The American Akita is a powerful yet gentle breed of dog. The breed is known for its loyalty and intelligence. They are also very protective of their owners, making them great guard dogs. If you’re into unique breeds, it’s time to explore!
History of the American Akita
The Akita Inu is a Japanese breed of dog that has been bred for thousands of years. The breed is known for its loyalty and courage. The Akita was originally bred to hunt bears, boar and deer in the mountainous areas of Japan. It was also used to pull sleds in the snow and guard livestock and homes.
The Akita Inu is one of the most ancient breeds in the world, and was developed in the 17th century. Akita is a symbol of protection, and it’s also considered by many a gift of God. It was developed in several regions throughout Japan during this time and if you belonged to an imperial family, you were able to be in possession of the Akita. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the USA, and nowadays, these pooches have become lovely family members of modern homes. This is also due to the famous Hachiku, known from the movie A Dog’s Tale with Richard Gere.
Are Akita Dogs Dangerous?
The American Akita is generally considered to be a very aggressive breed of dog because they were originally used for fighting purposes and as bear hunters. This can pose problems if you allow your dog off-leash in public places or if you have small children at home.
If you have kids, they need to know how to interact with an aggressive dog properly or safely without getting hurt themselves. They might not be aware of the fact that these dogs are trying to protect their owners from perceived threats or dangers around them at all times (even if those threats do not exist right now).
Training the Akita Inu
The American Akita is a loyal and affectionate pet that bonds with its owner quickly and strongly. However, this breed needs socialization from an early age in order to learn how to interact with people other than its family members. The breed should also be taught basic obedience commands such as “sit,” “stay” and “come.” The American Akita should never be allowed off-leash outside the safe confines of your yard or home because they can be aggressive toward other animals and people they don’t know very well.
American Akita Dog Breed: Physical Appearance
The American Akita is a powerful, sturdy and well-built dog with a broad head and a short, thick coat. The body is strong and muscular but not heavy, the tail should be carried high and the eyes are small, almond-shaped and dark brown. The ears are triangular and hang down naturally by the sides of the head, they are covered with long hair which forms a fringe over them. The breed comes in two colors, red and white or sesame (red with black markings).
The average height for an adult male American Akita is between 26-28 inches at the withers, and for females it’s 24-26 inches at the withers. These dogs weigh between 80-120 pounds at maturity, depending on their gender and size. Their coats do not shed much, so they only need brushing once or twice a week unless they get dirty or matted, then you need to brush them more often than that.
Grooming Requirements for the Japanese Akita
The Akita Inu has a double coat, with straight or wavy hair on the body and longer, softer hair on its head and legs. The outer coat should be brushed weekly to remove dead hair and prevent matting, while the inner coat should be brushed daily during shedding season (spring to fall). Grooming your Kuma Inu (yet another name) also involves the following activities:
- Bathe your American Akita as needed using warm water mixed with mild shampoo. Rinse thoroughly using cold water followed by toweling dry completely before blow-drying using a high speed setting on your blow-dryer (avoid heat on sensitive areas like ears).
- Trim nails every week or two using a nail clipper and be sure to avoid the quick (the pink part of the nail which bleeds if cut).
- Brush your pup’s teeth at least three times a week using canine toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush to help prevent periodontal disease.
- Clean Akita’s ears once a week using cotton balls dipped in dog ear cleaner to help prevent ear infections.
Gentle, but Protective Giants
As mentioned, the American Akita is a large, powerful dog breed with a thick double coat. They are often referred to as “gentle giants” because they are so affectionate and protective of their family. While they are gentle, they also need regular exercise and training to maintain their fitness level, to prevent obesity and aggressiveness.
Health Issues of the American Akita
Due to their size and strength, American Akitas can be prone to thyroid issues, hip dysplasia and orthopedic injuries like torn ligaments or fractured bones from jumping off furniture or other heights. Some dogs may also develop cataracts later in life due to their white coats turning gray over time. It is important that owners give this breed plenty of room to move around indoors so they don’t develop back problems from being overweight or inactive for long periods of time.
Buying an Akita Puppy
When buying an American Akita, it’s important to make sure you’re getting a healthy dog from a reputable breeder. Be sure to ask about any health concerns the dog may have and what the breeder does to screen for potential genetic health problems. It’s also important to make sure the pup has been properly socialized with other dogs and people and is used to being handled by strangers.
American Akita puppies for sale come in all sizes and colors. This breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence and good temperament with children. The American Akita puppy price varies from breeder to breeder, but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,500.
Akita Breed Takeaway. A Quirky & Protective Pet Dog
The American Akita is a unique pet dog breed who is worth getting to know. It is a large-sized dog that originated in Japan. It was bred for the purpose of bear hunting. However, the Akita was later used as a fighting dog due to its strength and aggression towards other dogs. The breed was almost extinct during World War II because of this practice, but was revived later on. Today, when a baby is born, Akita figures are given as a present to protect the newborn.
Is the Akita Inu Suitable for You?
Akitas are loyal and protective of their family, but they can be aloof with strangers. They also have a strong prey drive, so they may not be suitable for households with small pets. Akitas require a lot of exercise, so they are best suited for families with an active lifestyle. They also need plenty of space to run and play, so a house with a large yard is ideal.
Will You Have Time for Your Japanese Dog?
When it comes to grooming, the Akita has a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. Daily brushing is necessary to control the shedding, and regular baths are also recommended. Are you ready for such devotion? Overall, the Akita Inu is a high-maintenance breed, but he is also capable of forming a deep bond with his family. If you are looking for a loyal and loving companion, the Akita Inu may be the right breed for you.
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