American Akita: characteristics of the breed, care and content

Twenty years ago dog breeders did not know about the existence of a dog called the American Akita. Characteristics of the breed began to appear in special editions only at the end of the XX century. Until this time, the Japanese Akita Inu was well known to the filmmakers.

In many ways, her fame contributed to the touching story of Hachiko, about which the film was shot. A dog is even erected a monument, and a scarecrow is exhibited in the Tokyo museum. This faithful dog everywhere followed his master - Professor Hideasaburo Ueno. At work he traveled by train, and the dog daily in the morning accompanied him to the station Shibuya, and in the day met him there.

But one day the owner did not return after work. He passed away during the lecture. Hachiko lived without a host for 9 years. Every day she came to the station, hoping to see familiar features.

History of the breed

Akita Inu is the oldest Japanese breed of dogs. Archaeologists managed to find clay figurines of these animals, which were made in 2 thousand BC. E. Presumably, the breed was bred when crossing dogs from the northern regions of the country with large Chinese go dogs.

These animals were always popular, but more often they were used by residents of the northwest of Japan. The records, dated to the 6th century, are preserved, where the rules for breeding and rearing these sentry dogs are described. Muscular and strong, they participated in the hunt for wild boars, deer and bears.

After the signing of the treaty between Japan and the USA (1854), the country was flooded with foreigners. Many of them brought with them four-legged friends. In those early times, no one controlled the crossing of native breeds. Therefore, thoroughbred akits began to disappear rapidly.

Only in the 20s of the last century the government paid attention to these animals. The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Species was created. This organization began to lead, as in ancient times, tribal books. Dog exhibitions were resumed. The organization officially recognized several Japanese breeds, including Akita.

During the Second World War, work to restore the species was stopped. The number of these amazing dogs has dropped dramatically. And, probably, the breed would have been completely lost if the government of the country had not intervened for it after the war. The number of purebred dogs was controlled by state bodies.

These animals became the parents of the renewed breed. Dogs were carefully selected without "European" impurities. The strained work of the breeders was fruitful by the end of 1963, when the breed was officially recognized.

Modern Akita

The modern dog of this breed - both Japanese and American Akita - differs significantly from the ancient Japanese aboriginal dogs. To see this, you need to look at the effigy of the legendary dog Hatiko, which is exhibited at the Museum of Natural Sciences in Tokyo. The ancient Akita looked more simple and had a more fierce disposition, as they were used for hunting and protection.

Akita in Europe

Interestingly, the fate of these animals in Europe. Here, both the Japanese and the American Akita are known. Characteristics of the breed for a long time was the same for both branches. These dogs participated in exhibitions on an equal footing, as representatives of the same species. Only by the end of the 80s of the last century, Japanese cynologists finally decided on the exterior of the Japanese Akita. They maximally brought her closer to the Spitz-shaped dogs, which have a "fox" head. In addition, individuals with spotted color and a black mask were excluded from breeding. These features are different American dog Akita, which has a "bear" head.

Since 1996, in most countries, these breeds have been recognized as independent. Only Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom did not make this 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. It has a big "bearish" head. Ears are erect, triangular in shape, set at a slight angle.

The eyes of the Akita are not large, dark, set deep. Akita-inu American has a thick double wool. Paws are "feline", dense, with protruding bones. The tail is twisted on the back, often forms a single or double ring. The standard allows any colors, except spotted.

Adult males have a height of 66-71 cm at the withers and a weight of 45-59 kg. Adult bitches are slightly smaller: 61-66 cm in height and weigh 32-45 kg.

Character

Akita American (the owners' reviews confirm this) has a strong hunting and guarding instinct. This must be taken into account when raising. Many owners note that the animal is calm, balanced and devoted to the beloved master, like Khatiko. However, they argue that respect for handsome people must be earned. Education by force is strictly prohibited. It simply will not give any effect, except for resentment and anger of the animal.

From an early age, one should learn his pet and develop the best qualities in it. Otherwise, he will become a disobedient dog. The training of the American Akita must be conducted in the form of a game. The inexperienced owner will most likely need the help of a professional trainer. This work should be done before the puppy turns 3 months old.

