Maintenance and care of Akita Inu: what is necessary for a pet and how to feed the dog correctly

The breed to which the pet belongs determines not only its appearance and character, but also its needs regarding nutrition, living conditions and care.

It should be noted that caring for a pet is not at all difficult.

A loving, caring owner will make every effort to provide his four-legged friend with everything he needs and maintain his good health.

Speaking about the Akita Inu, it is worth noting that care, which, in the opinion of many, seems labor-intensive, is in fact enviably simple.

Are they difficult to care for?

Caring for an Akita Inu is not difficult . Unpretentious by nature, dogs are not prone to whims in nutrition and eat both natural products and industrial food equally well.

Coat care does not require mandatory haircuts or trimming and is limited to regular combing and occasional washing.

Long active walks are what Akita Inu really needs . It is important to allow your pet to waste its energy; this has a positive effect on its development and health.

You don’t have to come up with complex, original games; the dog will be happy to simply bring the owner a ball or a found stick.

Origin story

The Japanese Akita Inu dog breed is one of the 14 oldest on earth. The remains of their canine ancestors, found in Japan, are dated by specialists to the 2nd century BC. Similar animals were depicted by ancient artists.

The history of the breed began in the mountainous province of Akita, located in the north of the island of Honshu. Similar dogs lived in these places back in the 17th century. Initially, they were hunting assistants and guards in peasant houses. But by the 18th century they had fallen in love with members of the emperor’s family, as well as the local nobility. Akita Inu turned into real aristocrats. The procedure for caring for dogs was equated to a certain ceremony; each dog had a servant, valuable collars and other status attributes.

In the 19th century, dog fighting became fashionable, and representatives of the breed began to be crossed with the Japanese fighting dog. As a result, large, extremely aggressive individuals appeared. The classic Akita Inu was in danger of extinction, especially after the rabies epidemic in Japan.

The restoration of the breed began at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1927, the Akita Inu Conservation Society was organized. Its members began restoring the population. The Second World War interfered with the process; most of the dogs were “sent” to the front. The breeders managed to save only a few individuals. Thanks to them, in the post-war period it was possible to revive purebred representatives of the breed. Around the same time, the Akitu Inu began to spread outside of Japan. At first, dogs became popular in European countries, then they began to be exported en masse to the USA.

How to care for a puppy

The first thing you need to do is show the puppy his personal place, which should already be arranged . If it’s warm outside and you plan to keep your pet in an enclosure, you can immediately place the puppy in it, otherwise you need to show him a place in the house.

CAREFULLY!

You cannot change the puppy's diet for several weeks - he should eat the same food as the breeder gave him.

Puppies should not carry heavy objects or run a lot until about 1.5 years of age, when their joints are stronger.

Hygienic care includes regular combing of the coat, trimming of nails, cleaning of teeth and ears..

It is necessary to accustom the puppy to these procedures from an early age.

An adult dog

You should follow the vaccination schedule, promptly treat for internal and external parasites, feed your pet a balanced diet - all these factors affect the pet’s health and its life expectancy.

In general, caring for an Akita Inu is almost identical to caring for other breeds and consists of brushing the coat, brushing teeth and ears, and trimming nails..

Adult Akitas are still energetic and active and need regular long walks. Perhaps this is one of the key conditions for proper and caring care for a pet of this breed.

Akita Inu training

The character of the Akita Inu is accurately described by the words “oriental temperament.” These are calm, proud and independent dogs. Therefore, when training them you need to be patient.

You need to train your pet from 3 months of age. It is necessary to explain to the dog that it is forbidden to take things, chew objects, or jump on family members with its paws.

This is easier to do at an early age than at an older age. Keeping an Akita in an apartment is permissible, so the dog’s knowledge of good manners will protect the owner’s property.

Important! You should not punish your pet - you can only express dissatisfaction with your voice. Physical reprisals spoil the animal’s psyche. Akitas tend to remember grievances, after which the dog will never respect the owner.

You should take your Akita Inu outside as early as possible. The dog must be socialized, because this breed has a developed hunting instinct, so a cat or small dog can be perceived as prey. It should be noted that a socialized dog is friends with other pets.

When teaching commands, not everything is simple. Due to independence and some stubbornness, the Akita Inu may not want to do what is required. It is recommended to take especially stubborn dogs to classes with a professional dog trainer.

