- Breed name: AKITA
- Original breed name: Akita
- AKC list of the most popular dogs: 44
- FCI classification: Group V – Spitz type and primitive type of dogs
- Origin: Japan
- Size: Large dog
- Average life expectancy: 10–12 years
“A dog that carries the soul of a samurai in its body.”
AKITA – Who hasn’t heard of Akita Hachiko, who waited for his owner every day for 9 years, until the end of his life… Two films were made based on that story. Unconditional loyalty, intelligence and courage adorn this one of the oldest races in the world. Due to its strong character, it is recommended to train as well as for the owners to be experienced in keeping that breed. Interesting appearance, way of movement and behavior attract attention. Unfortunately, due to inadequate training, Akitas have become known as dangerous dogs. That’s why you should take care if you addopt this dog – the better the training and socialization, the more it will contribute to having a wonderful pet.
ORIGIN
Through DNA analysis, the Akita was found to be one of the oldest breeds in the world, and descended directly from wolves. The history of the Akita is very rich and is closely connected with the turbulent history of Japan.
The name of the Akita breed comes from the island of Honshu and the province of Akita. The original purpose of the Akita was to hunt bears, and then in the period between 1600 and 1868 it was used to fight dogs and as a carrier of heavy weapons for samurai. Afterwards, the imperial government was restored, in which the samurai also took part, and the Akita became known as the dog of the Japanese emperors. Throughout history, the appearance of the Akita has changed due to crossbreeding with different breeds, from tosa inu to mastiffs and German shepherds. As a result, the size of the akita increased, and the traits associated with spikes disappeared.
The Akita had a great temptation during the Second World War, when the Akitas were killed for their meat and fur. The police issued an order that all dogs, except the German Shepherd, which was used for military purposes, be confiscated for food and military clothing. Some fans of this breed tried to circumvent this order by crossing Akitas with German Shepherds. As a result, American Akitas later emerged.
After World War II, there were only 30 Akita specimens left!
Today, the Akita has been declared a national treasure of Japan.
APPEARANCE
The Akita is a large, strong dog, with large muscle mass and heavy bones. The head is wide, triangular with blunt corners, long and wide snout black. The jaws are blunt, strong and powerful, the teeth strong, compact and properly spaced. He has dark brown eyes, small, almost triangular in shape. The ears are erect and small in relation to the head, triangular in shape, slightly rounded at the top, wide at the base, tilted forward. Their chest is deep and wide, the tail is hairy, set high, worn over the back or along the side, with hair that is sharp, straight and does not look like a feather. He has strong front and hind legs with straight – cat’s paws protected by thick pads.
The fur is composed of coat and undercoat. The coat is straight, sharp and stiff, and the undercoat is thick, soft, thick and shorter than the outer coat. All this makes it resistant to water and low temperatures that are normal in northern Japan. There are several colors: red, yellowish-brown, white, etc., and even striped. White dogs do not have a dark mask, they are monochromatic.
CHARACTER
The most pronounced trait in Akita is loyalty. Once they love their owner, they remain faithful to him for the rest of their lives. They are very intelligent and brave, they are also fearless and hyperactive. For this reason it is necessary to take care that they can be discharged with energy through activity, otherwise they become destructive. They adore the family in which they live, but care should be taken if a stranger is nearby because they are distrustful and can be aggressive. They are great with children but parental supervision is recommended just in case.
It has a somewhat fickle character and moody nature, and care should be taken when taking a male Akita for a walk, it can often get into trouble if a male of another breed of dog is present. Also, they can’t stand the presence in the house or near another dog or pet, if they are not brought up from a young age. Females are less impatient and easier to control.
HEALTH AND CARE
Due to its character and health, the akita requires constant mental and physical activity. That is why open space is important, a walk with a leash is not enough, it is necessary to run out, for example. with jogging. They can live in the yard, but they will be happiest with their owner in the house.
As far as the disease is concerned, the Akita is a relatively healthy breed, although it can suffer from coronary artery disease and progressive retinal atrophy. In addition to these diseases, they are less likely to have knee sprains, VKH syndrome, epilepsy, cataracts and entropy. It is enough to brush once a week, and more often during the molting period. If hair and skin care is not taken into account, diseases such as SA or disorders of the sebaceous glands can occur, which will later cause massive hair loss.
STATISTICS
- Energy level: Medium energy.
- Level of playfulness: Moderately playful.
- Attitude towards other dogs: Friendly.
- Attitude to other pets: Friendly.
- Attitude towards strangers: Distrustful.
- Ease of training: Moderately easy.
- Protection: Very protective instinct.
- Maintenance required: Minimal maintenance.
- Cold tolerance: High tolerance.
- Heat tolerance: Poor tolerance.