Akitas: Proud and Strong Pets

Akita Inu is spitz dogs bred in the north of Japan (Akita prefecture). They have a muscular build and dense short hair. The character is dominant, independent, requiring persistent training and a respectful attitude. This breed is suitable for experienced dog breeders, calm, self-confident people. There are two lineages, sometimes classified as different breeds: the Akita Inu (“authentic” subspecies) and the American Akita.

Brief Information

• Breed name: Akita Inu
• Country of origin: Japan
• Time of origin of the breed: 1964 year
• Weight: 23 – 39 kg
• Height (height at the withers): males 64 – 70 cm, females 58 – 64 cm
• Life span: 10-12 years

Key Facts

• Akita Inu does not like other dogs, especially his own gender.
• Correct upbringing, long-term socialization, competent training are extremely important, otherwise, the animal is able to grow up aggressive.
• They are noble and restrained, but only when they recognize the owner as of the unconditional leader.
• Akita sheds profusely twice a year.
• Dogs feel good in the house and apartment, but they require frequent walks, physical activity.

History of the Akita Inu Breed

The Japanese Akita Inu dog is a legendary pet in Japan, known to the locals for a long time. Do not confuse the Japanese Akita and the American – they are different dogs. The Japanese Akita Inu originated in northern Japan in the Akita province – this is how the dogs got their name. It is not known for certain when exactly these animals were formed as a breed, however, the first written evidence dates back to the early 17th century. In those distant times, the Akita Inu was used to protect the imperial family.

In addition, members of the imperial family loved to hunt small and large game with these dogs – it’s hard to believe, but they even went with them to hunt a bear. This very clearly characterizes the personality of the animal, because the Akita has a bold and at the same time good-natured character. To understand the kindness of these dogs, you can give a vivid example – in the London zoo, the baby Akita Inu was once used as a nanny-elder brother for a tiger cub. And the dog coped with this task perfectly.

The first Akita Inu came to America in 1937, together with Hellen Keller, an outstanding deaf-blind-mute woman of her time. Hellen came up with this idea after visiting the Hachiko dog statue located in Shibuya. Hearing about the extraordinary devotion of this animal, as well as about the history of these dogs in general, Hellen decided to take one Akita with her. Her name was Kamikaze-go.

In the postwar period, American military personnel brought these dogs home from Japan, which formed a separate breed of American Akita. However, to this day there is a dispute among breeders regarding the difference between the Japanese and American Akita Inu breeds since the Japanese do not want to recognize the American dogs as a separate breed. Moreover, many adhere to this rule even today, despite the fact that the dispute has been going on for more than half a century.

Appearance and Special Features of the Breed

Akita Inu thrives in temperate or cold climates. Among the characteristic features:

• rather large head;
• erect ears of a triangular shape;
• strong physique;
• tail twisted “into a donut”.

An adult male has a height of 66-71 cm at the withers, weighing from 45 to 59 kg. Female dogs are 61-66 cm tall, weighing 32 to 45 kg, while their body length is slightly longer than that of males. The Japanese version of the breed is slightly lighter and smaller. Eight-week-old puppies usually have the following parameters:

• big Japanese – weight 8.16-9.97 kg;
• Akita Inu – weight 7.25-9.07 kg.

The growth of dogs is slow, the development of the animal finally ends only by 3 years. Puppies are quite actively gaining weight (up to 7 kg per month), after reaching 35-49 kg, their development slows down greatly but does not end until the age of three. Don’t worry if your pet doesn’t quite fit into the existing growth charts, this is very general information.

Coat and Color

The classic standard is a dense short coat (about 5 cm), which is slightly longer on the neck and tail. The cover is erect, dense, and needle-like, the undercoat is very dense and fluffy. Akita Inu can only have this color:

• pure white;
• redhead with white fragments and a mask;
• brindle;
• red with black hair tips (sesame).

American Akita comes in any color. Long-haired dogs are often born – this is the result of a combination of recessive genes of the father and mother. They are the same by nature but do not fit into the standard.

