Akita Inu - breed description and dog character

Experienced dog breeders and amateurs probably remember the movie "Hachiko", that is the name of the Akita Inu dog. Even from the movie we can conclude how much the pets are loyal, sensual, with boundless love for their master.

Historical summary

1. Historical background states that the breed is considered the oldest among its kind. Dogs were bred in Japan, experts for a long time examined the origin of Akita Inu, could not find reliable data. But as a result of archaeological excavations, it was possible to find drawings that depict dogs similar to the furry friends in question. More than four thousand years have passed since then.
2. For a Russian person, the name of the breed may seem strange and exotic. But the Japanese are not surprised at this, because from their language, Akita Inu translates as a dog from Akita Province, which is located on Honshu Island. External data of the breed were described in the 17th century, since then no adjustments have been made. The dog remained the same as nature itself created it.
3. According to some reports, individuals of the presented breed are considered the closest relatives of wolves. No one has denied this information, but there is no special evidence. Believe it or not, the matter is purely individual. But there is some truth, given how old the breed is.
4. At first, dogs were kept exclusively in peasant families to protect the premises. Then they migrated to prosperous houses, aristocrats appreciated the breed characteristics of pets. For some time there was even a law that stated that every offender of dogs of this breed would be severely punished.
5. The value of akita is not only in external data or character. Dogs are purebred by nature, they were bred without crossing with other breeds. At the end of the 19th century, an organization was created to protect the primordial breed. Connoisseurs did their best to leave Akita Inu as it is.
6. When the Second World War began, the dogs stopped breeding. Most of the individuals went to service, in Japan, a small number of representatives of Akita Inu remained. However, after the war ended, the breed was restored and developed even more.

Varieties

1. If earlier dogs were not crossed with anyone, then in the middle of the 20th century these manipulations dispersed in full force. Akita Inu began to cross with a German shepherd, as a result of which it was possible to obtain several subspecies: fighting, hunting, shepherd.
2. Over time, dog handlers took up the old, wanting to resurrect the original characteristics. Today, representatives of the breed are divided into 4 varieties that differ in color.
3. American Akita Inu is a large individual, which is distinguished by massive body composition and developed muscular part. The tiger variety of dogs stands out in three colors: red, white and black.
4. There is also Akita Inu white, by name you can understand that the main color of the coat is snow-white. The red variety stands out among others with a red coat, markings on the muzzle, abdominal part and legs.

Generally accepted standards

It may seem to some that the appearance of the breed is simple. However, if you take a closer look at the individuals, it can be noted that intellect and interest stand out in slanted eyes, and a certain charm is noted in the physique.

If we consider the external features in all details, the pets of this breed are strong, harmoniously built, muscular. The backbone is heavy and dense, the muscles are developed.

The generally accepted standards include the following characteristics:

1. The head in its shape resembles a triangle, the format is dull, the skull is wide. The eyes are set at an average distance, a hole is visible between them.
2. Large nose, pigmented in black or brownish. White Akita Inu may have a different shade. Eyes do not bulge, have an average size and an iris of a brownish tone. Planted normally.
3. The neck is short, the suspension is minimal. Powerful in its composition, short, which gives the appearance a certain zest. Ears are rounded at the edges, erect, when compared with the total size of the head is small.
4. The back is even, muscular, the lower back is well developed. The chest is wide, deep, developed. The tail is large and set high, twisted in format, pressed against the thigh or back. The dog wields its tail well, as a result of which the dog curls at the end or straightens and is located along the back.
5. Akita Inu skin is not pressed too tightly, folds may be observed in some places. The coat is thick, coarse, not knocked off by tangles. It reaches about 5-6 cm in length. There is an undercoat, but it is soft, with an oily impregnation to protect it from water.
6. The limbs are powerful, with the hind legs set wider than the front legs. The pads are fleshy and dense, resembling feline.
7. The color of the coat is of importance. We mentioned all the varieties before. The main condition is that the dog should have a clear pattern without blurry contours. In some cases, the shade of the undercoat does not match the outer hair in tone.
8. As for growth at the withers, indicators vary within 61–65 cm (females), 66–70 cm (males). By weight category females are 20-30 kg., Males are slightly larger, their weight can reach 30-40 kg.

Breed character

1. Since the breed belongs to the Japanese, the individuals represented absorbed all the eastern features of temperament. The dog can be called restrained, indifferent to outsiders, somewhat wary. But when communicating with the owner or household, the animal becomes joyful and sociable.
2. Dogs can be called active, so they need an owner with the same temperament. Pet needs walks on the street, jogging. Even when the dog is old, she will still want to play with the owner and will be interested in every way.
3. The main feature of Akita Inu is that the breed in question is very faithful. The dog feels good owner, can be with him for hours, quickly becomes attached to the owner.
4. Eastern temperament suggests that dogs are stubborn enough. It may seem to some that Akita Inu is difficult to train. The main thing is not to swear, be patient.
5. The dog needs an owner with a firm hand, but a soft heart. It is important to keep the animal not in strictness, but to raise it sparingly, alternating the carrot with the whip.
6. Akites, by their nature, love to dominate others, so they treat other animals with suspicion and some anger. If animals grew up together, then there should not be communication problems. The individuals of the presented breed must be socialized early in order to exclude malice.
7. Japanese dogs have families with children, because Akita can get along with the child and indulge all his pranks. But you should be careful, because in a fit of games a pet can harm a baby.