Toilet training

Toilet training a puppy is quite simple. The baby is put on a diaper as soon as he has eaten or woke up. When your pet does all the work, you need to praise him.

To better remember the place to relieve yourself, you can buy a special spray-trainer.

Vaccination schedule

You cannot vaccinate an unhealthy puppy, and 10 days before vaccination it is necessary to carry out deworming.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

Akita Inus are suitable for active people who have free time, as they need long, active walks. It is also necessary to feed these dogs correctly, taking into account the characteristics of their body and health. These are the 2 main components of proper care that allows you to raise a strong, healthy dog. Grooming also includes brushing the fur, trimming the nails, and cleaning the teeth and ears.

What you need to prepare

You should purchase products in advance to help ensure proper care for your dog.:

• wide-toothed comb;
• slicker;
• massage comb or brush with natural bristles;
• toothpaste;
• collar and leash;
• nail clipper;
• 2 bowls on a stand;
• toys;
• veined bone;
• a bed, bedding or rug;
• muzzle;
• feed;
• shampoo and conditioner;
• disposable hygiene diapers.

Cotton swabs, napkins, and towels for washing your pet can always come in handy.

First days at home

Finding itself in an unfamiliar environment, the puppy experiences stress, so it is important to ensure a calm, quiet environment in the house: you should not invite guests, play music loudly, if there are children, you should not allow them to grab the puppy.

The dog needs time to adapt and also to get used to its name.

The puppy is scared and may whine and ask to be held. You can soothe him in your arms, but you should not carry him constantly, otherwise he will never become independent.

At night, the pet may ask to go to bed with its owner, believing that this is the only safe place.

If you do not plan to allow an adult dog to sleep in the owner's bed, you should not allow the puppy to do so either . It is better to place his bed near the bed and touch the puppy when he whines.

To quickly adapt, you should not leave the puppy in the house alone, but if this is necessary, you need to limit its space by locking it in the smallest room and leaving it with toys.

Personal place

If an Akita Inu lives in a house or apartment, it is necessary to create a place for it in the corner of a closed room, where the dog can sleep or simply relax and hide from the attention of prying eyes.

You need to put there a moderately hard but cozy special bed (blanket or rug), the size of which will allow the dog to stretch out freely during sleep and generally feel comfortable.

Varieties

Today there are two types of Akita Inu: Japanese and American. The first variety is classic. Its distinctive features: an upturned nose, like a fox’s, narrow small eyes, a triangular head.

Depending on the color and purpose, “Japanese women” are divided into two subspecies:

• the brindle Akita Inu is regarded as a guard dog;
• red – hunting.

Attention: the mini Akita differs from the traditional one only in size (it is half the size), other proportions must be observed.

The American version appeared when puppies began to be exported overseas after the war. These Akitas are endowed with pronounced fighting and protective qualities. They are more massive and taller than the Japanese ones.

Feeding and diet

Akita Inu dogs are unpretentious in food, which allows them to be fed with natural products, ready-made industrial food, and even a mixed diet..

However, we should not forget about the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction or food intolerance, as well as the balance of dietary supplements and vitamins and minerals, so the choice of nutrition should be approached responsibly.

A natural diet should include:

• dairy products;
• lean meat;
• boiled offal;
• eggs;
• millet, rice, buckwheat;
• vegetables;
• fruits (after 4 months).

The serving size is calculated based on the pet’s weight: 400-500 g of food for every 30 kg of weight. Natural nutrition involves additional intake of vitamins and minerals - this helps to avoid joint problems in your pet, as well as improve the quality of the coat.

IMPORTANT!

It is necessary to control the amount of protein food, because Excess proteins lead to the development of allergies, characterized by dermatitis and digestive disorders.

In the case of feeding industrial feed, preference should be given only to high-quality products of at least premium class, and better yet, super premium class, since they are made from the most natural ingredients and contain a vitamin and mineral complex.

The number of feedings per day depends on the age of the dog:

• up to 2 months - 5-6 times;
• 2 months - 5 times;
• 3 months - 4 times;
• 4 months - 3 times;
• After six months, you should gradually accustom the dog to feeding twice a day.

In case of low physical activity and light loads, the Akita Inu can eat once every 2 days.

