Adults and children are crazy about the beautiful Akita Inu. As soon as the breed got out of its native Japan, it conquered the whole world with lightning speed. Savvy and very beautiful dogs became famous for their loyalty, stubbornness and persistent character. It is not for nothing that Hachiko was precisely an Akita!
General description of the breed
Akita Inu is difficult to categorize. At various times they were bear hunters, nannies, companions, guard and decorative dogs. It is the largest Spitz breed and one of six native Japanese breeds protected by the local canine organization. Akita life expectancy is from 10 to 14 years.
Origin story
In Japan, the Akita Inu was bred as guard and hunting dogs. According to research, this is one of the oldest breeds in the world, the traces of its ancestors date back to the 2nd millennium BC. Even ancient drawings with very similar dogs have survived.
Already in the 6th century, there were clubs for Akita Inu lovers, which were engaged in breeding and training dogs. And later, general herd books appeared. At the beginning of the 17th century, Akitas were used in dog fights, and in the 19th they began to actively cross with other larger breeds.
In war times, Akita Inu were more popular than shepherd dogs, and it was after World War II, after all the crosses, that several subspecies were finally identified. Even later, their variety of the breed was bred in the United States by crossing with the same shepherd dogs and mastiffs.
Akita Inu: breed standard
For all the external plushness, the Akita Inu is a rather large dog. She will grow up to 50 kg and up to 70 cm at the withers, with a charming red, brindle or white color. A black mask is allowed for American Akitas, but not for Japanese.
The coarse and straight coat seems to consist of three layers. It is its structure that determines the adorable appearance of the dog. There is a subspecies of long-haired Akita Inu, which can unexpectedly appear even in a litter of "standard" parents. This is a genetic trait.
The dog has harmonious and correct proportions, a strong constitution and a moderately long muzzle without sharp features. It has a large black nose and small eyes with slightly raised corners. The dense, triangular ears are raised and close-set.
The Akita Inu has a muscular neck, a developed chest and the same lower back. The high, thick tail is curled into a ring, and the paws are thick and rounded. At the same time, the Akita moves very smoothly and gently, but the gait is strong and confident.
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The nature of the Akita Inu
Akita Inu has a truly oriental character and temperament. This must be taken into account when deciding to have such an exotic breed.
Features and temperament
Akitas are very balanced, not at all aggressive and calm in any situation. At the same time, they are curious and playful - this is such a funny combination of contradictions.
Attitude towards the owner
It is not even necessary to make legends about the devotion of the Akita Inu - this is a long-confirmed fact. But such a dog is not suitable for beginners, and standard methods of building relationships and education do not work with it. She does not need a master in the literal sense of the word - she needs an equal friend.
Attitude towards children
Akita loves children, plays with them willingly and can look after the baby. But the dog does not tolerate bad attitude towards itself, and will avoid situations in which it is too uncomfortable.
Relationships with other animals
Akita Inu is quite friendly and phlegmatic towards other animals. But so that there are definitely no conflicts, the puppy needs to be socialized from the first months.
Akita Inu care
Although Akita Inu are very different from the breeds we are used to, they do not have many specific subtleties in care. We all found out!
Conditions of detention
Akita Inu can live in an ordinary apartment and will grow up to be a real city dweller.They also really like nature, but you can't leave the dog on the street on a leash - it needs a house.
Hygiene
In order for the Akita's fur to be beautiful and neat, it should not be bathed often - a maximum of 2 times a year. And we need special hypoallergenic shampoos and products. But the beauty will have to be combed daily, with two brushes - for wool and undercoat.
The teeth are cleaned every few days and the nails are trimmed every 2 weeks. You also need to examine the eyes and ears for abnormalities. Teach Akita to cosmetic procedures from childhood - and she will patiently endure them.
Walking
In order for the Akita Inu to grow up healthy and happy, she needs to spend at least 2 times a day on the street for an hour. They love different places, outdoor games and physical activity, and also - choose their own routes and walk without a harness. Keep in mind that you cannot walk with an Akita immediately after eating, so it is better to feed the dog after the walk.
Education and training
Akitas are very smart, but also very stubborn, so they are difficult to train. This is not the kind of dog that will bring a ball or slippers every time. She demands respect for herself, and only then gives it back. Stock up on patience, perseverance and perseverance!
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What to feed the Akita Inu
Remember that the Akita Inu is a Japanese breed, so fish and rice are appropriate for their diet. And also - barley, potatoes and light vegetables. But the usual poultry and beef are often allergic, and in general, the feeding of the Akita is different. For example, they cannot eat a lot of protein foods, including any meat.
But for puppies, boiled meat in combination with fermented milk products is useful for development. You can give eggs and sometimes apples, but offal, pork and flour products are prohibited. The puppy is fed 4-5 times a day, and you can switch to the adult regimen with 2 meals a day by 8-10 months.
With older Akita Inu, everything is easier. On average, meat and fish, cereals, vegetables and dairy products should be in approximately equal proportions. Do not give sausages, smoked meats, spices, pickles, river fish with small bones, raw meat and sugar in any form. Dry food is also needed specialized, for exotic breeds and without wheat with corn.
Breed health and disease
Akitas are notable for their excellent health and rarely get sick. But they are prone to allergies, so you need to closely monitor the diet. Rarely are joint problems, hypothyroidism, eye disease, and bloating. The most dangerous problem that requires immediate attention is gastric volvulus.
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How much does Akita Inu cost
Finding an Akita Inu puppy without documents is quite difficult, and it will cost about 20 thousand rubles. A dog with a not very remarkable pedigree costs 30-40 thousand, and from good elite breeders - from 80 thousand rubles and more.
Akita inu - photo
See what beautiful Akita Inu dogs are at any age! How can you resist?
