The Akita Inu is one of the largest Japanese Spitz dogs.
It is distinguished by hunting and watchdog abilities, which is not surprising, since in the past dogs were used for hunting.
It is also one of the 14 oldest breeds and is called the “Treasure of Japan” among the Japanese.
Speaking about Akita, one cannot fail to mention the history of Hachiko, who in 1932 became famous throughout Japan and instantly became public knowledge.
Today, the image of a dog is a symbol of selfless love and fidelity.
Popular types of mestizos
During World War II, dogs were often crossed with German Shepherds , and after the war the breed was divided into three types :
- Shepherd Akita;
- Akita Matagi;
- fighting Akita.
The Akita Shepherd Dog was created by crossing two breeds: the Akita Inu and the German Shepherd.
This is a large , strong dog with well-developed ribs, long limbs and a tucked belly . The dominant colors are black, black and tan and sable; blue, white and liver are also common.
The dog is intelligent and has a tendency to learn quickly. Not only performs in various types of dog sports, but is also in demand in professional activities: be it a guide dog, a search dog, a police dog or a rescuer.
the American Akita (Akita Matagi or large Japanese dog) was bred on the basis of the Akita .
This breed carried not only the blood of mastiffs and Japanese dogs, but also the blood of German shepherds. Despite the similar body structure to the Akita Inu, the American Akita is distinguished by a variety of colors: be it fawn, brown, black, light gray or zoned.
This is a fairly large dog with a harmonious build, massive paws and developed limbs. It is distinguished by a wide muzzle and a thick neck.
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Akita Inu and Shepherd mix
The Akita Shepherd is large in size and has a harmonious build with a small head and elongated muzzle . Medium-sized eyes calmly look into the distance, where large and high-set ears are turned.
The dog's coat is smooth, with a thick undercoat. In terms of height and weight, the dog adopted a little of everything from the two breeds.
Males reach a height of 60-65 cm, while females reach 55-60 cm . Weight varies from 35 to 40 kg.
This is a straightforward and fearless dog, which is also characterized by curiosity and energy. Tends to learn. Smart and insightful.
Due to his watchdog qualities, he is suspicious of strangers, but with regard to his family, the situation is exactly the opposite.
This is not a dog that will survive isolation. The protective instinct, on the contrary, encourages the animal to seek society. And with proper upbringing, he will become a protector not only of the owner, but of the entire family.
The Akita Shepherd serves in security, army, police, search work and participates in competitions . Therefore, there is no need to think about the possibilities.
Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai was bred in the 1970s to create a smaller version of the Siberian Husky . In 1988, the breed received recognition from most kennel clubs. These dogs are available in many colors, including black and white, gray and white, tan and white, and all-white. The red and white Alaskan Klee Kai is rare and closely resembles the red fox.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a suitable pet for active people as these dogs have high energy levels and a high need for exercise.
Inexperienced dog owners may find this very playful breed challenging, but with constant training, the Alaskan Klee Kai can become the sweetest and most affectionate pet. He is usually friendly, but can be aloof and wary of strangers.
Akita Inu and Husky mix
Akita Inu and Husky mixes are not recognized as an independent breed, but this did not stop the dogs from acquiring their own fans and a name - “Haskita”.
It is difficult to judge a crossbreed due to the lack of statistical data, but if you look at the external component, the dogs have a predominance of Japanese blood.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the dog’s physique is almost identical to Akita dogs. As for character, the owners speak of the mestizo as a wayward and smart dog, which exudes energy.
This is a purposeful dog whose persistence often borders on obstinacy..
The nature of the Siberian Husky is observed in the color of the Husky, the facial features and the temperament of the animal. The dog treats both its owner and children equally well.
Reviews
Maria, Moscow: “I’ve been training Akitas for 7 years. And for me there is no better dog in the world. I can talk about them for hours. Akita is proud and independent, but also an excellent companion. I wouldn’t trade such a dog for any other breed.”
Elena, Yaroslavl: “When choosing a puppy, we settled on a Shiba Inu and have never regretted it. The dog got along well with children and our other animals. Owners of this breed are definitely the happiest owners.”
Kirill, 29 years old, Novosibirsk: “Initially I wanted to buy an Akita Inu. But after getting to know the breed in detail, I decided that for my conditions the Shiba was a more suitable option. The dog is willful, but proper training and patience make it an ideal pet.”
Photos of what dog breeds are similar
Shiba Inu
Akita Inu is easy to confuse with Shiba Inu, these breeds are so similar. Except for one detail.
Shiba Inu is almost half the size . And at the same time, it is one of the small dogs of Japanese origin, whose ancestors were used for hunting.
Despite the fact that the Shiba is an ancient breed, a large number of aboriginal dogs took part in the modern appearance of this dog, which not only consolidated hunting qualities, but also left an imprint on the character of the animals.