Life Span

The life span of the Akita Inu is approximately 10-12 years. Females live a little longer than males, but statistically, the difference is small – only about 2 months. This indicator is the same for both varieties of dogs. Before World War II, life expectancy was much longer – 14-15 years, but the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki left its imprint on genetics forever.

Personality

It is difficult to briefly describe the nature of this breed. Akitas are very versatile dogs. The American subspecies are distinguished by more serious habits, the Japanese are somewhat more playful and frivolous. At the same time, most of the representatives of the breed are not stupid couch pets or overly sullen dogs. There are several main character traits.

• Own independent thinking – it is often mistaken for stubbornness, but in fact, it is enough to establish mutual understanding.
• The hierarchical feeling is very strongly developed, so they try to establish a rank in relation to other dogs of the owner. It is important to achieve recognition of a person as a leader during the first weeks and months of the dog’s life, otherwise, he will dominate.
• Learnability – Akita Inu dogs quickly grasp new knowledge and skills, so they start to get bored if they repeat the same thing for a long time. It is very important for them to understand why they need to perform certain tasks, so it is worth taking care of developing the right motivation.
• Lack of fear of heights – it is worth blocking the balcony and other dangerous places because puppies are very brave and not too smart. Adult dogs jump high, caring little about the landing site.
• Craving for space – they like to run a lot, frolic in nature, visit new places. Physical activity is vital to them.
• Tenderness – mentally these dogs are very sensitive, it is easy to offend them.
• Loyalty to the owner – Akita will not bother and interfere with everyday affairs, rest, but these are very loyal creatures. They love to follow the owner quietly everywhere.
• Patience – Despite being dominant, a well-bred dog has incredible patience. She will humbly wait for you from work or sit quietly by the bed, waiting for you to wake up.
• Attitude towards other people – Akita gets along well with older people. Attitude towards children depends on their behavior, family affiliation.
• Attitude towards dogs – if another dog is smaller and lives in the same family, friendship is likely to be. It is difficult to develop relationships with representatives of their own species and the same sex, completely alien dogs. Aggression (at least in the form of growling) is especially active if the second pet is the same or larger.
• Fear of cramped spaces – Akita Inu dogs do not like too cramped enclosed spaces. They try to get a good view and control over the space.
• Aggression – These dogs are very sensitive to the relationship between the guest and the owner. Welcome visitors need not worry. Such dogs do not like strangers, therefore they will closely observe the guest until they understand how appropriate his presence is in the house. Only proper training can help manage innate aggression.
• Security – they are good guards, but they don’t rush to bite right away. For example, they will simply try not to let the thief out of the house, waiting for the owner’s help.

Training

The foundation of upbringing is the socialization of babies. The most important period is from 3 weeks to 4 months – this completely determines whether a dog can get along with a person or not, whether it grows up aggressive, how it will react to new people and animals in the future. Akita Inu must understand that only the owner defines the boundaries of his world, having the rights of a leader. Introduce the dog to as many places, events, people as possible. The understanding of the world, which was laid down at this stage, takes root by the year and can no longer be corrected. Keep in mind that before “going out into the world” you should get all vaccinations and wait for a little.

From the first day the puppy moves to a new home, a hierarchy should be designated. Some owners like babies so much that they allow them to behave in an inappropriate way, but already at a tender age Akita understands everything and probes the boundaries of his leadership. The owner should be caring, loving, and calm, but with a strong character. If the dog does not recognize it as an undeniable dominant, trouble will soon arise. It comes to the point that some people abandon or even put the dog to sleep, not coping with its education. A few more points are of great importance.

