AKITA-INU
AKITA-INU
Country of Origin: Japan
Height: 64 – 70 cm (male); 58 – 64 cm (bitch)
Weight: 40 – 45 kg (male); 32 – 45 kg (bitch)
Content in the apartment: suitable, but needs sufficient physical activity
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Well suited: for experienced owners
Character
Akita inu possessors of good character, which makes them wonderful animals for the family. They are known as silent dogs that bark only when required. Many fans of this breed say that the Akita Inu are made to feel relaxed and calm, so they help people cope with stress.
In addition to the calm, sociable nature of Akita Inu, they are known for their cleanliness, some people compare them to cats for their lack of smell and clean appearance.
Akita Inu dogs are very patient and faithful, get along well with children and tend to protect them.
However, since Akita Inu possess possessive as well as hunting instincts, it is desirable to teach them to communicate with other animals at an early age. Akita Inu who grew up with other animals, cats or dogs will get along well with them in the future, but without early socialization they can be aggressive towards other pets, especially dogs of the same sex.
Very dedicated Akita Inu powerful defenders, which makes them good watchmen.
Akita Inu is a smart and calm dog, but at the same time independent and with a strong will, so training such a dog may not be easy. This breed is better suited for people with a certain level of experience in keeping large dogs.
Akita Inu can be very stubborn and assertive and if not getting enough exercise or bored, it can become destructive or difficult to manage.
Diseases
Akita Inu dogs are usually very healthy animals, however, the following diseases are most common in dogs of this breed:
Acquired pseudoparalytic myasthenia
Bloating or inversion of the intestines
Hip dysplasia
Von Willebrand disease, a blood disorder similar to human hemophilia.
Eye Diseases:
Cataract
Entropy
Glaucoma
Progressive retinal atrophy
All these diseases are relatively rare and are usually amenable to medical or surgical treatment.
Care
Akita Inu has a beautiful coat of medium length with a soft undercoat. It is necessary to care for such wool about once a week.
Akita Inu breeds do not shear or trim wool. This breed sheds very heavily, fortunately, this period usually lasts only a few weeks and happens twice a year. During periods of molting, it is recommended to care for the dog’s coat daily. Dogs of this breed that live indoors or in cool climates usually shed less.
Keep in mind that an Akita Inu cannot be bathed too often. Otherwise, the dog’s coat may lose its waterproofing properties.
Exercises
Although the question of what kind of physical activity is required by an Akita Inu remains a matter of discussion, a large yard with a fence is considered to be an ideal condition for this breed of dog. Akita Inu are strong dogs and, as a rule, can easily cope with the movement of weights, such as sledding children, etc. However, it is important to keep in mind that Akita Inu puppies aged less than 18 months should not be allowed to pull a large amount of weight, as their bones and joints are not yet fully formed.
It is best to give the Akita Inu the opportunity to exercise independently. Akita Inu love to jump, run and play when they want it. You can play toys with your dog that will encourage her to run and play.
If an Akita is in an apartment, then she needs regular and long-term physical exertion. When getting enough exercise, the dogs of this breed will be calm and obedient.