Twenty years ago, dog breeders did not know about the existence of a dog called the American Akita. The characteristics of the breed began to appear in special publications only at the end of the 20th century. Until that time, Japanese Akita Inu was well known to dog handlers.
Much of her fame was contributed by the touching story of Hachiko, about whom the film was made. The dog even installed a monument, and a scarecrow exhibited in the Tokyo Museum. This faithful dog everywhere followed his master, Professor Hideasaburo Ueno. He traveled to work by train, and the dog accompanied him daily to the Shibuya station in the morning, and met him there during the day.
But once the owner did not return after work. He died during a lecture. Hachiko lived without a master for 9 years. Every day she came to the station, hoping to see familiar features.
Breed history
Akita Inu is the oldest Japanese dog breed. Archaeologists managed to find clay figures of these animals, which were made in 2 thousand BC. e. Presumably, the breed was bred when dogs were crossed from the northern regions of the country with large Chinese dogs go.
These animals were always popular, but more often they were used by residents of the north-west of Japan. Records dating back to the 6th century, where the rules for breeding and raising these guard dogs, are preserved . Muscular and strong, they participated in the hunt for wild boars, deer and bears.
After the signing of a treaty between Japan and the United States (1854) on opening ports, the country was flooded with foreigners. Many of them brought four-legged friends with them. In those days, no one controlled the crossing of native breeds. Therefore, purebred Akits began to rapidly disappear.
Only in the 20s of the last century did the government pay attention to these animals. The Society for the Conservation of Japanese Breeds was created. This organization began to conduct, as in ancient times, stud books. Dog shows resumed. The organization officially recognized several Japanese breeds, including Akita.
During the Second World War, work on the restoration of the species was stopped. The stock of these amazing dogs has plummeted. And, probably, the breed would have been completely lost if the country's government had not stood up for it after the war. The number of purebred dogs was controlled by state authorities.
These animals became parents of the updated breed. Dogs were carefully selected without "European" impurities. The hard work of the breeders bore fruit by the end of 1963, when the breed was officially recognized.
Modern Akita
The modern dog of this breed - both Japanese and American Akita - is significantly different from the old native dogs of Japan. To verify this, you need to look at the scarecrow of the legendary dog Hachiko, which is exhibited at the Museum of Natural Sciences in Tokyo. The ancient Akits looked outwardly simpler and had a more ferocious disposition, as they were used for hunting and protection.
Akita in Europe
Interestingly, the fate of these animals in Europe. Both Japanese and American Akita are known here. The characteristics of the breed have long been the same for both branches. These dogs took part in exhibitions on an equal footing, as representatives of one species. Only by the end of the 80s of the last century, Japanese dog handlers finally decided on the exterior of Japanese Akita. They brought her as close as possible to Spitz-shaped dogs with a fox head. In addition, individuals with spotted color and black mask were excluded from breeding. These features distinguish the American dog Akita, which has a "bearish" head.
Since 1996, in most countries, these breeds are recognized as independent. Only Canada, the USA and Great Britain did not make such a decision. In these countries, two types of dogs are used for breeding.
External features
The American Akita dog is a large animal with a massive physique. She has a big "bear" head. Ears are erect, triangular in shape, set at a slight angle.
Akita's eyes are small, dark, set deep. American Akita Inu has a thick double coat. Paws "cat", dense, with protruding bones. The tail is twisted onto the back, often forming a single or double ring. The standard allows any color except spotted.
Adult males are 66-71 cm tall at the withers and weigh 45-59 kg. Adult bitches are slightly smaller: 61-66 cm in height and weigh 32-45 kg.
Character
Akita American (owner reviews confirm this) has a strong hunting and security instinct. This must be taken into account when raising. Many owners note that the animal is calm, balanced and devoted to his beloved owner, like Hachiko. However, they argue that the respect of handsome men must be earned. Education by force is strictly prohibited. It simply will not give any effect, except for resentment and bitterness of the animal.
From a very early age, you should teach your pet and develop the best qualities in it. Otherwise, he will become a naughty dog. The training of American Akita should be in the form of a game. An inexperienced owner will likely need the help of a professional trainer. This work must be done before the puppy turns 3 months old.
As for relationships with children, this is one of the friendliest dogs - the American Akita. The characteristics of the breed indicate that the pet gets along well with the guys, especially if they have known them since they were puppies. But this calm animal has its own view of the world. The dog does not like excessively noisy children's games. In this case, your four-legged defender will try to restore order and disperse the “offenders”. Therefore, it is better not to leave him alone with children.