As for relations with children, this is one of the friendliest dogs - the American Akita. Characteristics of the breed suggests that the pet perfectly coexists with the guys, especially if you know them from puppyhood. But this calm animal has its own view of the world. The dog does not like unnecessarily 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 it alone with children.

Owners of Akita will often encounter the hunting instinct of their pet. The dog will pursue every small living creature. That is why in the city, Akita should be taken out only on a leash. She can pursue a wandering cat, chase a bird. And all this will be done in silence and very concentrated.

What else can be said about the breed of Akita American? The owners' feedback allows us to conclude that this dog will appeal to people who do not like loud barking too much. Akita by nature are silent, so they will not bark at all. Only in exceptional cases they vote. For example, to drive a stranger from a protected area. Akita is stingy for emotions. Only love for the owner, she expresses, without restraining herself: when meeting is ready to lick it completely.

Care and maintenance

As already noted, these animals have a massive and heavy bone. Therefore, the cynologists point out that the puppies of the American Akita should not be physically overloaded. Do not allow four-legged teens to carry heavy objects (many beginners in dog breeding try to do this for the development of muscles), since the ligaments, joints and muscles of the puppy must grow stronger. This is achieved as a result of a balanced diet and age-appropriate dog loads.

Luxurious wool Akita will not require complex maintenance. Only during moult will regular grooming be needed. It is much more common to meet with a hairdresser exhibition dogs. They wool the wool with special compounds, so that it becomes more voluminous.

The apartment of American Akita is stuffy and uncomfortable. This dog needs air and space. But if you did start it in the city, then you will have to walk with your pet often and for a long time. It is necessary to say that with the relatives (representatives of other breeds), the American Akita does not get along very well. 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.

Puppies of the American Akita

If you decide to have such a pet, listen to the opinion of the dog handlers regarding the selection of the puppy. First you need to choose a well-established nursery that breeds this breed. Then read the parents' pedigree.

Of course, one can not be 100% sure that having a champion title gives them a guarantee of a quality and healthy droppings, but nevertheless, lets hope that the puppies will be no worse than their parents.

Ask the breeder if the dogs were tested for health. In Russia, only tests for dysplasia are taken into account, eyesight is not taken into account. Such tests are conducted by a specialist licensed to do so. Only adults are subject to the procedure, the results are entered in the pedigree.

Do not choose a puppy in a hurry. The breeder who respects his work is interested in that the future owners of the dog know as much as possible about this breed, and not only about its virtues, but also about the shortcomings. The specialist always wants to meet in advance with future owners, draws attention to the range of their communication, nature and interests. As for potential buyers, for them such preliminary meetings also have a certain interest. They make it possible to make sure that the kids are kept together with their mother in appropriate conditions, and the breeder is a person with whom I would like to continue to maintain relations.

Advantages of the breed

It is necessary 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 guards at home, and this does not require special training. The dog is calm, respectable, reasonable. Strangers are wary of strangers, but without excessive aggression. Due to his balanced nature, he rarely barks. If you hear a dog barking, do not leave it unattended. This means that the dog warns of the approach of a stranger or of some danger.

disadvantages

The American Akita, whose breed character says that this dog is jealous enough, prefers to be the only favorite in the family, but if properly educated, she can get along with other domestic pets. Akita has a good character, smooth and calm, well trained, but different in independence. Self-confidence and excessive autonomy are the features characteristic of the nature of these animals. Therefore, the dog needs to be given from an early age to understand that the owner is the leader, the "leader of the pack," whom she must obey and respect unquestioningly.

American Akita: price

The cost of these rare animals in our country depends on the class of the dog. Pets without a pedigree cost from 10 to 12 thousand rubles.

The children of the breed class, who have all the necessary accompanying documents and are admitted to breeding, will cost 15-30 thousand rubles.

Most expensive are the kids of the show class. The parents of these babies are the champions of exhibitions, have different titles, so their offspring gets excellent prospects in exhibition activities. Such a dog will cost at least 50 thousand rubles.

Reviews

The territory of our country is not very widespread American Akita. 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 devoted and loving friend. A small exception is made only by those who did not get acquainted with the breed beforehand, started it up for maintenance in a small apartment, while not being able to give the dog much time and walk it for several hours a day.