Akita Dog

Akitas, regarded as a national treasure in Japan, have attracted American dog enthusiasts with their loyalty, watchfulness, and beautiful strength. The Akita Breed, a huge, dignified dog breed, has its origins in Japan, where he is regarded as a national treasure. The strong Akita is bold and determined, having been bred to hunt wild boar and even bears in the mountains. While not particularly prevalent in the United States, Akita rapidly demonstrates to those who choose to adopt him that he makes a loyal family member when properly taught. Akitas are large and powerful dogs that require a forceful and constant leader to provide them with the necessary early training and socialisation. They are excellent guard dogs that rarely bark unnecessarily. Akitas prefer to be with their families and do not perform well when left alone outside. This breed does not do well in hot weather due to its thick double coats. Akitas are generally healthy, but they are susceptible to some disorders such as hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia. Akitas are a typically healthy breed with a lifetime ranging from 12 to 15 years.

The Akita is named after the Japanese region of Akita, where his ancestors can be traced back to the 17th century. Despite being raised as muscular, hard-working hunting dogs, the Akita became known for his loyalty. With his elegant demeanour and affection, the breed evolved into a lovable family pet when hunting became less popular. They are now one of seven dog breeds in Japan classified as a natural national monument. Akitas have a spiritual importance as well, according to the breed group, and are seen as a symbol of good health.

Akita Puppy Appearance

An American Akita's shoulder height ranges from 24–28 inches, and the breed can weigh between 70–130 pounds. He has a huge head with a broad nose, sharp ears, and deep-set brown eyes. His thick double coat, which sheds minimally and requires brushing on a regular basis, can be any colour, including white, brindle, or pinto, and has well-defined patterns across his robust body. The Akita's characteristic tail rises in a fluffy curl over his back.

The Japanese Akita, often known as the Akita Inu, resembles the American Akita but is smaller. Another distinction is that the American Akita can be any colour, whereas the Japanese Akita is normally red, brindle, or white. While the Japanese Akita is occasionally confused with the Shiba Inu in appearance, they are easily distinguished in terms of mature size: the Akita is a large breed, whilst the Shiba Inu is a petite breed.

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This is one of the rare breeds that has stayed practically unchanged for nearly three centuries. This is not a breed for everyone; this large dog has a body that is longer than it is tall. It has a well-muscled body with a deep chest and a level back. The skin is reasonably taut. When viewed from the front, the forelegs are straight and well boned, with powerful thighs on the hind legs. The feet are thick and compact, with firm pads on the bottoms. The tail is thick, raised high on the back, and arched. The head is huge and broad, with a well-defined stop. The eyes are situated quite deep, triangular, and tiny. The colour is brown, with black rims around the edges.

Living Needs of Akita Breed

Akitas prefer cold weather, and when it arrives, they'll run around in it (they even have slightly webbed toes that assist them walk on snowy drifts), consuming it and rolling around. They are content to follow their owner from room to room or to observe them from the floor when they are indoors. Because the Akita has a high predation drive, he should always be kept on a leash and under close supervision when outside. This breed is quite calm, and barking is usually not a problem unless the dog is alerting its family to a guest or something strange.

Care

Throughout the year, the Akita's thick coat sheds minimally until warm weather arrives. The once-a-year shedding, also known as coat blowing, will undoubtedly blanket the entire house. Regular nail cutting and tooth brushing are also essential for the wellness of an Akita. This breed needs moderate exercise, and if he isn't getting it from running about the yard, a daily jog or long stroll would suffice. Because these fluffy puppies grow into enormous, robust, independent-minded adults, training should begin early and occur frequently—calmness, consistency, and positive reinforcement are essential.

Akita's Health

Vets can create a preventative health strategy to look for and hopefully prevent some predictable dangers of Akita health problems. Many diseases and health concerns are inherited, which means they are tied to the breed of your pet. The diseases indicated above have a substantial rate of incidence and/or influence in this breed, according to canine genetic experts and veterinary practitioners. That does not guarantee your dog will have these issues; it simply implies she is more vulnerable than other dogs.

Dental

Dental disease is the most frequent chronic condition in pets, impacting 80% of all dogs by the age of two. Sadly, your Akita is more likely than other dogs to suffer dental issues. Dental disease begins with the accumulation of tartar on the teeth and proceeds to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth.

