The powerful dog bearing and cute face will conquer you at first sight, but it will be in the day to day that the akita or akita inu will win your heart for good. As much as this dog needs an extra dose of training patience, it is a great companion – protective, loyal and very playful. It will surely be a great friend to your tutor and your family!
Remember the movie “Always By Your Side”? Yes, the dog Hachiko, who kept waiting for his guardian even after he died, was an Akita. No wonder the real story of an akita has gained the spotlight, monuments and movies thanks to devotion to the tutor. This breed develops a great love for their humans and asks in return only affection, physical activities and a lot of fun, that is, their company!
| Origin | Japan |
| Weight | 32-59 kg |
| Height | 61-71 cm |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years |
History
Records indicate that the Akita appeared in the 1600s during the Tokugawa Era (1603-1867) in northern Japan. Initially the breed was known as “snow-filled mountain dogs.” At the time, these dogs were used to hunt and protect feudal lords. They also had a pass in fight lines when some breeders tried to cross them with other races to improve their skills, but fortunately these events were banned.
In more recent times, at the beginning of the Showa Era (1925-1989), an exciting story of friendship caught the eye of Japan. Hachiko was waiting for her tutor every day in front of Tokyo’s Shibuya Station, and kept waiting for years, not understanding that he had passed away. This moved the population and from then on there was an effort to preserve the race as the foundation of the Akita Inu Preservation Society . In 1937, the Akita dog breed became Japan’s national treasure.
The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1972, after it was almost extinct during World War II. Today, Americans and Canadians consider the existence of two types of the breed: the Japanese Akita and the American Akita, also known as the Great Japanese Dog – a breed developed from dogs brought by the military. However, for the rest of the world, they are distinct races.
Characteristics
Race colors
Akita has bright and vivid colors such as fawn red (a reddish brown), sesame (fawn red with black tips), brindle (a solid color and stripes in silver or black) and white. The marks should be balanced and have the so-called “urajiro”, which is a whitish hair on the cheeks, jaw, neck, chest, trunk, tail, face and sides of the muzzle (except if the dog is white).
In the American lineage, the breed may have a wider range of colors. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), any color that includes white, brindle or urajiro. That is, the list is large and covers black, brown, silver, orange yellow and others.
Akita Temperament
Akita is known for being an excellent companion dog that needs to be part of family life. That is why, although it needs room to exercise, it should not be treated like a backyard dog, which is only outside the house. After all, he loves the company of his humans and is very loyal, loving and protective of them.
Also, it is a very playful dog. By the way, because you love to play, your way may seem silly, but make no mistake! It is a smart, personality-laden race that sometimes wants to take its guardian’s place and be the leader.
A dose of patience and training will be required for the dog of this breed to learn and obey: therefore, akita is not highly recommended for anyone who has never had experience with dogs. The tip here is always to use positive techniques, with commands that depend more on motivation than on strength. Invest in words of encouragement, such as “good boy” or “very well” or even small treats such as snacks.
The race with children, strangers and other animals
Akita loves to live with her family, but it is recommended to be supervised when you are with the children. It is also necessary to teach the little ones not to provoke this dog, as this can bring out the attack instinct present in hunting dogs.
It is precisely because they have a hunter inside them – even if they do not learn to hunt – that small animals such as cats, chickens and ducks become the prey in their game. With other dogs, friendship is also often difficult, as Akita really likes people, or actually “her” people, like the guardian and his family.
Strangers are considered enemies to this protective dog. Therefore, you need to introduce the dog to your friends and relatives to prevent Akita from attacking your guests. Frequent socialization will help you distinguish someone reliable from a real threat.
Is akita agitated?
Yes. Akita dogs are not usually hyperactive, but they are full of energy and love physical activity. This is also why they need to be in a safe and enclosed environment, because by their hunter instinct they are able to dig and climb.
Is the race destructive?
The Akita is a companion dog very attached to his family. So leaving you alone at home for a long time can change your behavior. In other words, it is possible that when you arrive after a long period of absence, the garden is destroyed and the furniture “chewed”. Investing in training can help alleviate this type of behavior.
Does akita bark a lot?
No. Akita barks only when necessary. But it’s a curiously vocal dog with its tutors and acts like it’s talking.