Care Features

1. Dogs feel good not only on the street, but also in the apartment. If you have plans in the yard, then for the winter, build a pet insulated booth.
2. Do not discount the fact that Akits are active.You need to walk twice a day for 1.5-2 hours. Otherwise, the animal will begin to have fun at home, which is unlikely to please the owner.
3. Animals of this breed are prone to overweight. Therefore, you need to take care of physical activity. Load Akita with work and keep an eye on nutrition.
4. The woolen cover rolls into tangles, but rarely. Scrubbing is carried out twice a week. When molting begins, the dog must be combed several times every day.
5. Remember that you cannot bathe your pets at frequent intervals. The condition of the skin and wool is directly dependent on this. It is enough to wash once in 3-5 months. After washing, the hair is dried with a towel or hairdryer.

Training

1. Raising a puppy is not very different from raising a small child. Be patient and always control yourself. The animal does not deserve aggression from the owner. If a person has mental health problems, the pet should not suffer. Approach education with all responsibility.
2. Be careful and patient. As a result, you will achieve successful training. The problem is that Akita is slowly growing up. Because of this, problems with the training can occur. You must have iron patience and have plenty of time. Training should be phased and smooth. Do not rush anywhere.
3. If you ignore simple instructions, you simply cannot achieve the desired result. Be sure to start training with puppyhood. Always be prepared for the fact that the puppy will not obey you regularly. The pet is quite stubborn, wayward and has a difficult character. Such dogs are proud.
4. If you have not previously brought up dogs, difficulties of a certain nature may arise. In this case, it is strongly recommended that you contact your dog handler for help. A professional will help you go through the basic stages of raising an animal. Experienced dog handlers will teach you how to behave with a dog.
5. It is strictly forbidden to show excessive pressure and rudeness to the breed in question. Otherwise, you can injure the psyche of the dog, and it closes in itself. Also, a pet may simply refuse to execute commands or do them incorrectly, slowly.
6. To achieve successful results in the training of Akita, the pet must be given affection. In addition, it is necessary to observe consistency, be flexible and tough. From puppyhood you must show individuals that it is you who is the boss and the main one in the pack. Also, the dog must understand that you are her friend.
7. Among other things, a dog from an early age needs to be taught how to relate to all members of the family. Also, the pet should not be unreasonably aggressive towards others and strangers. In no case do not infringe on the Akita at home. The pet should feel like a full member of the family. Do not let her do anything extra.
8. If you understand everything, then with the upbringing there will be no special problems. With akita, a rewarding educational technique works very well. As soon as the dog correctly executes the command, be sure to treat it with a treat and pet. Such a breed has very well developed protective qualities. Akita act as bodyguards.
9. Separately, it is worth mentioning that, as soon as the pet turns 2 years old, it becomes completely independent. The dog has its own opinion. At this age, training an animal is very difficult. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to engage in similar procedures in puppyhood.

Puppy selection

1. If you want to get a thoroughbred puppy and not stumble on unscrupulous breeders, it is strongly recommended that you contact the club where these dogs are bred. A professional club must be recognized by the MCO (International Cynological Organization).
2. Try to choose a puppy from a small litter. In this case, all individuals will be of medium size. Be sure to ask the breeder to show you the pedigree of the puppy. Ask if the parents have prizes and certificates. Also, the breeder should talk about possible genetic allergies and diseases.
3. You should not take a puppy whose parents could be relatives. Such a dog can have various pathologies. If you want to know about the psychological portrait of a puppy, be sure to look at his parents. If possible, pet them, there should be no aggression.
4. If the puppy does not have any health problems, then he will be active. A completely healthy dog ​​has a playful character, smooth coat, shiny eyes and clean ears. Remember, the puppy should not smell bad. Claws and teeth should be groomed and not damaged.
5. Among other things, be sure to pay attention to how the puppy will react to you for the first time. He should see you as a potential master. If the pet shows contact, curiosity and a desire to play with you, then he is ready for a new family. If you decide to buy a dog for championship or production, be sure to contact a professional dog handler for help.

Pros and cons of the breed

1. Pros. An undoubted advantage of the breed in question is unwavering fidelity. Akits also have a keen mind. In terms of content, you will not have any particular difficulties. Dogs are very restrained and calm, they do not bark for no reason.
2. Minuses. Akity at the genetic level is characterized by dominance, they do not get along very well with other representatives of dogs. The considered individuals are difficult and need to be trained for a long time. In puppyhood, Akita is too active.

Disease

1. Almost every dog ​​breed has its own diseases. Akits can inherit hip dysplasia. Consider, if you got a dog for breeding or selection, before the 2nd age you need to undergo an X-ray examination with it.
2. If everything is in order, the dog should be issued a special certificate on the absence of genetic pathology. Otherwise, the individual will not be suitable for breeding. Among other things, Akita is far from everything. They have a few more diseases.
3. Dogs are prone to hypothyroidism. This pathology is accompanied by a malfunction in the thyroid gland. As a result, skin diseases develop. In addition, Akit has congenital diseases associated with the eyes. A puppy may have hereditary vision problems. Therefore, it is better to choose a pet with a dog handler.

Today we examined all the important characteristics of the breed. You can draw certain conclusions for yourself on the content, as well as decide whether or not to have a pet. Akita Inu is a popular breed that it makes sense to consider in detail.

Video: Akita Inu dog breed