Hachiko dog breed - Akita Inu

Akita Inu is not just a dog, but a real Japanese treasure and favorite breed of dog lovers around the world. Thanks to the famous dog Hachiko, who showed a unique dedication, Akita Inu gained worldwide popularity. The number of people willing to buy a puppy of this breed has increased 15 times! And still interest in it does not fade. What is the secret of dogs of this breed?

When did representatives of Akita Inu breed appear

If you look at the history, Akita Inu are among the most ancient dog breeds. Scientists, having thoroughly studied the origin of numerous archaeological excavations, were able to find out that as far back as the second millennium BC, this breed was inhabited in Japan. In addition, images of dogs, very similar to Akita Inu, are present in the drawings of antiquity.

To study the origin of Akita Inu for certain failed, so deeply its roots went. There is a theory that these animals are descended from a spitz-shaped dog from China and ancient mastiffs . It is also believed that the Akita is a descendant of the Siberian Husky and the mastiff. But, despite the resemblance, the northern dogs and the Akita have nothing in common.

An exotic name for our ears, in fact, this is not. The Japanese did not fantasize much, in the translation "Akita" is the name of one of the provinces in Japan, but "Inu" is translated as a dog.

Studies have shown that the breed in the form in which it now exists, was formed in the XVII century and still has not changed. Akita Inu are unique also because they are truly purebred, and their selection activity has not touched them.

In those days, Akita Inu were not ordinary dogs, the pet of this breed could afford only the most notable grandees. In the imperial family, representatives were in a special position. But this did not happen immediately.

Initially, purebred dogs performed hunting and security functions in the homes of ordinary people, but by the 18th century, the situation had changed, and the Akita had significantly increased their status. At that time, a new decree appeared, according to which a person who killed or offended a representative of this breed was subjected to cruel punishment. And soon, the Akita Inu were an elite breed, inaccessible to the peasants.

Naturally, this could not but affect the development and distribution of the breed. According to the Japanese love of ceremonies, caring for a pet has become a real ritual. Akita Inu began to correspond to the rank of their owners. This was indicated by special attributes, the presence of your own servant. Looking at the Akita, it was possible to determine the status of its owner.

In 1927, a special society was formed, the activity of which was aimed at preserving the breed. They followed the purity of the breed, not allowing crossings with other representatives.

Of course, the Second World War had a significant impact on the breed, since almost all of its representatives were at the front. Then the breeding process almost stopped. But nevertheless, several pure blood pets managed to be saved; they possessed all the qualities inherent in Akita Inu.

In the XIX century, representatives of other breeds began to appear on the territory of the country. The Japanese woke up the desire to get on the basis of Akita with the addition of blood of dogs, Saint Bernards, bulldogs, dogs with a more aggressive character, to use them for security purposes. Then there were absolutely new breeds - Karafuto (Sakhalin Huskies) and Tosa-Inu (dog from Tosu principality).

This has somewhat affected the Akita breed. Their descendants gained a denser physique and a bit of aggression in character.

Descriptive characteristic

Akita is a 100% Japanese dog whose native land is the northern regions of the country. Initially, it served two functions - guard and hunting. Today, the range of her responsibilities has expanded, but most often Akita is used as a companion dog.

The height of the males varies from 64 cm at the withers to 75. The minimum weight is 40 kg. Like other breeds, Akita females are much smaller.

The standard confirmed three possible colors:

• The combination of red and white. In this case, light hair can only be on the inner sides of the chest and limbs, and also create a "mask" on the face. The professional name for such a coloration of the muzzle is “uragero”.
• Tiger wool on the body with a white mask on the face.
• White Akita Inu - no other colors are allowed.

If the Akita is decorated with a black mask on the face, then we are talking about a representative of the American species of breed. In the Japanese version, this is considered a marriage.

Purebred representatives have a strong, proportionate physique, with heavy bones and powerful muscles. In dogs, the lumbar belt clearly stands out.

Characteristic features of the external structure help to distinguish pets from other dogs:

• The head of the Akita Inu is triangular in shape, slightly dull, of medium size relative to the body. Small, slightly slanting eyes, not protruding, with dark brown iris. Ears open, erect. When compared to the size of the head, they are rather small, triangular in shape with slightly rounded edges.
• The forehead is wide, with a hollow between the eyes, which goes a little on the forehead.
• The tip of the nose is large, black in color, slight staining is possible only in animals with white hair.
• The lips are black and tight to the jaw.
• The skin is loose against the body, but not hanging down. Sometimes the skin forms small folds.
• The tail with high landing, rather large, has the twisted form and is thrown on a back. Coat dense, coarse, medium length. There is a thick undercoat.
• The paws of the Akita Inu are strong, muscular, ending in a cat with soft paws.

