Mary Allen
Adding a new member is an important choice. You can’t just get a dog on a whim and hope for the best. After all, dogs are a huge responsibility, and you need to make sure your new dog fits into your family’s lifestyle. Mighty big, protective, and aloof, Akita dogs are bound to make an impact on loved ones. Do you want a dog or even a companion? Do you have the time and expertise to teach or are you currently looking for a dog that is easy to control? There are numerous things to think about before getting your Akita dog. However, we are here to help you.
History of this Akita dog
As a breed, the Akita dog has a fascinating history spanning the United States and their native Japan. Just like all dogs, knowing what they were bred for and also the background of a breed is the best place to start in discerning their character.
The Akita Dog In Japan
The Akita dog’s background begins in its native country of Japan. Ancestors of the Akita dog are listed from 1150 AD and were bred for hunting and fishing. Their fur is not only used to drive animals and fish creatures but also protects against cold, long winters.
Akita dogs have their origin myth. According to legend, the Akita dog was bred on the orders of a nobleman who wanted to use the hunting dog when cold. After generations of dogs fought for its acceptance, success was noted in the bear-seeking Akita dog.
Over time, their devotion caught the interest of many rulers, and there were moments in history when kings were able to elevate, possess, and educate them. These dogs could have collars denoting their own prestige and team to feed them.
This brings us to the 20th century when popularity spread across the planet to aristocracy, royalty, and other people outside of royalty in Japan, such as in France, the United Kingdom, and Spain. It was that officials made an attempt to collect Akita dog offspring.
The Akita Inu Hozankai Society began a book that still exists in 1927, and the dogs had been designated a national treasure in 1931 after being designated as tribes. Since the dog was given the strain while standing, this is actually the source of its name.
The Akita Dog In America
The very first enrolled Akita dog in the US was owned by a military officer in Montana, but it wasn’t popularized until 1937 when Helen Keller, the deafblind activist, and author, was given the name “Kamikaze,” which was shortened to “Kami.”. However, this pup died, she had been given another named “Kenzan-go” who stayed with her until 1945.
After the war, America’s love for Akita dogs increased, leading to variations. While breeders have continued to push Akita dogs to become smooth breeders, they have bred their Akitas to be taller and stouter. Don’t forget to ask a breeder for a Western or American selection if you have a taste.
Fast Facts
As individuals are beyond their predecessors, dogs will also be more than their own story. Although there is a breed bred for a specific function, the land. To help you in understanding this honorable, stunning and iconic creature, here are some interesting little details about them:
- The typical lifespan of the Akita dog is 10 to 11 years.
- The Akita dog is a Spitz-type dog. They are characterized by their thick coat, and started from a northern lineage like the Siberian Husky, with pointed ears, and curly tails.
- The Japanese Akita dog is commonly referred to as the Akita Inu because “Inu” means dog.
- Mature male American Akitas are generally 66 to 71 inches tall and weigh up to 56 pounds, while Akita Inu grows to 64 to 70 inches and weighs around 39 kg.
- Mature female American Akitas are generally 61-66 cm tall and weigh around 66 kg, while Akita Inu will be 58-64 cm tall and up to 65 kg.
- As part of this Akita dog’s function as a national emblem, infants in Japan are typically gifted with Akita dog figurines to bring joy and endurance.
- The most famous dog in Japan is the Akita dog called Hachiko. Hachiko waited for his owner at Shibuya station every day after work. After the death of his owner, Hachiko continued to create this journey for nine decades, making him a mark of loyalty.
- It is possible to visit a museum in Odate dedicated to your Akita dog.
- Akitas have webbed toes that allow them to move well.
- Many Akita dogs are extremely clean and generally smell better than a typical dog.
- Among President Putin’s four dogs living with him in Moscow is an Akita dog named Yume, who was given to him from Japan’s Akita Prefecture after Russia’s help with the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.