who have never kept dogs before, the Akita Inu is not the most suitable option.
• Early socialization, good training and education is a prerequisite for keeping an Akita Inu.
• Akita Inu tend to chase other animals, even in the house!
• Dogs of this breed are prone to heavy shedding. Akita Inu grooming needs to start at an early age. In this case, grooming for the dog will become a familiar, everyday activity.
• You should not look into the eyes of an Akita Inu for a long time. The animal may take this as a sign of danger against it.
• Training and education of the Akita Inu is not an easy task. It is best to seek the help of a professional.

There are dog breeds well known all over the world, with an old, large pedigree - even a child will immediately recognize them. And there are well-known separately, common in a separate country or on a continent. A noisy story, a cinematic debut could easily bring the breed to the world stage, making it super popular. So it happened with the Akita Inu breed. After the film Hachiko, with its dramatic story, the general public learned about the Japanese Akita Inu breed, and today it is at the top of the popularity rating.

History of the breed

Literally, the name of the breed is translated as a dog from the province of Akita. These dogs have been living in Japan for more than eight thousand years, as evidenced by archaeological finds and the conclusions of historians. The ancestors of this breed are considered Japanese hunting dogs Matagi-inu. In the seventeenth century, there were many hunting dogs, but there were not enough watchmen, so the Akita Inu received a new qualification, in which they showed themselves more than successfully. For their merits, the dogs ended up at the imperial court, gradually the breed became elite and inaccessible to ordinary people. There is even confirmation that one of the Japanese rulers issued a decree on the death penalty or imprisonment of anyone who encroaches on the life and health of Akitu Inu.
Worship of the breed reached the point that in the families of the emperor and the nobility, the Akitu-inu dogs had a personal servant, and it was possible to talk with the animal only in a calm voice without using colloquial expressions. Over time, the breed became more accessible and gradually spread throughout the country.

Another extreme contributed to this: dogs began to be used in battles for fun and spectacular shows. Most of the fighting took place in the city of Odate, where the largest number of Akita Inu dogs were located. At one time, the breed was even called Odate. The main rivals of the Akita Inu were the only Japanese Molossian Tosa Inu dogs - large, strong, hardy. In order for Akita Inu to compete with Tosa Inu, they were crossed with large European breeds. Such artisanal selection almost led to the complete destruction of the pure Akita Inu breed.

At the beginning of the 20th century, work began to restore the purebred breed. The Japanese authorities were seriously concerned that their symbol might be lost forever. But World War II changed things. Dogs were drafted into the army, they were used for various purposes and even fur coats were sewn from their skins. There was no talk of any selection and revival of the breed. After the end of the war, it seemed that everything, the Akita Inu breed disappeared from the face of the earth, but several noble families saved the situation. They secretly kept dogs and thus managed to preserve the breed. From that moment on, the development of the breed went quickly and successfully. The American military, who were in Japan, took the dogs home. Subsequently, an American version of the Akita Inu was bred, which today remains unrecognized by the Japanese side.

Akita Inu is often called smile dogs. Indeed, on their muzzle, as if there is always a wide and good-natured smile - such is the anatomy of the mouth.

The Akita Inu is the protagonist of the movie Hachiko. But not everyone knows that the story that became the basis of cinema is real. The owner of Hachiko was a scientist, and every day he went to the city to work. The dog accompanied him to the station and returned home. In the evening I met the owner, and they were already returning together. One day, the scientist had a stroke right at his workplace and was taken to the hospital. He never came home again. And the dog continued to go to the station twice a day for 9 years, hoping that the owner would return. Hachiko died of cancer and heart disease caused by intense grief. On the day of the dog's death, mourning was declared, and the city authorities erected a monument that became a symbol of fidelity, devotion and love.

Appointment and character of the Akita Inu

Akita Inu are used as guards, protectors and companions. Akita Inu are called samurai dogs. They are very balanced and stingy with emotions, they rarely show joy or sadness, prefer to stay proud and independent. Few things can throw them off balance and only a real threat will make the dog bark. If the Akita Inu has raised his voice, take action.

It is impossible not to note their exceptional intelligence. Akita Inu have an amazing ability to think, act according to the situation, cunning not primitively, but almost at the human level. They have a very good memory, they are attentive to facial expressions and the mood of a person, so training is easy. These are ideal companions, able to understand the owner perfectly.

