Japanese dog Akito Inu is an active and cheerful companion. When getting a pet of this breed, the future owner needs to familiarize himself with the rules of keeping a potential family pet. How to feed Akita Inu, how to comb, where to put the litter? Having solved all these simple questions, you can provide your pet a comfortable and happy life.
The history of the breed Akita Inu
These dogs have been known since antiquity. Two thousand years before our era, the ancestors of modern Akita Inu lived. For the first time the breed began to be mentioned at the beginning of the XVII century in Japanese treatises.
Unique dogs were bred in Japan. Having received a magnificent pet, the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun did not really think about what name to give it. They decided to name the animal in honor of the province of Honshu Island, where the first representative of the breed appeared - akita. Well, foreign in Japanese means "dog."
Akita Inu is one of the few dog breeds in the world whose genetic set has not changed for several centuries. The only changes were in the way pets were used.
Until the 17th century, dogs played the role of selfless guards of common people's dwellings. Then their owners were not particularly interested in the question of how to feed Akita Inu. Animals fed mainly on waste from the hosts table.
Some time later, the dogs were noted by the nobility for their magnificent appearance and innate grace. As a result of this, Akita Inu was assigned to the elite class, and since then it has been calling him to please members of the imperial family and close aristocrats.
In 1927, a special society was created, the duties of which were charged with maintaining the purity of the breed.
Today, Akita Inu has become popular all over the world thanks to the feature film directed by Lasse Hallström "Hachiko: the most faithful friend." The tape, based on a real story, told about the main character trait of the dog - devotion to the owner until his last days.
Akita Inu breed description: exterior rules
The animal belongs to a number of large dogs. An adult dog reaches a height of 70 centimeters at the withers. The pet weighs 30-35 kilograms. Akita Inu is a dog with a proportional physique and excellent musculature. The appearance of the dog makes it look like a mini-bear.
The pet’s head is wide, ending with a rather short muzzle with small eyes. The ears of Akita Inu are erect, triangular and very sensitive. The dog has perfect hearing because it is a descendant of guards and hunters.
The body of Akita Inu is somewhat stretched, the back is straight, the chest is wide and deep. The coat of the dog is thick, with a thick undercoat. It perfectly repels water, so the dog is not afraid to be in cool water for some time. The color of the animal ranges from bright red to white, brindle or sesame. The condition of the coat directly depends on what is fed Akita Inu.
The character and temperament of Akita Inu
The fluffy miracle, despite its touching appearance, is a rather serious dog. In moments of good mood, this is a cheerful, cheerful creature, ready to support any tricks. Akita Inu is a balanced and savvy dog. Before entering into an argument with someone, she kind of thinks about her plan of action and possible consequences.
An animal almost never attacks first. However, it is able to give the offender a worthy rebuff. The ability to protect is transferred to the pet from its ancestors.
Akita Inu is a very curious breed. Each rustle or movement causes genuine interest in the animal. By all means, the dog must find out the source of unusual events. With stubbornness, Akita Inu achieves his goal sooner or later.
The dog is very strong, hardy, agile. These qualities make her an excellent guard for his master and his home.
Thanks to her quick wit and intelligence, Akita Inu is good at learning all the commands, fulfilling tasks and requests. With the right approach to raising and training an animal, you can easily overcome the dog’s stubbornness and achieve the desired results.
Pet Maintenance
A luxury dog ​​does not really require much care and money. The thick coat of the animal gives him the opportunity to live in an aviary on the street. Akita Inu is also taking root in a small apartment.
The only thing you can’t refuse to your ward is in long walks and optimal physical activity. Having met his own kind on a walk, the dog will not deny himself the pleasure of playing and fooling around with them.
You can comb Akita Inu no more than once or twice a week. During molting in the autumn-spring period, it is necessary to carry out the procedure for getting rid of tundits with a comb with metal teeth or a special mitten.
Two to three times a year, it is recommended to bathe the dog. Bath procedures should be carried out using special shampoos and conditioners.
How to feed Akita Inu: diet rules
Many breeders of elite breeds prefer to give their pets industrial food. Giving preference to ready-made feed, you need to remember the following rules:
- The composition of the food should not contain soy. This product is categorically not suitable for dogs of Asian breeds. The protein found in this bean can cause an allergic reaction in Akita Inu. Also, wheat and corn should be excluded from the diet.