Infections

Akitas are susceptible to the same bacterial and viral illnesses that all dogs are, including parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections can be avoided with immunisation, which we will prescribe based on her age, the diseases we find in our area, and other reasons.

Obesity

Obesity can be a serious health issue in Akitas. It is a dangerous disease that can lead to or exacerbate musculoskeletal difficulties, metabolic and digestive disorders, back discomfort, and heart disease.

Parasites

Worms and bugs of all types can infiltrate your Silent Hunter's body, both inside and out. Fleas and ticks, as well as ear mites, can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can enter her system through a variety of routes, including drinking polluted water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be passed on to humans & caretakers and are a major health risk for them. These parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, therefore one must test for them on a regular basis.  

Thyroid Problems

Akitas are prone to hypothyroidism, a disorder in which the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin illnesses, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioural changes are all symptoms.

Cancer

Cancer is the most common cause of mortality in elderly dogs. Because your Akita is likely to live longer than many other breeds, he is more likely to develop cancer in his elderly years. Many cancers can be cured surgically, and some can be treated with chemotherapy. The importance of early detection cannot be overstated!

Bone and Joint Problems

• Dysplasia, a genetic illness that causes the joints to develop incorrectly and leads to arthritis, affects both the hips and the elbows. Stiffness in your Akita's elbows or hips may become a concern as he grows older. You may notice that he develops lameness in his legs or has trouble rising from a seated position. Surgery is sometimes a possibility in severe and life-threatening cases. Also, keep in mind that overweight dogs might develop arthritis years earlier than normal-weight dogs, causing unnecessary pain and suffering.

• Many older dogs suffer from arthritis, and larger canines experience greater pain and impairment than smaller dogs. Akitas are especially prone to arthritis, although there are several treatments available. The earlier we start treatment, the better the outcomes. Good nutrition and exercise are also important in reducing bone and joint problems as your pet ages. 

Skin Conditions

Akitas are susceptible to a range of skin conditions, including sebaceous adenitis. The  dog may have dry, scaly skin with areas of hair loss on the top of his head, back of his neck, and along his back. This ailment usually appears between the ages of one and five years in Akita dogs.

Temperament

Akita is a smart and strong-willed dog who possesses incredible power and is not afraid to use it when such a situation arises. This breed is frequently the pack leader. If you allow them to control you, you will be surprised because they can easily seize the position of alpha. They are excellent guard dogs and can be overly possessive of the family and its members. When it comes to other pets and children, this breed does not fare well. They will not be patient with them. They are apprehensive of strangers and can be sceptical of them, but they are incredibly loyal to their family.

Akitas are a very energetic breed that will require frequent exercise to stay healthy. This is not for the sedentary family. They are excellent companions for a daily walk or jog, but if not given enough exercise, this breed will become highly bored and destructive. If you intend to keep an Akita as a pet, it is critical to begin socialising them at a young age. This will guarantee that you have a well-rounded puppy who is not overly aggressive and does not snap at other pets or strangers.

Environment

Akitas are an excellent choice for experienced pet owners. They are incredibly loyal to their family, but they do not get along with tiny children because they become temperamental when they try to play with them. Early socialisation is usually beneficial, so if you have young children, they should be taught how to approach the dog properly. 

This breed does not get along with other dogs, especially if they are of the same sex. It is critical to socialise them as early as possible in order to instil some tolerance. They are not suitable as pets for small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, and other smaller pets. Because this breed used to hunt for sustenance in the snow-covered mountains where food was scarce, they may still regard them as prey.

Another thing to bear in mind is that this breed will require an hour of daily exercise on a leash or in a gated area to ensure that these clever escape artists do not run away. It is important to remember that this breed will remain joyful while working. If it does not work, it has the potential to be harmful. Akitas can live in apartments, but this high-energetic breed requires space to burn off its energy, so this may not be the best living situation for him. Another thing to bear in mind is that this dog does not do well in hot and humid weather.

Training & Intelligence

The Akita is a very intelligent breed that is also one of the hardest to teach. They are quite domineering in nature and have a strong will. So don't be surprised if your breed refuses to learn. From afar, this breed will detect a push over the owner, so keep in mind that power and confidence are the way with this breed.