• Try not to leave the puppy alone at first – introduce the dog to the apartment, things, but do not leave it alone. If you need to leave, protect your baby from hazards and fragile items.
• Start training as early as possible – these pets are very smart, so they understand the required minimum of commands by 8 weeks after birth. In a couple of months, you can expand the list of techniques and bring them to automaticity.
• The whole family, friends, should communicate with the puppy – stroke, hold it in your arms, play. This will help the dog adapt to the noise, children (if any), in the future it will be easier to endure combing and other hygiene procedures.
• Teach your baby that the owner has the right to take anything or food – this must be done at the age of 2 months to at least six months. Take the toy, but don’t tease, pause, and return it. Akita will get used to the fact that the owner will always return what he deserves, so he can be trusted. If you do not develop this style of behavior, an adult dog will react extremely aggressively to attempts to take away a thing taken without permission or inappropriate food.
• Despite the great temptation, do not take the puppy to sleep in a bed – in itself, such a habit is not scary, but the dog must get used to the fact: the leader sleeps on the bed, the Akita – on the floor (arrange a soft rug or a separate bed).
• Give the command to sit before giving the treat to the puppy.
• Show firmness of character, but do not frighten or beat the animal – the Akita Inu should have respect for the owner, not fear.

Conditions of Detention

Despite the dislike for confined space, Akita Inu is well suited for living in a city apartment, and for keeping in a private house. In any case, it is imperative to provide long walks during which the dog can exercise its energy. Start knowing the world around you after passing all the vaccinations.

• Walk near the house and further, change routes every day.
• Visit both quiet and noisy places so that the dog gets used to as many situations as possible (park, forest, shops, beach, market, pet store, square). In the future, if she gets into a crowded place, she will not experience serious stress.
• While walking, keep the Akita on a leash, showing who is the leader.
• Although this breed does not like other dogs, teach them to behave calmly. When meeting with another pet on a leash, let them get to know each other, let them smell each other. If everything is going well, don’t get carried away. Separate the dogs in case of aggression and growling.
• Train your dog to travel in a car – start by traveling 5-10 minutes a day, gradually increasing this time to 35-45 minutes.

Care

Akita Inu sheds heavily twice a year: from January to February and from May to June. During this period, the dog needs to be brushed every day or at least 3-4 times a week. The rest of the time, combing out 4 times a month is enough. Constant shedding is possible in a home with very warm, dry air. Another reason is an illness or improper diet. There is no need to cut and trim the pet’s coat. There are other recommendations for care.

• Bathe your dog no more than 1-2 times a year, so as not to wash off the special protective lubricant of the coat. These dogs are very clean on their own, they know how to lick, and the rest of the dirt will be removed during combing.
• Brush your pet’s teeth 1-2 times a week. Use only a special product.
• Regularly examine the Akita’s eyes and ears in order to notice inflammation, discharge, or an unpleasant smell in time – all this indicates an urgent need to visit a veterinarian.
• Trim your nails every month if they don’t wear off naturally.

Teach your dog to any procedure even as a puppy. With an adult dog, you can simply not cope or cause stress and loss of trust.

Health

This breed is in good health, provided that the puppy does not have serious congenital defects. Sometimes they suffer from genetic diseases and are sensitive to certain drugs. Among congenital and acquired / age-related ailments, there are:

• entropy (turn of the century);
• dysplasia of the hip joint;
• bloating;
• glaucoma;
• cataract;
• pseudoparalytic myasthenia gravis (weakness of all muscles of the body);
  von Willebrand disease (blood pathology);
• retinal atrophy.

How to Choose a Puppy

You can buy purebred puppies only from large reliable breeders. The main signs of a healthy baby Akita Inu breed:

• agile and cheerful;
• puppy of average fatness;
• beautiful shiny coat;
• runs confidently, stands firmly on its paws;
• not aggressive, not afraid of loud sounds.

Pay attention to the color and shape of the Akita Inu’s eyes – if they are round and light, this is not a purebred pet. Features of the eye cut are necessarily congenital, and the color changes with age only to a lighter one. The bite must be correct, the pigmentation of the nose and mouth must be uniform. If you are buying a puppy over six months old, and his tail has not yet twirled, this is a bad sign. If you plan to participate in contests, exhibitions, then it is better to choose a baby with an experienced dog handler. When purchasing a regular pet, it is enough to use the above criteria.