Mary Allen
Although bred in Japan as a fighting dog, the Akina has an easygoing, powerful, and reserved personality.
Although now popular as companion and guard dogs, they must be carefully bred and trained to eliminate aggressive potential. Nothing for beginners.
Akita Inu – bred in Japan as a fighting dog
Representing the largest native Japanese dog breed, the Akita Inu is an imposing four-legged friend who, when the worst comes to the worst, is not to be trifled with. But thanks to his size, strength, and intelligence, he can afford to appear confident, dignified, and composed. He is loyal to his family; He keeps his distance from strangers. The males in particular like to get involved in fights with other dogs.
Care
The representatives of this breed are quite easy to care for. An Akita Inu usually goes through a short, violent change of coat twice a year. During this time, a comb with double rows of metal tines will do a good job.
Temperament
Even-tempered, slow-moving, intelligent, friendly, obedient, unflappable, great hunting instinct, good watchdog, not particularly barking, loyal to its owner and family. An Akita Inu sees itself as a friend – not a slave. The tough and robust fellows have even achieved proverbial fame in Japan: “Tender at heart, but strong and courageous on the outside” describes the Akitas best.
External features of the Akita Inu
Eyes
Dark brown, slightly almond-shaped, and, as is typical for pointed species, lying low.
Head
Powerful and wedge-shaped, broad at the top, distinctly narrower towards the square snout.
Breast
Deep and massive; the chest should be half the height of the dog at the withers. The Akita also has a distinct “waist”.
The back
A straight, level back, relatively long in relation to the size of the dog.
Tail
Thickly hairy; it is carried tightly rolled over the back.
Paws
Compact “cat’s paws” that are easy to lift, thus saving strength; with webbed toes.
Upbringing
With an owner who has a strict but loving nurturing hand, an Akita Inu can learn a lot. However, the dog quickly becomes stubborn and resists harsh training – so it is not necessarily suitable for beginners.
Attitude
The Akita Inu is a dog for advanced users who know how to educate and guide them consistently. He is hardly suitable for the city because he needs a lot of outdoor exercises. The rough coat with the dense, fine undercoat is relatively easy to care for.
Compatibility
Most Akita Inus do not socialize well with other dogs, so they are fine to keep as individual pets. Often enough, they even behave extremely aggressively towards conspecifics, especially those of the same sex. You have to get them used to cats or other pets very early on in order to prevent later problems. In general, the dogs get along well with children as long as they are not teased too much. The Akita bravely defends its territory against strangers, whether they are two-legged or four-legged invaders.
Movement
An Akita In has great stamina. However, it is not a problem if you don’t have much time for a long hike, and it adapts to the circumstances. However, one should always remember that these dogs have a strong hunting instinct and therefore should not be allowed to go off-leash in game-rich areas.
Particularities
The Akita Inu has been declared a national cultural heritage in Japan.
History
The Akita Inu can already be recognized as Japanese by the name. He is usually called Akita for short, which is a linguistic error, however, because “akita” simply means “big” and actually makes no sense without “inu” (dog). The breed has ancient roots in the Nordic Spitz group, but in its modern form it was not bred for dog fighting until the 17th century. When this cruel sport fell out of fashion, the powerful, multigenic four-legged friends were used as hunting and guard dogs. Today in the West they are kept almost exclusively as companion and guard dogs.