They are irritable and do not get along well with strangers; their distrustful character is a major detriment. They can attack an intruder at any time and are excellent protection dogs for their owners. This can only be remedied by early socialising in a variety of scenarios to determine what is normal and abnormal behaviour. It is critical for this breed to distinguish between a buddy and a stranger.

Akitas have a volatile temperament and can be unpredictable; one minute they may be playing, and the next they may snap. The worst thing about this breed is that it will not tell you whether or not it is irritated by a stranger. This enormous breed has an obnoxious tendency of howling; they do not bark but can be ferocious howlers at times. They must be educated from the start what is and is not acceptable.

Procreation

Akitas are usually a healthy breed, with few difficulties in their breeding. The only thing you have to think about is selling or adopting the gorgeous puppies. The average male and female Akita reach sexual maturity between the ages of six and nine months. Despite the fact that your pet is still too young to breed.

It takes about 18 months for a dog to attain his or her full height and structure. It is best to breed your dogs after they have reached the age of two. If you are new to breeding, it is best to seek the advice of a veterinarian. You simply relax and enjoy the company of four to six cute little puppies. The breed's average litter size. Akita puppies come in a variety of colours; dark-colored dogs wear masks, whereas white dogs do not.

Puppies

Akita puppies, like their adult counterparts, are high energy, so be prepared to be constantly on the go when you bring this breed home. If the energy is not adequately evacuated, it can easily become destructive, and you may wind up losing your beloved furniture and upholstery. The Akita puppy will have the same violent temperament as the adult. As a result, it is critical to ensure that the puppy is socialised early with a variety of people and sounds to guarantee a well-rounded development. You will need to train the puppy to walk on a leash as soon as he is three months old because this breed loves to run and their predatory instincts can make them terrific escape artists.

Fun Facts

• The Akita is so revered in Japan that the family of a newborn kid is often gifted with an Akita statue, which represents health, happiness, and long life.

• Visitors to Japan's Akita region, where the dog originated, can encounter Akita dogs at a variety of establishments, including the Akita Dog Museum, the Akita Dog Visitor Center, the Ani Ski Resort, Furusawa Hot Springs, and the Royal Hotel Odate.

• Helen Keller fell in love with this breed after hearing the storey of the renowned Akita Hachiko, who patiently waited for his owner's homecoming at a train station for nearly ten years, ignorant that the owner had died. When Keller went to Japan to teach in the 1930s, she expressed a desire in adopting one of these loyal dogs, and the Japanese government took her request seriously; when Keller returned to the United States, she was accompanied by an Akita.

• Hachiko, based on an Akita, is one of the most well-known films of all time. It was based on an actual storey that happened in Japan. Every day, the professor's Akita would travel to the station to greet him. The professor died on the way, but until the day the dog died, he would travel to the station in the hope of greeting his master. This film was well-received on a global scale.

• Akita Shepherd is a cross of Akita and German Shepherd canines. This large-sized, physically powerful dog is noted for its peaceful, loyal personality. It is rather thick in build, with broad shoulders and muscular features.

• According to the breed standards, Japanese Akitas can only be red, fawn, sesame, brindle, or pure white, with Urajiro markings whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, cheeks, underside of chin, neck, chest, body, and tail, and on the inside of the legs. Among all other breeds, the white akita is the cutest.

Conclusion

The Akita is a working dog breed that evolved in the mountains of northern Japan. The Japanese government recognised the breed as a "natural monument" in 1931. It was used as a hunting and fighting dog before being trained for police and security service. The Akita is a huge, muscular dog with a broad head, erect, pointed ears, and a long, curving tail that is carried over the back or coiled against the flank. Akitas are bred in a wide range of colours and markings, including all-white, brindle, and pinto. With the exception of the white, all Akitas have a distinct mask. When it comes to protecting his or her own family, an Akita Inu is an effective guard dog. They have a double layer coat that enables them to withstand the cold and hard winters of Japan's upper reaches, and their muscular body allows them to effortlessly traverse snow-covered slopes. This is not the breed to keep in hotter climates. This breed is generally healthy and does not have many health issues. It is susceptible to the common diseases linked with the huge breed. This is a very active giant breed dog who will be your lifelong buddy. As a result, Akita is not an ideal choice for smaller places such as apartments and condominiums.