We visited the National Akita Inu Competition to take a closer look at the adorably fluffy Akita dogs, and to find reasons as to why the Japanese Akita — and its sibling, the Shiba Inu — has become such a massive phenomenon around the world. For a long time, the Akita Inu was mainly used as a hunting dog because of its fairly large size, fierce loyalty, and gentle character.
With the Edo period, however, the big dogs also started gain popularity as fighting dogs, up until the Taisho era. In this year, a newspaper article appeared in a newspaper, telling the story of an Akita dog called Hachiko who kept waiting in front of Shibuya Station for his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno. The National Akita Competition is a big chance for breeders to show off their beautiful Akita dogs.
The Akita coming from all over Japan are judged in different categories, varying by age and sex. The criteria are things like posture, teeth, and more — each Akita is examined thoroughly from head to tail. The Akita dogs who have completed the examination by the judges get to go on a little walk with their owners near the venture.
Things immediately get a lot livelier as the serious part is over and the Akita get to show their true colors! As it turned out, the story was as touching to the contemporary Western audience as it originally was for the Japanese in the 30s. Kabosu the Shiba thus conquered the internet, and while she is a Shiba Inu, the Akita Inu profited from the hype just as much.
By the way: the two breeds are fairly similar regarding features such as their pointy, triangle-shaped ears or the curled tail. The main difference is the size, as Akita dogs are about twice the size as Shiba, often even bigger. An orthopedic condition, Dysplasia normally affects hips and elbows in Akitas. As a result, your Akita may start limping around painfully. This is usually a big sign of distress.
This genetic condition ultimately leads to arthritis, which is incurable, as the canine grows older. This is another reason why its so crucial to buy a puppy Akita from a reputable breeder. The condition causes the cells of the retina to deteriorate in phases and no therapy in the world can stop this onslaught. Watching your Akita go blind can prove to be a truly painful experience. If this happens, the best thing you can do is to ensure that the environment remains unchanged.
This way, the Akita can still find its way about despite not being able to see anything. Akitas are prone to suffer from autoimmune conditions, which manifest in the form of skin lesions. Like other dog breeds, an Akita can also suffer from cancer of lymph nodes or bone. Hyperthyroidism is another condition which can cause hair loss, epilepsy, lethargy and so on.
However, it is not as invasive as other conditions and if caught during its initial stages, you can rectify it through a balanced dose of diet and exercise.
Powerful that an Akita is, it is also fearless and courageous. Challenge this canine and you end up facing a formidable opponent who will fight until its very last vestige of courage. Treat it with love and respect and train it well, and you will have gained one of the most affectionate and faithful companions.
As long as you have the confidence to handle an Akita, this dog breed could prove to be the best for you. So do your research and judge whether you are up for it in every way before bringing one home. Some say that the Akita is just the large version of the two. These dogs have often been compared to the Japanese Spitz as well, at least in terms of physical features.
I was privileged to have once rescued a pup who looked very much like an Akita. I'd never knew much about the breed until our Vet pointed out all the similarities he saw that made him think she was mostly Akita. Our Vet said they were siblings. When she was about 1yr old? My Dad moved into our in-law apt. He soon told us he was SO lonely! He was having problems sleeping. So I thought she might love having her own "home" with no competition. Plus she might have the right dispossession to be company for my Dad.
He looked puzzled but said "Yes". After 1night? After 1night of them together? I asked Dad if he wanted to keep her? He said "YES! We watched Elly Mae around him. She never tripped him or got in his way once. She sensed how she needed to act. Though she'd never been housetrained? She instantly knew to "yip" to go outside. Never had 1 Accident. She loved putting her head on the arm of his recliner for him to pet. She was indeed in "HER" home. Dad went to an Adult Day Care weekdays. Elly Mae!
Sometimes she had to "remind" him at the door until he let her in. To remind him. Then back to the front door. Dad passed away about 6yrs later. We let Elly Mae in to "sniff" her old friend before they took him away. As soon as she saw he was "gone"? Today's Akita reflects that breeding. The Akita is happy to be an only dog, and can be aggressive toward other dogs not in his family group. Properly socialized, an Akita can learn to tolerate other animals, but will most likely try to keep his status as top dog at any cost.
The Akita is loyal and affectionate toward his family and friends, but quite territorial about his home and aloof with strangers. They are excellent watchdogs and will only bark when there is truly something amiss.
He has extreme strength and endurance and needs dedicated training to help him properly channel energy. Being an intelligent breed, however, the Akita can easily become bored with training. He thrives when challenged and given a job to do.
Even though the Akita is a large, hardy breed, they have been bred for centuries as a companion in the home. The loyalty and devotion they display is well loved among Akita owners. Typically the Akita will follow you from room to room in your home, as if its only purpose in life is to protect you and keep you company. The Akita can, however, have aggressive tendencies.
Usually the aggression is toward other dogs. They are not typically aggressive toward people, but have highly developed protection instincts and care should be taken when unfamiliar people enter your home. As for children in the home, the Akita will be as loyal toward them as any family member. Of course, young children in general should never be left alone with any large dogs, especially when they are new to the family.
In addition to their extreme loyalty, the Akita likes to keep very clean, and is easily housebroken. These two characteristics make them desirable to have in the home. Some have described the Akita as being almost "cat-like," as they are so clean and odorless. The Akita originates in Japan where he is considered to be "tender in heart and strong in strength. Centuries ago the breed was owned only by the imperial leaders of the country. Originally the Akita's job was to hunt, guard, and herd.
This swift, powerful dog was unsurpassed in his ability to track large game including deer, elk and black bear. The Akita continues to be regarded as a loyal and courageous dog, and the Japanese now use the Akita as a police dog. Known as a symbol of protection, Japanese parents often receive a small statue of an Akita when their child is born. The Akita is not only a symbol of protection, but also one of health, happiness, and long life.
In , the government of Japan declared the Akita breed to be a national monument and one of Japan's national treasures. Helen Keller was the first person to bring the Akita to the United States. In , on a visit to the Perfecture of Akita , she commented on how much she admired the breed and would like to have one of her own. Her courage had inspired the people of Japan, and as a gesture of respect she was given a puppy named Kamikaze-Go.
Although this puppy died at a young age, she was fortunate to receive a second Akita and enjoyed his companionship for many years. Select Your Region. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Youtube. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement.
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