For example, the Shiba Inu is characterized by stubbornness, which also encourages the dog to make decisions relying on its own instincts.
Requires persistence on the part of the owner, so it is not recommended for novice owners.
Despite the fact that the dogs differ significantly in terms of size, they are otherwise similar. Be it anatomy or exterior.
The animals have the same elongated muzzle, slightly slanted, brown eyes, pointed ears in the shape of a triangle, thick fur, a strong tail, jaws and developed limbs.
These are clean breeds that have almost no odor . They are also not fans of noise and bark only when necessary. Equally devoted to the owner.
Shikoku (Shikoku, Kochi-ken, Mikawa-inu)
Despite the fact that the Shikoku shares the same homeland as the Akita Inu, this breed cannot be called widespread, moreover, even within Japan it is considered rare. The breed has excellent hunting qualities.
This is the dog that is able to smell game long before it appears in the animal’s field of vision.
Similar to the Akita, the dog has an elongated, slightly pointed muzzle, strong bones, developed limbs, a muscular back and a powerful neck. But it is perhaps inferior in size.
Chow chow
Also, the Akita Inu is somewhat similar to the Chow Chow, which also boasts a rich heritage and DNA analysis confirms this.
The dog's homeland is China, by origin it belongs to the Spitz, but does not exclude an admixture of Tibetan Great Dane blood . The Japanese and Chinese have a similar build, but different coats.
The second one is a little fluffier than the first one. But there are differences in terms of content.
If the Japanese find it difficult to tolerate confined spaces, then the Chinese will be quite happy with apartment life, fortunately this dog does not gravitate towards an active lifestyle.
Comparison of prices for puppies
The pedigree of both breeds, going back to the time of the samurai, does not make it possible to purchase a puppy at a low price. If we talk about truly Japanese breeds, without other breed admixtures. On the puppy sales market you can often find Akita Inu or Shiba Inu puppies being sold for 5 thousand rubles or less.
It is necessary to remember that in order to take a real dog with real Japanese roots of one of these breeds outside the borders of Japan, and even legally, you need to collect a lot of documents, pay a lot of expensive duties, all these points simply will not allow the breeder to sell puppies at such a low price.
Most likely, a puppy offered as an Akita Inu for such a price will be obtained by mixing similar breeds. The buyer may not notice this immediately, but only after a while, when he does not notice samurai behavior in the character of his pet and is susceptible to aggression from the dog.
Shiba Inu
Therefore, those who want to buy a real Akita Inu or Shiba Inu with true Japanese roots choose good kennels that have all the documentation confirmed on the other hand. In addition, puppies will cost about 30-70 thousand rubles , depending on what awards his parents or ancestors have. Therefore, when purchasing puppies of these breeds, you should carefully consider the choice of kennel and dog breeder.
Who to choose - Akita Inu or Husky?
Both breeds are among the oldest dogs, therefore, unlike the same lapdogs or collies, their genotype differs least from that of a wolf. However, for the future owner this is not a fundamental factor when choosing a pet.
Comparison of characters
| Index | Akita Inu | Husky |
| Activity | 3 | 4 |
| Sociability | 3 | 4 |
| Excitability | 3 | 3 |
| Attitude towards other animals | 2 | 3 |
| Attitude towards children | 3 | 3 |
| Devotion | 4 | 4 |
| Security qualities | 4 | 2 |
| How to educate and train | 3 | 2 |
Akita Inu is a hunter and guardian.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the dog has a pronounced wariness towards strangers. The dog jealously guards the territory and protects the family. In relation to huskies, the instinct of protection is less pronounced, not to mention aggression towards people, which is completely absent.
Many years of experience as a sled dog takes its toll.
As a rule, the team is controlled by different people, so obedience in huskies is inherent at the genetic level. In other words, if a stranger has entered the house, do not count on a menacing roar.
External signs
| Indicators | Akita Inu | Husky |
| Height | Height - 62-70 cm | Height - 50-60 cm |
| Weight | Weight - 40-50 kg | Weight - 16-28 kg |
In appearance, both breeds are similar and, like any northern dogs, are well adapted to frost..
Huskies have a compact build and well-developed muscles. The Siberian Husky has long been used by the Chukchi as a sled dog, when the role of the Akita was reduced to hunting and protecting the owner’s property.
NOTE!
It is worth noting that both breeds are “working” dogs that are accustomed to movement and physical activity. And given the size of the Akita Inu, it will be difficult to keep the animal in a small apartment.
Neither the first nor the second dog is suitable to serve as part of the interior of the house and wait for the owner from morning to evening, moreover, to be content with rare walks.
Features of care
What is the difference in grooming between Shiba Inu and Akita? Due to their common origins, both breeds have similar dietary preferences. Dog breeders do not recommend feeding dogs fatty meat and dry food - this can negatively affect the health of the animal and lead to serious diseases.