Akita owners will encounter their pet's hunting instinct more than once. The dog will pursue all small animals. That is why in the city, Akita should be displayed only on a leash. She can chase a stray cat, chasing a bird. And all this will be done silently and very focused.
What else can be said about the American Akita breed? Owner reviews suggest that this dog will appeal to people who do not like loud barking too much. Akita are silent by nature, therefore they will not bark in vain. Only in exceptional cases do they cast their vote. For example, to drive a stranger from a protected area. Akita is stingy with emotions. She expresses love for her master only, not restraining herself: at a meeting she is ready to lick it completely.
Care and maintenance
As already noted, these animals have a massive and heavy skeleton. Therefore, dog handlers point out that American Akita puppies should not be physically overloaded. Do not let four-legged teens carry heavy objects (many beginners in dog breeding try to do this to develop muscles), as the puppy's ligaments, joints and muscles need to be strengthened. This is achieved as a result of a balanced diet and appropriate loads for the age of the dog.
Luxurious Akita wool does not require complicated care. Only during molting will you need regular grooming. More often you have to meet with a hairdresser for show dogs. They process wool with special compounds so that it becomes more voluminous.
The American Akita apartment is stuffy and uncomfortable. This dog needs air and space. But if you still brought her in the city, then you have to walk with your pet often and for a long time. It must be said that American akita rarely gets along with relatives (representatives of other breeds). In the company of other dogs, he always tries to be a leader and often provokes fights. In this case, even early socialization does not help.
American Akita Puppies
If you decide to have such a pet, listen to the opinion of dog handlers regarding the choice of a puppy. First you need to choose a well-established nursery that breeds this breed. Then check out the pedigree of the parents.
Of course, you can’t be 100% sure that their champion titles guarantee high-quality and healthy litter, but, nevertheless, allows us to hope that the puppies will be no worse than their parents.
Ask the breeder if the dogs have been tested for health. In Russia, only dysplasia tests are taken into account, vision is not taken into account. Such tests are carried out by a specialist licensed to carry out such activities. Only adults are subjected to the procedure, the results are recorded in the pedigree.
Do not choose a puppy in a hurry. A breeder who respects his work is interested in future owners of the dog knowing as much as possible about this breed, and not only about its advantages, but also about its shortcomings. The specialist always wants to meet future owners in advance, draws attention to their circle of communication, nature and interests. As for potential buyers, for them such preliminary meetings are also of some interest. They allow you to make sure that the kids with their mother are kept in appropriate conditions, and the breeder is a person with whom he would like to continue to maintain relations.
Advantages of the breed
You need to know that the breed of American Akita, whose price is quite high, has (as, indeed, any other) its advantages and disadvantages.
In all atlases of canine breeds, watchdog abilities of these animals are noted. They are excellent house guards, and this does not require special training. The dog is calm, solid, judicious. Strangers are wary, but without undue aggression. Due to its balanced nature, it rarely barks. If you hear a pet barking, do not disregard it. This means that the dog warns of the approach of a stranger or of some danger.
disadvantages
The American Akita, the characteristics of the breed of which indicates that this dog is quite jealous, prefers to be the only favorite in the family, but if properly raised, she can get along with other pets. Akita has a good character, smooth and calm, is well trained, but is independent. Self-confidence and excessive independence are traits characteristic of the nature of these animals. Therefore, the dog must be made clear from an early age that the owner is a leader, the "leader of the pack," whom she must obey implicitly and respect.
American Akita: price
The cost of these rather rare animals in our country depends on the class of the dog. Pets without a pedigree cost from 10 to 12 thousand rubles.
Kids of the brid-class, having all the necessary supporting documents and admitted to breeding, will cost 15-30 thousand rubles.
Most expensive are show-class kids. The parents of these babies are exhibition champions, have various titles, so their offspring receive excellent prospects in exhibition activities. Such a dog will cost at least 50 thousand rubles.
Reviews
American akita is not very widespread in our country. Reviews about it, however, breeders receive regularly. It must be said that they are all positive. The owners are happy to acquire a reliable watchman, a loyal and loving friend. A small exception is made only by those who, having not got acquainted with the breed in advance, started it for keeping in a small apartment, while not being able to devote a lot of time to the dog and walk it for several hours a day.