The Akita Inu or also called the Japanese Akita is a breed that comes from Japan, Asia, and in its native country it is considered a national treasure. It has been the object of veneration as a symbol of good he alth, prosperity and good fortune. In his honour, and as a result of Hachiko's history, this wonderful breed was granted a national monument.
It is common for an Akita Inu to be adopted at the birth of a baby in the family or due to the illness of a relative. It is a dog belonging to the spitz family, created naturally more than 3,000 years ago. Keep reading this breed file on our site to learn about the characteristics, character and he alth of the Akita Inu.
Origin of the Akita Inu
This breed comes from the Akita region of Japan, hence its name. The ancestors of the Akita Inu were medium-sized dogs, which were used to hunt bears and were known as the Akita Matagi. Beginning in 1603, these dogs were used for dogfighting and, in order to increase their strength and endurance, were they crossed with tosas and mastiffs The results of those crosses were larger dogs, but without the characteristics of the spitz-type dogs.
Dog fighting was banned in Japan in 1908, but the breed never regained its original size. At the end of World War II, the number of Akitas had been drastically reduced and, as if that were not enough, there were three different types: Matagi Akita (similar to the original), Fighting Akita (with dog blood cough) and Sheepdog Akita (Akita cross with German Shepherd).
The lines that had characteristics of mastiff and German shepherd, fascinated North American breeders and were used to repopulate the breed in the United States. These lines, and in particular the Dewa line, gave rise to the breed now known as the American Akita.
Fanciers of the breed in Japan did not accept these lines as adequate representatives of the Japanese breed, so they set about repopulating the breed with lines of Akita Matagi dogs. The result is the current akita inu today which, although larger than the original akita matagi, retains the spitz type and has no mastiff and german shepherd characteristics
Physical Characteristics of the Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is a large-sized dog. It measures between 61 and 67 centimeters, variable depending on the specimen and sex and can weigh up to 45 kilograms. The main features of your body are as follows:
- Big wide hairy head.
- Strong and muscular body.
- Snout strong and moderately long: it is broad at its base and, although it tapers towards its end, it is not pointed.
- Powerful bite and the teeth scissor.
- Black nose, although slight depigmentation is accepted in white dogs.
- Relatively small, thick, forward-facing ears.
- Dark brown eyes, small and tend to be set slightly apart.
- Thick, muscular neck with no double chin.
- Deep chest.
- Tail with a unique coiled shape, it slides over the back.
Colors of the Akita Inu
The Akita Inu has a hard, smooth outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. On the other hand, the fur on the tail is longer than that on the rest of the body. The accepted colors of the Japanese Akita are:
- White
- Golden
- Sesame
- Tabby
What is the akita inu puppy like?
From puppyhood it is very important to socialize him with all kinds of dog breeds and other animals so that we do not have problems in adulthood, where he can be more violent. It is a dog that requires a handler who is an expert in handling dogs, who knows how to impose his authority and, most importantly, who knows to use positive reinforcement
All the activities that we teach our Akita Inu puppy must have an established time limit of a maximum of 1 hour daily, in otherwise the dog will hate spending so much time on it.
Akita inu character
They have a very reserved and shy character, they are calm most of the day, adopting a calm attitude even in times of stress. The serenity of the dog is palpable. It is a very balanced, docile and determined breed of dog The loy alty that it offers to its handler is the strongest and most well-known characteristic of the Akita Inu.
Although it is very suspicious of strangers, it is a dog that will not attack for no reason, only when provoked and shows aggressiveness. He is a excellent watchdog
Dealing with other dogs is complicated, the Akita Inu is dominant and although he does not seek confrontations he will make enemies for life if he is challenged. Small children are very loved by the Akita Inu, who will not hesitate to protect them from any danger. He is patient with them especially if he knows them. It is important to know that the Akita Inu is a very special breed, which will need an experienced caretaker and, most importantly, who will provide it with the appropriate education.
The Akita Inu is a dog of extreme strength and of very marked characterthat will try to challenge weak people to become the leader of the hierarchy. It is for this reason that we recommend that people who have children and doubt their abilities as caregivers, after reading this sheet, opt for another breed that may be more docile than this one. If, on the other hand, you think you are able to control the impulses of the Akita Inu, do not hesitate for a moment, their loy alty and intelligence will leave you amazed.
Akita inu care
The Akita Inu bears inclement weather without difficulty. Even so, due to its dense coat it is advisable to brush it daily and with special care at times of shedding. As a result of all this, we must comment that if their diet is deficient, it will influence the coat, which will appear impoverished and not very shiny.
The Akita Inu is a dog that needs a medium-high dose of exercise every day We should walk it at least twice a day trying to get him to run or do some kind of extra activity. It is also important to note that the Akita Inu can adapt to both the size of a house and that of an apartment, where it will be equally happy.
Education of the Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is a very intelligent dog that requires a handler with a strong personality. If they do not consider a correct attitude in the caregiver of him, the dog tends to take the reins by imposing their own rules. He won't follow you if he doesn't consider you a worthy leader, which is why you should never give in to his demands In Japan it is considered an honor, a privilege and a mark of nobility educate an akita inu
For various reasons, experts in this breed advise stimulating him mentally by teaching him tricks, advanced obedience and to identify a variety of objects. In addition, you can also stimulate him physically with activities such as agility, enjoy hiking or the schutzhund with him.
Akita Inu He alth
On the subject of diseases that affect the Akita Inu, the most common are usually the following:
- Hip dysplasia
- Immune system pathologies
- Pathologies of the knees
- Thyroid gland dysfunction
Both to prevent their appearance and to detect them in time, it is essential go to the vet regularly, follow the check-ups established by the specialist and keep your vaccinations and deworming up to date.
Where to adopt an Akita Inu?
Before adopting an Akita Inu you must take into account that it requires a caregiver with a strong personality, as we have previously mentioned. If you think you are the right person to have a dog of this breed, you can look for an Akita Inu for adoption at protectoras or shelters near your home.
If, on the other hand, you don't know of any shelter or shelter near your home, you can search the internet Akita inu associations where you could find up for adoption.
Curiosities
- The Akita Inu and his loy alty became famous on the big screen with the movie Always by your side, Hachiko in 2009 (with Richard Gere). It is a remake of a Japanese movie that tells the story of a dog who picked up his caretaker, a teacher, at the station after work every day. After his death, the Akita Inu continued to return to the station every day for 10 years, hoping to find him.
- Several people observed Hachiko's behavior at Tokyo Station in 1925 and began offering him food and care. Years later, the whole city knew her story and the authorities erected a statue in her name in 1935, with the dog himself present
