Akita Inu

Breed: Akita Inu | Size: Large | Average lifespan: 11 to 15 years | Character: Loyal, intelligent, and protective| Coat: Short | Origin: Japan.

The Akita Inu is an iconic dog with undeniable charm. This breed is originally from Japan and is known for its imposing stature, calm temperament, and loyalty to its owner. This breed can be adopted both for family life and as a watchdog.

The origins of the Akita Inu

The Akita Inu, a Spitz-type dog breed, is also known as the Akita Ken.

Akita Inu, a large dog of Japanese origin

This breed is originally from the Japanese island of Honshu. It owes its name to the province of Akita, where the breed was first bred in the 17th century. This makes the Akita Inu one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. This dog breed was originally called “Akita Matagi”. In the past, these canines were bred for fighting and hunting big game such as wild boar, bear, and deer. Akita Inus were noble guardians and home protectors for the country’s privileged families. Over time, this dog breed evolved to become a symbol of loyalty and courage in Japanese culture.

Evolution of the Akita Inu

In the 19th century, crossbreeding between two canine breeds, the Tosa and the Mastiff, helped to improve the Akita Inu’s fighting ability. However, after dogfighting was banned in 1908, breeders started concentrating their efforts on preserving the breed’s original traits instead. During the Second World War, all dogs except German Shepherds were captured.

However, enthusiasts were able to save the Akita Inu by making warm coats from the breed’s fur. To support this struggle to preserve the breed, the Japanese government granted the Akita Inu the title of “National Monument” in 1931. Since 1964, the Akita Inu has been recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, and its popularity is growing all the time.

The Akita Inu’s character

Behind the noble and imposing appearance of the Akita Inu hides a complex and fascinating personality.

What are the Akita Inu’s qualities?

To begin with, the Akita Inu is an exceptional companion that stands out for its loyalty and intelligence. Their calmness allows them to adapt relatively easily to life in an apartment or house, whether it be in a city or the countryside. Additionally, they only bark when it’s necessary. This is notably the case in the presence of strangers. They are, however, very sociable and appreciate the company of humans.

The Akita Inu is a private animal that does not take a lot of space. They can put themselves in the corner of a room and spend time watching what’s around them. This breed is affectionate with their family and very protective, which makes them particularly great guard dogs. Their natural instincts allow them to quickly understand what their owner is asking of them.

What are the downsides of having an Akita Inu?

Although devoted to their owners, the Akita Inu can be quite independent. To better understand this personality trait, it’s important to opt for firm, consistent training from an early age. That is because this breed’s strong character can become problematic if rules are not clearly established. Lastly, their weak hunting instincts and need for early socialization can make it wary of strangers.

The Akita Inu’s physical characteristics

The Akita Inu should be not confused with the Shiba Inu. While they look relatively similar physically, there are differences between them regarding their weight and their height.

This article might interest you: What are the differences between the Shiba Inu and the Akita Inu?

Head

The Akita Inu has a round head that is proportionate to the rest of its body. It has a broad forehead and small triangular ears with rounded edges that slope slightly forward. These characteristics give the breed a noble appearance. Their small, almond-shaped eyes are a very dark brown, accentuating their serious, attentive expression. The base of the animal’s muzzle is broad, but narrows gradually without ending in a point.

Body

The Akita Inu’s body is compact and muscular. They have a strong and straight back. When it comes to the females, they are are slightly longer than males, but both sexes are robust and elegant. The breed’s thick tail, always curled over its back, adds to its distinctive charm.

Coat and colors

The Akita Inu has a short, dense coat, especially around the withers and croup. They have a thick undercoat. When it comes to their coat colors, they range from tawny red to white, brindle and, more rarely, sesame (tawny red with black tips). This coat offers great protection against the harsh weather conditions.

Helpful advice for caring for an Akita Inu

The Akita Inu is a clean doog that grooms itself just like a cat. These dogs also make sure to carefully choose the area where they do their business. Because of this, grooming them is relatively simple.

Cleaning your canine

Brushing your Akita Inu weekly is generally enough outside of molting periods to keep your Akita Inu clean. However, during molting seasons (spring or autumn), it’s best to brush your dog daily. They only need to be bathed once a year.

Additionally, it’s important to clean their eyes and ears regularly to avoid infections. You can also brush their teeth regularly in order to prevent an accumulation of tartar and the proliferation of bacteria.

In addition, it is important to keep an eye on the length of your dog’s claws. If they do not wear down enough during their daily activities (walks on hard ground for example), they need to be trimmed regularly. If you are not comfortable with this procedure, do not hesitate to ask for tips from a vet. They can show you the good gestures and give you advice to trim the claws well for you and your dog.

Preservation of your dog’s health

Although this breed of dog is quite robust, it is often prone to autoimmune and hereditary disorders. Sebaceous adenitis, a skin disease characterized by hair loss, affects most dogs of this breed.

You also need to watch out for symptoms of VKH (Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada). This condition, also known as uveo-dermatological syndrome, manifests itself through inflammation of the animal’s brain and eye, and depigmentation of the skin.

There are no preventive tests against these health issues, but you can have your dog’s DNA analyzed as soon as the first signs appear, to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Your vet would then be able to recommend a course of treatment.

An Akita Inu’s diet

The Akita Inu is a demanding dog when it comes to diet. This dog has difficulty tolerating grain-based industrial kibble, ingredients to which it is often allergic. As a carnivore by nature, this dog prefers protein-rich kibble or a natural diet of raw meat, fresh vegetables and starches.

For energy expenditure, get the Akita Inu involved in simple activities such as jogging and bike rides. Akita Inus are multi-purpose dogs that can adapt to the pace of both sporty and less active people. However, it needs to be close to humans to truly live happily and healthily.

Did you know?

Hachiko is clearly the most famous Akita Inu in the world. He stood out for his exceptional loyalty to his master, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno. Every evening, he awaited his return at Shibuya station, where they used to walk home together. In 1925, after Hidesaburo’s sudden death, Hachiko refused to settle in a new home and systematically returned to their old house. Day after day, he would go to the station, hoping to see him again. Touched by his loyalty, passers-by brought him food and water.

Hachiko’s dedication earned him the nickname “Chucken”, which means “faithful dog” in Japanese. He died ten years later at the station, where he had spent his life waiting. His remains rest in Tokyo’s National Museum of Nature and Science, and a statue in his honor stands in Shibuya. His story inspired Lasse Hallström’s 2009 film Hatchi, starring Richard Gere.