Akita

The great Japanese dog which is a symbol of nobility and bravery will be the best option when you are thinking of having pets. Yes, we are talking about Akita also known as ‘Japanese Akita‘. They are the safest dog breed for your children. They are loyal to their families and stay alert every time. So, read this article and grasp some knowledge about this breed which is very courageous and requires a lot of activity. Here, we will tell you about the behavior, the health problems, and the food of this breed.

Introduction

• It is an aristocratic and frightening dog breed that is huge and powerful.
• In feudal Japan, they were originally intended to protect kings and nobility. 
• Wild boar, black bear, and occasionally deer were also tracked and hunted by these dogs.
• It is a tough dog who doesn’t back down from a fight and isn’t easily scared.

Second Name

• These dogs are divided into two types: a Japanese strain known as Akita Inu (inu means dog in Japanese) or Japanese Akita, and an American strain known as Akita or American Akita.
• The other names are Great Japanese Dog, Japanese Akita, and American Akita.

History

• It was developed in the snowy and rural plains of Odate in Japan’s mountainous region.
• They were taught to hunt elk, wild boar, and Ussuri brown bears, among other creatures.
• This breed was engaged in dogfighting in the 1600s, which was popular in Japan at the time.

Characteristic

• Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
• Origin: Northern Japan
• Coat: Short-double coat similar to Siberian Husky, also long coat dogs are found
• Coat Color: Ginger, red, brindle,
• Weight: male weighs 110 pounds and the female is about 80 pounds
• Height: male weighs between 26 to 28 inches while females weigh between 24 to 26 inches.
• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Personality: Bold, willful, alert, courageous, and extremely loyal to their family.
• Hypoallergenic: They are not hypoallergenic.

Behavior  

Sensitivity Level

• They dislike an irregular daily schedule, a noisy home, and frequent visitor visits.
• This breed’s emotional level reflects that of its owner, and they do not respond well to punishment.

Kid-friendly

• They are not the safest dog breed for children. This is because of their size, strength, and independence, and they can turn aggressive if they feel the need to defend themselves. 

Other pet friendly

• They are often violent against other dogs, particularly those of the same gender.
• They are best suited to a family with only one dog. So, keep this in mind if you are thinking to buy this breed.

Aggressive

• When it comes to aggression, they generally tolerate them. But not in a case of a threat.
• They are good with human beings.

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Care They Need

Food & Diet

• Rice, fish, and sea plants were traditionally the major diets of Akita dog.
• For them to grow properly, their diet should contain a perfect balance of all nutrients.
• Remember one thing,  they should be fed premium puppy food until they reach the age of four months.

Exercise

• Since, they are such a huge breed, they require a lot of activity.
• They need up to two hours of walking per day, mostly off-lead if possible, to ensure they get enough exercise.
• If it’s off-leash, make sure it’s in a secure area with no other animals due to its strong prey drive.

Training

• Having a dog as a pet is no easy task. They need so much care and attention.
• Many dogs need to be trained. They are easy to train. They quickly figure out the connection between commands and actions.

Grooming

• Bathing and brushing are required regularly for them.
• This bright and elegant dog can be washed as often as once a week to once every six weeks.
• Proper bathing and drying techniques are essential for this double-coated breed to maintain a lovely coat.

Health Problems

Dogs need more protection and care than human beings. Their health is a major concern for the owner. Many diseases are genetic in them and some are later developed. In this article, we’ll look at The great Japanese dog’s health difficulties. Continue reading to find out more.

• Infections
• Obesity
• Thyroid Problems
• Cancer
• Bone and Joint Problems
• Skin disease
• Eye problems
• Kidney disease

List of mix breed dogs

•  Bullkita
• Malinois Akita
• Boxita
• Nekita
• Plotkita
• Akita Bernard

Hairstyle

• Clipping or shaving their hair will eventually damage it and destroy the normal shedding process. So, we will suggest you not clip your pet’s hair.
• But remember one thing that bathing and brushing on a regular play a vital role in grooming these dogs.

Read Also: Afghan Hound- Long-haired dog, know everything about them

Intelligence

• They are bright, strong-willed, and proud, and respond best to respectful commands and positive-training strategies that rely on motivation rather than punishment.

Puppies 

• The average number of babies it has is 7.
• Many puppies will yawn or fall asleep in response to stress.

Speed

• They do not prefer running.
• Inu dogs, on the other hand, can run at a top pace of 25 mph, which is rather outstanding.
• Proper pet care can help speed this up even more.

Overview

• They are courageous and independent dog who is naturally watchful of strangers yet fiercely loyal to their family.
• They are alert, smart, and courageous.
• They are often hostile against other dogs, particularly those of the same gender.
• They are best suited to a family with only one dog.

To buy/adopt 

• There are puppy rescues and animal shelters that specialize in finding ideal homes for the puppies. So, you can buy as well as adopt them.
• Adopting this breed is substantially less expensive than buying one from a breeder. Adopting them costs roughly $300 to cover the costs of care for the dog before adoption.
• Purchasing them from breeders, on the other hand, can be unreasonably expensive. They normally cost between $800 and $2,000 depending on their breeding.

Price

• The more expensive variety is the purebred Japanese variety.
• They resemble the Siberian Husky in looks and attitude. They are quite expensive, ranging from $700 to $1,600 on average.

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Fun Facts

• They have webbed toes that help them walk on snow.
• It is said to have spiritual significance. When a child is born in Japan, the proud parents are generally presented with a miniature Akita figurine, which represents health, happiness, and long life.
• Helen Keller, a well-known novelist, and political activist is credited with introducing the first great Japanese dog to the United States in 1937.
• The velvety trail that loops over The great Japanese dog’s back is his unique feature.
• They groom themselves like cats, are clean, and housebreaking is usually not an issue.

Reference Link

• https://g.co/kgs/hioBDb

Akita-FAQ’s