Akita Inu The National Japanese Treasure

The Japanese Akita Inu

The Akita Inu or also called Japanese Akita is a dog breed that comes from Japan, Asia, and in its native country, it is considered a national treasure. It has been revered as a symbol of good health, prosperity, and good fortune. In their honor, and following the history of Hachiko, this wonderful breed was awarded a national monument.

Weight range :
Male: 38’5-58 kg
Female: 29’5-50 kg
Height at the withers:
Male: 68’5 cm
Female: 63’5 cm
Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The Akita Inu: National Heritage in Japan

Maybe if you’re not very up-to-date on Japanese dog breeds, like the Shikoku Inu and Shiba Inu this name won’t tell you anything. But … What if we name the movie Always by your side, Hachiko? , the thing changes right? This dog became very popular after this film and there were many who acquired it based on the fame that the film achieved. Apart from the phenomenon that occurred from the film, in its country of origin (Japan), the Akita Inu has always been a highly valued breed, and even revered! Since they considered it a kind of “national treasure”, on the other hand, as a curiosity to tell you that they also had it as an amulet of both good luck and fortune.

Origin of the Akita Inu

This breed comes from the Japanese Akita region, hence its name. The ancestors of the Akita Inu were medium-sized dogs, which were used to hunt bears and were known by the name of Akita Matagi. Starting in 1603, these dogs were used for dogfights, and, in order to increase their strength and endurance, they were crossed with spitz and mastiffs dogs. The results of those crossbreeds were larger dogs but without the characteristics of the spitz-type dogs.

In 1908 dog fighting was banned in Japan, but the breed never regained its original size. At the end of World War II, the number of Akitas had been drastically reduced, and, as if that were not enough, there were three different types: Akita Matagi (similar to the original), Akita Fighting and Akita Sheepdog. (Interbreeding of Akita with German Shepherd dog).

The interbreeding that had the characteristics of a mastiff and a German sheepdog fascinated North American breeders and were used to repopulate the breed in the United States. These interbreeding lines, and in particular the Dewa line, gave rise to the breed that is currently known as the American Akita.

Breed fans in Japan did not accept these breeds as suitable representatives of the Japanese breed, so they set about repopulating the breed with the Akita Matagi dog breed. The result is the current Akita Inu which, although larger than the original Akita Matagi, retains the Spitz type and does not have the characteristics of a German Shepherd and Mastiff.

Physical characteristics of Akita Inu

Akita Inu coat: fairly short and hard, the density of the undercoat insulates it perfectly while the coat covering the body protects it from bad weather.
Akita Inu color: coat generally composed of fawn red, white, brindle, but more rarely sesame (red-fawn hair with black tips).
Akita Inu head: well proportioned in relation to the body, it has a broad forehead. The base of the muzzle, broad, tapers, but does not end in a point.
Akita Inu ears: triangular, small, and thick. Slightly rounded in point, they are erect and tilted forward.
Akita Inu eyes: quite small and almond-shaped (almost triangular), very dark brown.
Akita Inu body: a compact silhouette with a beautiful musculature, a straight, solid back, and a well-raised belly. Females are longer in the body than males.
Akita Inu tail: thick, it is carried high and it remains constantly curled on the back, like an ellipse.

The Japanese Akita Inu is a large dog. He has a large, hairy and broad head, but proportionate with a strong and muscular body. In this way, its muzzle is also strong and moderately long. It is wide at its base and, although it tapers towards its end, it is not pointed. The bite is powerful and the teeth close in scissors. Akita’s nose is black, although slight depigmentation is acceptable in white dogs. The lips must be well adhered to.

Both the ears and the eyes seem to follow triangular shapes. The latter tend to be dark brown in color, small and tend to be slightly separated from each other. The ears, meanwhile, are relatively small, thick, and forward-facing.

The Akita Inu neck is thick, muscular, and has no dewlap. It has a deep chest and the tail, with a unique coiled shape, glides over the back.

Akita features a smooth, hard outer mantle and a dense, soft inner mantle. On the other hand, the coat of the tail is longer than that of the rest of the body. The colors of Japanese Akita are white, gold, sesame, and tabby.

They measure between 61 and 67 centimetres, variable depending on the specimen and sex, and can weigh up to 45 kilograms, according to Saki, Sezione Akita Italia.

