Alice White
Japan has long become for us the largest supplier of various kinds of exotic. Unusual food, fashion, high-tech electronics – it’s amazing how quickly all this becomes a part of European culture. So the Akita Inu dog, which bears the status of a national treasure of Japan, having got to Europe and America, quickly won fans there. Moreover, in this case, this popularity was not caused by the exotic nature of the animal, but, on the contrary, by its full compliance with European traditions of beauty.
Akita Inu is a dog of classical forms, but at the same time, its appearance is very original. A large broad-forehead head, massive paws, and an unusual shape of ears-pockets make the Akita look like a wolf, a fox, and a bear at the same time. In general, it is a well-built, strong dog of large size. Amazingly, all the beauty of the Akita was created exclusively by the forces of nature, practically without human participation. It is believed that the ancestor of the Akita was the Matagiinu dog, which was found in the 8th century in the Odate Mountains and was used in hunting for bears and wild boars. “Matagiinu” literally translates from Japanese as “respected hunter”. The Akita Inu breed itself began to develop in the 18th century, during the Edo period. The dog got its name “Akita Inu” from the Akita prefecture, which is considered its homeland. The new breed was very popular with the Japanese nobility and received a special status at the imperial court. No one except the top of the government had the right to keep this dog at home, in fact, equated to a deity. Those who risked offending and, moreover, killing Akita were severely punished. Each dog was assigned a personal servant, who was supposed not only to look after her but also to give her all kinds of honors. In Japan, to this day, Akita Inu is considered a symbol of well-being and good luck. Akita figurines are a traditional gift for the parents of a newborn and are often presented to patients with the wish of a speedy recovery. It is likely that a live Akita puppy, appearing in your family, is able to work miracles. You probably already realized that the Akita Inu is a very special dog. The Japanese boldly trust her children, for them she is able to become an excellent nanny. In general, this dog is very attached to its family and even to family friends. And her high intellect, courage, and discipline make her that very true warrior of the East, balanced, patient, but always ready to join the battle if those whom he values need protection. There are legends about the loyalty of the Akita Inu dog. So the whole world went around the tragic story of a dog named Hachiko, who could not believe in the death of his beloved owner, for 10 years she came to meet him on a railway platform. A monument was erected to this dog, which became a symbol of boundless loyalty and love, as well as a meeting place for lovers.
During the Second World War, mainly German Shepherds were used in the service. Akita owners began to knit their pets with “Germans”. Thus, at the end of the war, the Akita Inu breed was divided into three varieties: Akita Matagi, Fighting Akita, Akita Shepherd Dog, or American Akita (Akita Matagi crossed with a German Shepherd Dog).
It is not worth buying an Akita Inu puppy at the poultry market. Before buying a puppy, it is necessary, if possible, to “get acquainted” with the parents and study their documents. It is best to contact the breed club. When choosing a breeder, keep in mind that there are many clubs not recognized by the International Kennel Organization, which do not guarantee high breed dogs. Not the best choice would be a puppy from a large litter. Don’t grab the biggest puppy – big doesn’t mean the best. A great option is a puppy from an even litter, in which siblings do not differ much from each other in size. A healthy puppy is moderately well-fed, has a shiny coat. He is cheerful, cheerful, and inquisitive, stands firmly on his feet, and is confident in his movements. A healthy puppy should not be afraid of harsh loud noises or be overly aggressive. Pay attention to the bite, pigmentation of the nose and mouth, and eye color. In males, both egg-shaped glands should be descended into the scrotum. If you are purchasing an Akita Inu puppy only as a pet, follow these criteria and rely on your intuition. When choosing a dog for participation in exhibitions or breeding, it is better to involve a specialist cynologist who will help you determine the future champion.
Caring for a dog of the Akita Inu breed is quite simple. The dog is perfectly adapted for keeping both on the street and in the apartment. However, “apartment” Akitas need to walk at least 2 times a day. On a walk, adult Akitas behave inactively – they calmly pace next to the owner, however, they will not refuse to play or bully with their relatives. It is enough to comb out the wool once a week. During the shedding period, to help the dog get rid of old hair, brush the pet 2-3 times a week. You need to bathe your dog as little as possible, just a few times a year. Use only special dog shampoos for washing. Optimal nutrition for Akita Inu is a well-selected dry food. It contains all the vitamins and minerals your pet needs. Provide the animal with constant access to clean and fresh water. During molting, it is recommended to add food additives to the dog’s diet, which have a positive effect on the condition of the coat.
Akita Inu is one of the most “purebred” dogs. This Japanese breed has never needed and will not need to improve the characteristics and the influx of new “blood”. The breeding of dogs of this breed in any country in the world is strictly controlled by Japan. Education and training of Akita Inu Training and education of Akita Inu will take a lot of time and patience. Due to their willful and proud nature, Akitas are not able to execute commands with lightning speed, hence their certain slowness. However, the grossest mistake will be the use of physical force or shouting to achieve a result. Once shouting at the dog or hitting it, you run the risk of making yourself an enemy who, at the first opportunity, will take revenge on you. It is important to remember the fighting past of Akita Inu dogs. Pet behavior can become unpredictable if you do not lay the foundations for correct behavior in time. Catching up on raising a dog from childhood, positioning yourself correctly, you will avoid many problems in the future. Akita Inu is very obedient and will never go against the will of his master, but only if he recognizes him as a “leader”. Akita Inu are belligerent towards other animals. Therefore, it is necessary to engage in the socialization of the pet from childhood. Bring him “into people” more often, introduce him to other animals. Akita Inu does not accept excessive tenderness. Despite the love for children, the child pulling on the tail or paws, the dog may react aggressively. Dogs of this breed strictly guard the territory entrusted to them, are excellent watchmen and guards. They almost never bark, but simply silently attack the enemy who has violated the boundaries of the possession. By its nature, Akita Inu is a predator, so you should not once again awaken aggression in a dog. Do not allow fights with other dogs, do not set your pet on.
Dogs of this unique breed are considered a national treasure of Japan and have been under the patronage of the government since the beginning of the 20th century. The Japanese carefully monitor the breeding process of Akita Inu and do not give dogs to unverified kennels. Any Akita Inu officially exported from Japan is under the strict control of the Japanese National Breed Club, which monitors the show career and conditions of the animal. It is possible to acquire a high-breed dog through the Japanese National Club only by having an excellent reputation as a breeder of this breed, who has been breeding for at least 10 years.