The Shiba's walking regime is identical to that of the Akita: daily active outings lasting at least an hour and a half are required. The dog should be walked without a leash several times a week.
The Shiba's thick coat requires frequent brushing. During seasonal molting, you have to scratch your pet every day, the standard is two to three times a week. To do this, they resort to plastic combs and metal combs.
In other aspects, caring for a Shiba is no different from caring for an Akita Inu; The four-legged pet's bed should be located in a place with good visibility. The only problem that the owner may encounter and which, however, can be easily solved by training the Shiba Inu, is the dog’s craving for shoes and their destruction.
Siba loves to take shoes around the apartment and chew them. You can solve the problem by purchasing a high-quality toy that the dog can carry with him.
Who to choose - Akita Inu or Labrador?
The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the 19th century on the east coast of Canada. It was bred as a hunting gun dog, but in most cases it is a companion dog.
Labrador and Akita Inu are completely different breeds, from their physique to their behavior . The Japanese's movements are elastic and powerful, while the Labrador's are free. The first reaches a height of 62-70 cm, while the second reaches 54-57.
Comparison of characters
| Index | Akita Inu | Labrador Retriever |
| Activity | 3 | 4 |
| Sociability | 3 | 5 |
| Excitability | 3 | 3 |
| Attitude towards other animals | 3 | 5 |
| Attitude towards children | 2 | 4 |
| Devotion | 4 | 3 |
| Security qualities | 4 | 2 |
| How to educate and train | 3 | 5 |
Dogs differ both in character and type of temperament . If the Akita resembles a solitary dog that makes contact without much desire, then the Labrador will happily keep company with anyone.
This is a playful, affectionate dog that will suit any owner. He is open to new acquaintances and makes good contact, has a stable psyche and is difficult to succumb to aggression.
However, in everyday life it often has a reputation as a “fool” due to hyperactivity and spontaneity, so dogs need careful training to teach the dog to think before acting.
Compared to the Labrador, the Japanese is a cunning animal that not everyone can control. And if brought up incorrectly, he will not deny himself the opportunity to sit on his owner’s neck and dangle his paws.
Difference in maintenance and care
| Index | Akita Inu | Labrador Retriever |
| Contents in the apartment | 2 | 3 |
| Keeping in an enclosure/on a chain | 4 | 2 |
| Grooming | 3 | 3 |
| Caring for ears, nose, claws, teeth | 4 | 4 |
The Labrador gets along well in an apartment and requires at least an hour and a half for walks, while like an Akita, although it is not whimsical in terms of keeping, it does not tolerate confined spaces. It is easier for such a dog to live in the courtyard of a country house or in a spacious enclosure.
IMPORTANT!
It is worth noting that dogs equally love physical activity, so the owner should at least adopt a healthy lifestyle and provide the pet with space for exercise.
In the distant past, the Akita played the role of a big game hunter, so it is not surprising that this way of life left certain imprints on the breed.
Thanks to its equipment and excellent qualities as a watchman and hunter, the dog has acquired admirers in different parts of the world and is equally valued both in Europe and the USA, where an analogue of the Akita breed was subsequently bred.
Even mixed breeds of such dogs are of no less interest than other breeds. Most owners are only happy to see the traits of their two favorite dogs in their puppies.
Upbringing
There will be no harm from an obedience course with a competent instructor, but the main thing in the education process will be:
- establish contact with the dog, hear it and teach it to hear itself;
- socialize your pet from young claws.
Raising a Spitz requires flexibility.
Characteristics of the Shiba Inu breed include an innate increased activity. It needs to be extinguished smoothly, but only excessive activity needs to be extinguished - when the dog is so carried away that it cannot stop itself. Constant tugging can turn an active Shibu into a cowardly, nervous or indifferent one.
Another thing is the satisfaction of activity through games, exercises, and exploration of new territories. It’s useful to stock up on an arsenal of fail-safe “switches” for your dog’s attention.
It is better to start socialization as early as possible. Do not force contacts, but provide the puppy with the opportunity to establish them. Do not interfere with harmless group games, touch little Siba more often, so as not to grow touchy.
While walking, it is useful not to be distracted from the dog. She always watches the owner, waiting for his hint, obvious or hidden.
The flock's territory requires protection . The one who first noticed the threat of violating its boundaries should immediately inform others about it. It is clear that this “first” in the family will be Siba.
You should not scold the dog if its ringing voice woke up the neighbors, even if the alarm turned out to be false (in the human opinion). She, too, was sleeping, and not preparing a prank, she also woke up and saved her flock. A vigilant friend awaits approval. (It is the owner’s task to explain to the neighbors that their house is also in the zone of attention).
The dog will not make noise for a long time - he uses prolonged “barking” only when hunting. It won't hurt to learn the silence command.
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