Akita Inu character

They have a very reserved and shy character, they are calm most of the day, adopting a calm attitude even in times of stress. The dog’s serenity is palpable. It is a very balanced, docile, and determined breed of dog. The loyalty he offers to his master is the strongest and best-known characteristic of the Japanese Akita.

Although he is very suspicious of strangers, he is a dog that will not attack without reason, only in the face of provocation and signs of aggressiveness. It is an excellent watchdog.

In dealing with other dogs it is complicated, the Akita Inu is dominant and although he does not seek confrontations he will create enemies for life if challenged. Akita Inu puppy, it is very important to socialize him with all kinds of dog breeds and other animals so that we do not have problems in the adult stage, where he can be more violent. It is a dog that requires an expert master in dog management, who knows how to impose his authority and most importantly, who knows how to use positive reinforcement.

the Akita Inu is very friendly to young children, who will not hesitate to protect them from any danger. he Is patient with them especially if he knows them. you will find on some websites divergences on the aspect of the behaviour of the Akita Inu with children. It is important to know that the Japanese Akita is a very special breed, which will need an experienced owner and the most essential thing: that it provides it with the proper education.

It is a dog of extreme strength and a very marked character that will try to challenge weak people to achieve being the leader of the hierarchy, for this reason, we recommend that people who have children and doubt their abilities as owners after reading this tab, choose another race perhaps more tame than this. If, on the other hand, you think you are fully capable of controlling the impulses of the Japanese Akita Inu, do not hesitate for a moment: their loyalty and intelligence will leave you amazed, ‘this breed often have the name ” Akita guard dog.

Akita Inu Care

Endures inclement weather without difficulty. Even so, due to its dense coat, it is advisable to brush it daily and with special care in times of hair shedding. As a result of all this, we must comment that if their diet is deficient it will influence the cloak, which will be seen as impoverished and not very shiny.

Akita Inu is a dog that needs a medium-high dose of exercise every day. We will have to walk it at least twice a day trying to run it or do some kind of extra activity. It is also important to note that the Akita Inu can be adapted to both the size of a house and the size of a floor, where it will be equally happy.

On the other hand, the Akita Inu breed, despite its size, is a dog that does not need extreme, but moderate exercise, which allows it to live in an apartment. Similarly, we must not forget the possible  pathologies  of the breed:

• Akita Inu hair requires time and dedication, as this breed sheds hair in large quantities twice a year.
• Very frequent brushing.
• It does not require cutting.
• You should bathe every six to eight weeks, and you have to take care of Akita Inu nails.
• You have to take care of Akita Inu eyes, ears, and teeth.
• You should go to the vet as often as required, and always have your vaccinations up to date.

Japanese Akita Inu Diet

As a large dog, it will need a fair amount of food each day. Make sure you use good quality dry dog food as it is better for it. About 3 to 5 cups a day, split into at least two meals is average though to be sure it is getting the right amount to take into account its size, age, health, level of activity, and metabolism.

It is important to keep in mind that the Akita Inu does not share well and does not like its food bowl being touched or played with. If another dog or pet, or even a child tried to take its food bowl away or touch it even especially during meal times, it could bite.

Akita Inu Training

The Akita Inu is a very intelligent dog that requires a strong personality owner. If they do not consider a correct attitude in their master, the dog tends to take the reins imposing his own rules. He will not follow you if he does not consider you a worthy leader, for that reason you should never give in to his demands. In Japan, it is considered an honor, a privilege, and a display of nobility to educate an Akita Inu.

For various reasons, experts in this breed advise mental stimulation by teaching tricks, advanced obedience, and identifying a variety of objects. We will be amazed at its capabilities. In addition, he can also be physically stimulated with activities such as agility, enjoy hiking or Schutzhund with him. All the activities that we teach your Akita inu must have a set time limit of a maximum of 1 hour daily, otherwise, the dog will hate spending so much time on it.

• Makes a trustworthy and alert housedog as long as its exercise needs are met.
• Requires a long walk or jog every day.
• Most akitas do not do well in dog parks.
• Games and tricks provide needed mental exercise.
• Its thick coat provides good protection against cold weather but may make it prone to overheating.