Care
The Akita is an odorless and clean dog: he takes care of his own hygiene. But in return, it needs a lot of brushing and exercise. Seeking obedience training helps make it even more adorable and makes living easier.
Feeding:
Because Akitas are large and full of energy, dogs of this breed eat a lot and tend to feel hungry quickly. But it is recommended that the dog eat only twice a day – the amount varies with size. The vet can recommend the optimal amount and meal times, as well as advise on the use of fresh foods such as vegetables and protein in your diet.
Bathing and brushing:
This breed of dog is very clean and baths should be given only when necessary. On the other hand, they need brushing and a lot of patience with the hair around the house. Brushing your pet with a soft brush, preferably daily, will help both keep it beautiful and healthy and minimize the “hairy trail” left in every corner.
Nails, teeth and ears:
Cut the nails of your akita and brush your teeth regularly. Be sure to clean your ears weekly and make sure everything is ok. This helps to prevent infections.
Eyes:
As they are prone to developing eye problems, pay special attention to the eyes and observe any changes in their appearance, such as whiteness, redness or irritation.
Cheers
Akita’s are very healthy dogs. But of course, like any other breed, they may also face some health difficulties. It is also worth mentioning that when purchasing a puppy from responsible breeders, all the problems below can be prevented or easily identified with exams.
Hip:
Hip dysplasia is a very common disease in medium and large dogs, although it can appear in small dogs as well. It is a bad formation of the hip joints that causes pain and can lead to arthritis.
Eyes:
Akitas are prone to developing eye problems such as regressive retinal atrophy, a disease that causes retinal degeneration gradually, leading to cataracts and blindness.
Stomach:
Dogs of this breed are often more susceptible to developing gastric volvulus dilation syndrome (GDV), which causes a kind of twist in the stomach. The disease is serious, serious and can be fatal if not properly treated.
Akita Exercise Level:
If you are adventurous, Akita will be the perfect companion for your trails and runs. The dog of this breed is energetic, loves fresh air and develops well when exercising and has human companionship. So be prepared to take about 13km of walking a week, almost 2km or 60 minutes a day, so that the Akita is happy and maintains her physical and mental vigor.
Price of Akita
Anyone who has fallen in love with the race will want to know: How much does an akita cost? The price may vary from R $ 900,00 to R $ 6,500 – the value was calculated based on the price of puppies of the breed in the main selling sites of the country.
Before you decide to buy a dog, remember that there are many stray pets or rescued by NGOs looking for a loving family. Adopting is all the best!
Curiosities
Real story:
Akita has been known for a touching story of companionship, friendship and loyalty. Every day, a dog named Hachiko was waiting for his guardian, Hidesaburo Ueno, at Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Japan. However, one day, his guardian did not return, and Hachiko remained waiting for years until the End of your life.
Cinema:
The fact yielded two beautiful films: “Hachiko Monogatari” (1987), which is the original Japanese version, and an American remake, “Always by your side” (2009), with Richard Gere. Both productions are very exciting, so prepare your handkerchief!
Tribute:
History has moved all over Japan, and with the contribution of the population, a dog sculpture was placed at the busy Shibuya station, where Hachiko used to wait for her guardian. There are other statues of him, such as the one at Odate Station in Akita Prefecture where he was born; and the University of Tokyo, where the tutor taught, among others.
World War II:
Many Akitas were used for military purposes. Many families hid their four-legged friend from being confiscated by the army.
Hidden dogs:
When occupying Japan, the American officers were delighted with the Akita breed and wanted to take the dogs. Some were robbed on the grounds that they would starve. But even in difficult situations and with scarce food, the Japanese wanted to keep their dogs, hiding them again. This even involved sacrificing their guardians to give their own food to keep their four-legged friends healthy.
Snow:
If there is a dog that is happy when winter leaves the landscape white, he is an akita. This breed simply loves snow and the cooler temperatures. This says a lot about its origin in Akita Prefecture, located in northern Japan, where it is cold and usually snows.
Akita Dog Census
Popularity ranking: Skita is the 34th most popular breed in Brazil
Most common names: Hannah and Yoshi
Average age: Most Akita’s living in Brazil are up to 1 year old