- You need to choose the feed on which the recommendations for the daily rate are indicated according to weight. In addition, feed should be appropriate for the age of the animal. When deciding how to feed an Akita Inu puppy, you should make sure that the daily norm of fat for feeding babies does not exceed 18%, and protein - not less than 25% of a serving.
- It is recommended to give preference to premium and super premium feeds. In order to choose the right food for your pet, you can consult a dog handler or a veterinarian.
What about natural foods?
The diet of Akita Inu involves well-balanced portions. This is very difficult to do at home. Firstly, it’s not easy to choose the right products. Secondly, over time, a pet can get bored with a monotonous food. He will want something new and not entirely useful. The best feeds for Akita Inu are those that contain all the necessary substances, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
When preparing natural food for your pet, you should adhere to these rules:
- The menu should include a sufficient amount of protein. However, soy, wheat and corn to a dog of Asian breed is categorically impossible.
- The best cereal for akita inu, as for a real Japanese, is rice. A certain amount of buckwheat porridge is also allowed. Cereals should be a quarter serving. The remaining products are vegetables and meat or fish.
- Twice a week, it is recommended to treat your ward with dairy products - kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt.
- Akita Inu needs fish as a source of protein and fat. Two to three times a week, the menu should include sea fish. The river is categorically not suitable due to the large number of small bones.
- What kind of meat can Akita Inu, in what quantity? It is noteworthy that not all and not many. Pork is not allowed in the dog’s diet under any circumstances. Allergens can be poultry meat (chicken, duck, goose), beef, veal.
- If possible, vegetables should be given heat treatment; fruits can be given raw. Potatoes and allergenic fruits should be excluded from the menu.
What not
When deciding how to feed Akita Inu, you should remember about prohibited foods. These include:
- fatty meat and fish:
- smoked meats;
- sweets - cakes, jam, chocolate, etc .;
- pickled and pickled vegetables;
- canned food;
- ready-made sausages and sausages;
- flour baking;
- legumes, citruses, grapes, potatoes, cabbage.
- tubular bones of birds - chicken, duck wings and legs.
In order not to inflict unintentional harm to the pet with his desire to treat her with a harmful delicacy, one should wean the puppy from “duty” from childhood near the dining table during a meal.
Characteristic diseases of the breed
Akita Inu are allergic. In addition to this trouble, they practically do not get sick. These are healthy and strong animals. However, with improper care and genetic failure, the following ailments can occur:
- eye diseases, glaucoma;
- spontaneous bleeding due to poor blood coagulation (von Willebrand disease);
- hip dysplasia;
- muscle weakness or myasthenia gravis;
- frequent bloating and gastrointestinal diseases;
- volvulus.
Recent diseases directly depend on what the owner decided to feed Akita Inu. With proper nutrition, they can be avoided.
Training of wards
This breed is quite hardy and strong. The ideal habitat for the dog is a large yard with a high fence. Despite his power, the pet is very playful and companionable. He will be happy to ride his master's children on a sled and help owners move heavy objects.
The description of the Akita Inu breed also implies the presence of hunting and watchdog skills in dogs. During training it is necessary to let the dog understand who is the master of the situation. The owner must be stronger in spirit than his ward. Only with a strong character is it possible to achieve the desired learning outcomes.
A dog needs to be raised from childhood. The first lessons should be about discipline and hygiene. Do not sleep on the bed, do not beg at the table, do not bark in vain, do not crap in the apartment - these are the habits characteristic of a well-bred dog. By the age of two, namely at this age, Akita Inu becomes an adult, these skills must be firmly rooted in the character of the animal.
It is best to start professional training for an inexperienced owner with a qualified dog handler. Commands should be given in a calm, low voice, for the correct execution it is recommended to encourage the animal. In case of failure or disobedience can be scolded. The soft, stern voice of the owner will be the most formidable punishment for the dog.
Rules for choosing puppies
Today the breed is very popular. Many want to get such a dog. When choosing an Akita Inu, you should adhere to these rules:
- Ask about the pedigree if you want to continue breeding.
- Pay attention to the condition of the coat, ears, eyes, general skeleton. Any deviation from the norm indicates hidden puppy diseases.
- When buying a dog, it is recommended to ask the breeder how many times to feed Akita Inu at a young and mature age. Only by providing proper and timely nutrition can a healthy and active animal be raised.