In general, looking at a dog of a given breed, it seems that it is a harmoniously developed animal, strong and strong, and in fact it is.

Unusual amazing character

Akita Inu is a whole set of positive characteristics that four-legged friends can possess. No negative traits - only positive and the joy of communicating with this dog.

Fun and mischief, which endowed puppies of this breed does not disappear throughout the dog's life. Akita are balanced dogs, with no signs of aggression.

They will not get involved in a fight, without assessing the situation and their own forces. Intellectual indicators in Akita at the height, they really have the wisdom and wisdom that accumulated over the centuries.

There is only one negative trait in the character of these dogs - pathological curiosity. Akita simply must be aware of everything that is happening, and for this she will try to explore all the corners in the house. Even a slight noise can tear her away from business and make her rush to look for the source. But this quality weakens over the years, making the Akita less curious and more phlegmatic.

The character of Akita allows you to keep an animal, both in a large family, and make it a companion for one person. For parents, such a pet is a real find, which can entertain even the tiniest karapuz for hours.

Do not think that a dog without human intervention will be able to show all its qualities, given by nature. Her upbringing should definitely be engaged, from the very appearance in the house until the last days. By the way, Akita Inu has the longest childhood among dogs - it is considered a puppy up to 2.5 years. Only by constantly communicating with an animal can one raise a cleverest and loyal family member.

Purebred pets are very friendly, and with respect to all family members. But only under the condition of complete reciprocity. It is worth knowing that an Akita can appreciate a good attitude. Possessing an independent appearance, this dog is obedient and has no tendency to disobedience and bad actions.

Akita Inu are wary of strangers, this applies to strangers. Other dogs they regard as invaders personal territory, and can rush into battle. Experienced dog breeders attribute this quality to the sense of dominance laid down by nature.

How to properly maintain and care for Akita Inu

If the plans are to purchase a puppy of this ancient Japanese breed, then you can be sure that the new pet will not cause much trouble. The dog is universal, it feels good both in the apartment and on the street. For outdoor living, Akita has a warm coat, equipped with a thick undercoat. But despite this, it is still necessary to provide a pet with a warm booth.

Akita living in an apartment require a two-day walk, which should last at least two hours. Walking alone, the dog behaves with restraint and calm, until a relative suitable for games appears in the field of view, and then the pet will show all its agility.

If the Akita Inu does not allow to throw out excess energy, then the dog may become lazy, gain excess weight and even lose obedience.

Special care for wool is not required, just a couple of times a week to comb it and remove the resulting mats. During the molting periods, of course, an additional combing of the finished wool will be required in order to speed up this process.

Akita can not be often bathed, it can lead to the fact that the pet is sick. Two or three swims during the year will be enough. It is necessary to use only specialized detergents, after the coat requires thorough drying, in this case it is permissible to use a hairdryer.

Akita have an excellent appetite, so you need to carefully balance the diet, avoiding overeating and subsequent weight gain. It is not recommended to feed the pet from your own table. You can pick up high - quality ready-made dry food . Feeding Akita allows mixed food. Several times a week you can give the dog fresh cottage cheese, yogurt or kefir, a piece of lean meat, vegetable or meat broth. Pet must necessarily be provided with clean and fresh drinking water.

During the seasonal molting, gestation and rearing of offspring, after illness you can supplement the diet with special mineral and vitamin supplements , but without consulting with a veterinarian.

It is recommended that the dog be vaccinated regularly; the pet must constantly appear in the veterinary room for routine check-ups.

Important articles:

• how to feed an Akita Inu ;
• how to care for dogs .

Photo Akita Inu from the movie Hachiko

Akita Inu Video

How much are puppies

The popularity of representatives of this breed is not waning, so the cost of puppies of this breed can not be called low. And of course, prices depend on the quality of the dog itself. In Moscow, on average, you can note the following prices for Akita Inu:

• A puppy without a pedigree or with an existing tribal marriage with a further prohibition of breeding will cost about 15000-30000 rubles.
• The price of standard class puppies ranges from 32,000 to 70,000 rubles.
• The cost of a show-class puppy can reach 100,000 rubles.

At a distance from the capital, you can purchase an Akita Inu pet at a price that is 30-40% lower than indicated. What puppy, and for what needs to purchase, the owner decides for himself.

Akita Inu Kennels: