Akita inu | Facts & Information

Other names: Akita, Akita Inu, Japanese Akita dog

Akita inu is native to the island of Honshu in the Akita region of Japan where it has remained unchanged for centuries. Akita inu is considered a Japanese National Dog and is one of seven breeds considered a natural monument. The breed has been used in many fields, including the army, guard (for government and civilians), fighting dog, hunting dog (bears, deer, etc.) or sled dog.

Akita inu is a versatile hunting dog capable of hunting in bad weather conditions. His carefully controlled bite also recommended him in bird hunting. It is considered a sacred and good luck dog in Japan, making small statuettes with it.

After the 2nd World War it also arrived in America. Now there are two types of Akita, the original Japanese Akita Inu breed and the American Akita breed. The size of the american dog is different from that of the Japanese dog. In Japan and the United States, Akita Inu and Akita are considered two different breeds, and in Canada and the U.S. It is considered a single breed. The Japanese Akita is less common than the american Akita.

Akita Food

One of the first concerns, when talking about the akita breed, is diet. If the diet is not correct it can raise health problems for the dog, he may have gastric problems or not pleasant bloating. The dog's stomach does not work and is not the same as the human's, which is why the dog needs a different diet. Unpleasant bloating at first leads to a great discomfort that turns into pain and eventually to the death of the dog. The longer this problem progresses and is treated the later it can lead to surgery.

For gastric problems, a set of vitamins and nutrients was established just for this breed. If the animal refuses to eat do not force it, it is best to consult a veterinarian. Assuming that the above problems would not exist let's move on to the actual feeding of the dog. It should generally be fed twice a day with fresh food with as few preservatives and E's as possible. A diet based on meat and high protein is recommended. There are some examples that do not favor fish meat but it is good to know that their stomachs digest fish meat very well.

It can be introduced gradually into the diet so that the animal can get used to the taste. For a long time this breed consumed large amounts of rice, it is also recommended. Other can be: cabbage, green beans, pork, potatoes, game, chicken (introduced gradually). It is best to avoid corn and beef. Another problem is obesity. Processed foods and foods containing preservatives and salts should be avoided. Gaining weight of the animal can lead to weakening of the tendons, followed by other health problems.

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Appearance Akita

It is a massive dog, balanced with a flat skull between the ears. He has strong, wide jaws. The nose is big and black. The ears characteristic of the breed are small in relation to, namely, the large head, they are wide at the base, triangular in shape, slightly rounded at the tip. It has strong scissor-bite teeth. The thick, muscular, relatively short neck rests on the shoulders.

Well-articulated legs end with thick pillows. The fur is thick and soft, on the head and ears is shorter, except for the tail where the hair is the longest. The colors are clear and bright. He's lively and strong. Height varies from 60-70 cm. Females are somewhat smaller. Weight varies between 35-55 kg.

Akita Behavior

Akita is a docile, intelligent, brave and fearless dog. He is attentive and very affectionate with his family. Sometimes spontaneously, he needs an authoritarian master, otherwise he can become aggressive with other animals. He needs regular daily exercise to stay in shape. Long walks in the open air are to her liking.

Fur needs periodic care. A periodic brushing makes him especially happy if he is taught from a young age with it. This way hair loss is avoided throughout the house if it is grown in the apartment. This breed sheds twice a year.

Akita Training

Training should be firm and is recommended to be done when it is puppies. Instinctively they try to be leaders, it's a race-specific thing. When you decide to buy an akita it is good to impose yourself from the beginning to know who is the leader. They believe that the hierarchy in the group is well defined.

If given the chance to consider him to be the leader then he will start to become possessive and behavior problems may occur. Considered a first class dog in Japan, Japanese women leave their children in their care.

They are extremely loyal, but should be supervised when left with other animals or small children. Although it is a docile and tolerant breed with children in the family, if they are not taught that all members of the family are masters, when something does not suit it can be imposed by bite.

These things depend on the quality of the dressage. To train an akita requires patience and understanding, the dog tends to get bored quickly. It is good to know that Akita Inu barks, like any dog, but not excessively.

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Features Akita

It can adapt to apartment life if it is taken out daily to consume energy and exercise. It is a moderate dog in terms of energy. If it were up to him he would prefer life at court.

Akita Diseases

Dogs of the akita breed are prone to hip dysplasia. They may have thyroid problems and skin and sometimes eye problems. There were also problems with the kneecap.

The female gives birth to 3 to 12 Cubs, on average 7-8.

Life expectancy is 10-12 years.