Akita Inu - a dog like a natural monument

Akita Inu - a dog like a natural monument

The proud and beautiful Akita is a natural monument in its native country. This Japanese hunting dog is a symbol of loyalty, fidelity and protectiveness. He exudes dignity and is famous for being able to stay calm, even in the most stressful situations.

Akita

Akita - breed description

Akita is a breed of dogs classified according to the FCI standard to group V, section 5, standard No. 255 - Spitz and primitive dogs. This "fluffy bear" currently has a guarding, defensive and social function. He is the largest dog among Japanese breeds. It is not subject to working trial.

The Akita dog comes from the mountainous regions of northern Japan, where it is considered "affectionate and strong". This quadruped owes its name to the Akita prefecture. Originally, the Japanese used Akita dogs to hunt wild boars and game birds. This fast, powerful dog was also unrivaled at tracking large game, including deer, moose and black bear. Later, Akitas were used as guard and cargo dogs. During World War II, the military almost exterminated the breed. Therefore, after the end of hostilities, an attempt was made to rebuild it. Surviving dogs were crossed with Japanese sled dogs and Chow chow. However, the selected larger individuals were crossed with German Shepherds and created a separate breed, the American Akita. Both breeds were officially classified in 1999.

Suggested sizes and widths of accessories for this breed of dog:

Here are the suggested sizes for adult dogs of this breed. They were selected on the basis of many years of experience in sewing accessories and the most common choices of other dog owners of this breed. Remember, only measuring will give you 100% certainty - every dog ​​is different.

Akita Inu

Appearance

Akita is a powerful and strong dog with a well-proportioned build. It is distinguished by a broad head and a short muzzle, which form a triangle shape. The dog of this breed has small eyes and erect pointed ears, which gives it a very dignified expression. His body is muscular and his legs are straight and strong. The tail is large and full, carried high and usually curled over the body.

Akita dog's coat is very dense, short or medium length. It looks extremely effective. A thick, soft undercoat makes this quadruped good in cooler climates. In the warmer months, his coat is thinning considerably. The outer coat is slightly longer and thicker. The most common shades of hair are: white, red and sesame. The undercoat may be a different color to the top coat, but the coloration is always distinct.

Akita in numbers

  • Weight: females 32 - 45 kg, males 45 - 59 kg.
  • Height at the withers: female 58–64 cm, for dog 64–70 cm.
  • Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years.

Personality

Akita is a very proud, confident dog that likes to act independently. Feels the need for dominance and hierarchy in the group. He has a strongly developed hunting instinct and can be aggressive towards other dogs outside his family group. A properly socialized representative of this breed may learn to tolerate other animals, but most likely, he will always try to maintain primacy.

Akita dog is loyal and affectionate towards his family. It shows the characteristics of attachment to its territory and keeps away from strangers. He loves to play, is a cheerful life companion, but can be very firm. He is an excellent watchdog and only barks when he senses a real threat.

Akita - who is this dog for?

Although dogs of this breed are endowed with large dimensions, they have been bred as family companions for centuries. It is loyalty and affection that are most appreciated by their owners. In

The Akita custom is to "shadow walk" after a guardian or a chosen household member, as if his sole purpose in life was to protect and keep company. A highly developed defense instinct may at times push him to aggression. Akitas may, however, show aggressive tendencies, usually directed towards other dogs. For this reason, care should be taken when dealing with other dogs or when strangers enter your home. Akita's bulky silhouette and its great strength and endurance can be a challenge for a less experienced owner. Akita needs a dedicated training to help it channel energy properly. It requires a varied, friendly training, combining physical and mental challenges.

Care

Akita is a breed that is quite easy to care for and care, although during moulting (usually twice a year - in spring and autumn) it requires more attention. During this period, the dog should be groomed regularly and bathed quite often. In the remaining months, dripping should be limited to the necessary minimum. When brushing the coat, it is worth spending more time on thoroughly removing the dead undercoat. Caring for your pet's ears and teeth should also be included in the care procedures.

Akita Inu

Akita and health

Akita is a breed that is healthy and disease resistant. Occasionally, ankle dysplasia, tucked eyelid and progressive retinal atrophy are present. Fortunately, dogs of this type suffer from genetic diseases, such as: hypothyroidism, gastric dilation and torsion, allergic dermatitis, or rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee joint.

Interesting facts

  • Akita dogs, apart from their exceptional loyalty, know their purity. Some people refer to these quadrupeds as "cat-like" because they are very clean and hardly smell.
  • In Japan, akita is a symbol of extraordinary power, but also health, happiness and long life.
  • In 1931, the Japanese government declared the Akita breed a cultural heritage and one of the national treasures of Japan.
  • Parents often hang an akita figurine over their baby's cradle to protect them from bad dreams. Giving a dog of this breed to your loved ones is said to be lucky.
  • Akita dogs were used during the Russo-Japanese War to search for missing sailors and as guard dogs.

Maybe you'll like it:

Also check....

How to disenchant a puppy from biting?
Category: Blog, Dog training,

Unlearning your puppy to chew is an extremely important part of training your four-legged friend. The positive effects of this learning are of great importance for the safe and friendly coexistence of humans and dogs. In order to get a chance for an effective solution to the problem, it is worth finding out why your young pet chews on everything. How to disenchant a puppy from biting?

The Polish Hound
Category: Blog, Dog breeds,

The Polish Hound is a breed rarely found outside our country, which is a pity, because it is an interesting dog with excellent qualities. He is considered a wise, energetic quadruped with a balanced character, a good guardian and a faithful family friend.

Hot spot in a dog
Category: Blog, Dog health,

A hot spot in a dog is an acute, superficial skin infection that spreads quickly. For this reason, it is extremely important to recognize the disease early and implement treatment immediately.