Akita Inu mature by the age of two, this must be taken into account when training. You need to educate a dog in strictness and a clear understanding of what you want to get. For example, if you play and frolic a lot with a puppy, then in adulthood he is unlikely to become a calm family dog. To bring up in Akita Inu the qualities of both a guard, a protector, and a companion, a professional hand is needed.

Remember that Akita Inu is equal to you, he is your friend, ally and companion. We'll have to give the pet a little freedom and the right to choose.

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Akita Inu Care

Akita Inu care cannot be called difficult, but still it is. Most of the time will have to be spent on combing the undercoat, especially during the molt, which takes place twice a year. Between molts, the dog is combed 1-2 times a week. It is recommended to bathe the Akita Inu rarely, not more than once a year, because with frequent washing, especially with shampoos, the coat and skin lose their protective waterproofing properties. Nails are clipped as needed if they are not worn down naturally.
Aita Inu himself chooses a place to sleep. But the owner needs to make sure that the couch is comfortable, close to all family members, the air temperature is moderate room temperature.

In Japan, Akita Inu eats the usual national food: fish, rice, seaweed, vegetables. Often this breed is allergic to chicken, beef and other European products. They also do not digest dry food and soy. It is very important for Akita Inu to choose the right, balanced, nutritious diet.

Akita Inu are spitz-shaped dogs bred in northern Japan (Akita Prefecture). They have a muscular build and thick, short hair. The character is dominant, independent, requiring stubborn training and respectful attitude. This breed is suitable for experienced dog breeders, calm, self-confident people. There are two lines, occasionally classified as different breeds: the Akita Inu (the "authentic" subspecies) and the American Akita.

1 month

The puppy should receive enough food for him. Overfeeding is no better than underfeeding. The right amount of food is selected based on the age of the puppy and its weight, but in the process you will see more clearly whether the puppy is full or whether you need to increase / decrease the portion. Weight 3.5 - 4.5 kg.

2 month

For one feeding, give the puppy 15-20 minutes of time, after which feel free to put the half-eaten porridge in the refrigerator, regardless of whether he has eaten or not. So you teach the puppy to eat without stretching the feeding process for half a day, during which the food will probably go bad. Try to be strict in this regard. Weight 6 - 7 kg.

3 month

No need to replace meat or dairy products with less expensive ingredients. For example, instead of meat, feed more cereals or vegetables. This fact is clear to most dog breeders, but judging by experience, not to all. Weight 8 - 10 kg.

4 month

Try to eat different foods. That is, sometimes give fish instead of meat, and sometimes kefir instead of cottage cheese, etc. However, it happens that the puppy has a greater appetite for meat than for fish, that is, for a certain product. Then it is more logical to give more favorite products more often, and stop giving less favorite products for a while. For a week or two or longer. After a while, the appetite for these foods should return to the puppy. Need a little break. Weight 10 - 11 kg.

5 month

Do not load the puppy with active physical activity immediately after eating. Let 1 - 2 hours pass, then you can play active games or run. Aggressive exercise immediately after a meal will harm or even kill a puppy. But it needs to be tried. Just do not force the puppy to run through force. Play some low activity games. Weight 12 - 13 kg.

6 month

Akitas under 18 weeks of age are highly discouraged from excessive physical activity, as this can even be dangerous for bones and joints. Dogs of this breed do not like monotonous training with frequent repetitions of the same commands, so the exercises should be varied, best in a playful way. Weight 13 - 14 kg.

7 – 9 month

Be sure to make a food and water stand for the puppy so that he does not bend down to the floor trying to reach the bowl. In stores, stands are sold on adjustable tripods, which will allow you to simply adjust the desired height when the puppy grows up. Use an ordinary stool or make a stand yourself, the main thing is to set the bowl at chest level. Weight 15-20 kg.

10 – 12 month

With age, place more and more emphasis on cereals with meat and vegetables, and let's dairy products a little less often. A puppy after 10 months can be given dairy products two to three times a week. Mostly kefir, cottage cheese and yogurt (do it yourself, it will come out cheaply). Height 64-70 cm, weight 20-30 kg.

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