Exercise and Activity Levels For Japanese Akita

Japanese Akita does not require much exercise. They do love the snow and the cold weather and will enjoy a nice run out in the cold. However, daily walks and an occasional vigorous run suffice to make an Akita Inu happy. Because they are inherently dominant and may attack other animals, off-the-leash walks or visiting a dog park are not overly recommended, however, that is not to say that all Akitas are exactly the same and this should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Ideally, an Akita Inu owner should provide it with a decent sized fenced yard so that it can run freely and exercise as much as it feels like.

Akita Inu Health

In adoption Akita Inu, you must always take into account the care that your future pet requires. Take note: In the case of the Japanese Akita Inu, their aesthetic maintenance is not as demanding compared to other races, however, it should not be neglected.

As for the diseases that affect the Japanese Akita, the most common is usually the following

• Hip dysplasia
• Pathologies of the immune system
• Knee pathologies
• Thyroid gland dysfunction

Both to prevent their appearance and to detect them in time, it is essential to go to the vet periodically, follow the reviews established by the specialist and keep your vaccines and deworming up to date.

Tips for buying an Akita Inu

Searching for a puppy Akita Inu online carries risks or even adopt This Japanese breed. To be clear about the professionalism of the puppy shop with whom you contact, before you look for Akita Inu for sale we recommend this :

• Make sure that the breeder answers your questions, about Akita Inu puppy or any other kind of dog breeds and that he offers to track the puppy after the sale
• See if it is recommended by other breeders before you buy Akita Inu Dog, or if it has references from satisfied customers.
• Make sure that it has an affix, that your Akita Inu puppy is registered in the LOE, and have a pedigree in order. Keep in mind that processing a puppy’s pedigree is not expensive, be wary of phrases like “if I give you a pedigree it will be much more expensive”.
• Give you guarantees in relation to health problems, physical, hereditary … Does the puppy deliver with a veterinary record, chip, vaccines, deworming, and veterinary reviews daily?
• Ask him to show you his facilities and let you see the specimens. Are they free of diseases?
• And finally, remember that Akita Inu puppies need a minimum of two months with their mother before being delivered. Be wary of anyone who wants to speed up the process.

Akita Inu price

Akita Inu price and how much it cost for Akita puppy

The cost of getting an Akita puppy is going to be about $800 for a good pet quality dog from a respectable breeder. That could go up to around $1000. If you are wanting a dog for showing the price can go up even more into a few thousand. However, you can pay less if you are willing to take in rescue and you do not mind if it is not a puppy. Rescue or shelter dogs are around $100 to $300.

With the Akita Inu puppy, you will need some things like a crate, leash, collar, and bowls which will cost around $180. It will also need to go to a vet for a physical exam, shots, deworming, neutering or spaying, chipping, and blood tests. These initial medical procedures will cost around $300.

Recurring medical costs such as pet insurance, checkups, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention come to a starting figure of $485 a year. Other recurring costs like toys, licenses, training and miscellaneous costs can come to $245 a year. Food that covers treats, as well as good quality dry dog food, will start at about $270 a year.

This gives a yearly cost that starts at $1000.

where i can fin Akita inu puppy for sale!

there are many places around the world and most in the USA or Europe who can offer u to adopt Akita Inu or buy one all u have to do is see the shelter or puppy shop. you can choose between some breeds of American Akita Inu or the Japanese Akita Inu.

Akita Inu Facts

• Japanese Akita his loyalty became famous on the big screen with the film Always by your side, Hachiko in 2009 (with Richard Gere). It is a remake of a Japanese movie that tells the story of a dog that every day picked up its owner, a teacher, at the station after work. After his death, the dog continued to return every day for 10 years to the station, hoping to find him.
• Several people observed Hachiko’s behavior at the Tokyo station in 1925 and began offering him food and care. Years later the entire city knew its history and the authorities erected a statue in his name in 1935, the dog himself being present.
• Before Akitas had an “official” breed name they were referred to simply as “snow country dogs.”
• Japanese Akita have webbed toes to help walk on snow by distributing their weight more effectively. Historically, they keep their front dewclaws because this “ice picks” help them climb out of icy water.
• Japanese Akita is designated as a national treasure in his native country JAPAN.
•  An Akita will groom himself like a cat, is clean, and housebreaking is usually not a problem.

Source:https://www.akc.org/