How often should you go for walks?

You need to walk your Akita Inu at least 2 times a day for 2 hours. At the same time, it is still better if there are more walks and they last longer.

Walking is required not only for domestic dogs, but also for dogs living on the street..

Regular walks, physical activity, active games, training and communication with the owner and other animals (provided the pet does not have zoo aggression) have a positive effect on the health and development of the dog.

The main feature of the breed

A distinctive feature of the Japanese Akita Inu is true oriental restraint. The dog looks like a real representative of high society. Doesn't break out, doesn't try to pull the leash out of his hands, doesn't show hysteria.

The Akita Inu expresses its emotionality only when left alone with loved ones. From a cold aristocrat, the dog instantly turns into the most affectionate, curious, energetic animal.

Can he live on the street?

Thanks to the structure of the coat and thick, dense undercoat, Akita Inu tolerate cold well and can live outside even in winter, provided several requirements are met.:

• the enclosure should be insulated and located in a place that is not too accessible, but provides sufficient visibility;
• There should be a warm layer of blankets or straw inside the enclosure;
• It is necessary to provide your pet with warm food and water.

You cannot put an Akita Inu on a chain - this is associated in the dog with a loss of freedom and has a negative impact on its mental and physical state.

Prices

The price of an Akita Inu depends on the status of the animal: show, breed or pet class.

• Show class are dogs that have clearly expressed breed characteristics. In Moscow they cost from 65 thousand to 100 thousand rubles.
• If you buy second hand, puppies without a pedigree cost from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles. If you have a veterinary passport and card - from 4,000 to 8,000 rubles.
• If the dog does not have a pedigree or it belongs to the pet class, you will pay up to 35 thousand rubles for it in Moscow, and in the regions you can count on the cost being 20-40% lower.
• Puppies with a pedigree cost from fifty thousand to 70 thousand rubles.

Many people practice booking Akita puppies in nurseries, both Russian and foreign, including Japanese. It costs about 80,000 rubles. In Japan, prices range from 2500 to 3000 euros.

Diaper training

If your dog lives in an apartment and you need to teach it to relieve itself in a diaper, you should:

• take your pet to the diaper immediately after he wakes up or eats;
• at first, keep the puppy in a limited area, where several diapers will be spread on the floor - this leaves the dog practically no alternative and helps to quickly remember where the toilet is;
• if it is impossible to briefly limit the dog’s movements, then you should spread the diapers in several places: near the door, balcony, under the window and in places that the dog has chosen itself, gradually reducing their number.

You can also use special sprays by spraying them on diapers - they emit a specific smell that indicates to the dog that this is a toilet.

You need to accustom your puppy to a diaper from the first days in a new home..

Eyes

Pedigree dogs have brown eyes, dark brown is preferable. They are small, dark, deep-set and have a characteristic triangular shape. This form is a physical difference and must be present from birth.

If your puppy has round eyes, this will not go away with time. Also, the color of the eyes does not darken over time, but, on the contrary, brightens. Some, with light fur, may have a black line around the eyes, eyeliner. If it is present, it only enhances the eastern shape of the eyes.

How to trim claws correctly and when?

Too long nails do not allow the dog to position his paws correctly, which causes the load on the ligaments and joints to be distributed incorrectly, so the nails must be trimmed regularly.

This should be done monthly using a nail clipper designed for large dogs . After trimming, the sharp edges need to be filed with a file so that the claws do not peel off.

The claws must be shortened carefully, without touching the blood vessels or causing pain to the pet, to such a length that the dog does not “clack” on the floor when walking.

How to clean your ears

Akita Inu have open ears, in which dirt, dust and excess wax accumulate. This problem is especially relevant for street dogs.

It is necessary to clean your pet’s ears 1-2 times a week with a cotton pad soaked in a special lotion..

Healthy ears should not have an unpleasant odor, and they should have a pink tint.

Mating

If you decide to start breeding this exotic and noble breed, then choosing a partner for mating will probably present certain difficulties.

It is important that all the weaknesses of the breed in the female must be compensated by the advantages of the male and vice versa.

Key indicators to pay attention to:

• pedigree;
• titles;
• appearance;
• character and aggressiveness;
• health level.

For mating, the male must be at least 10 months old, and the female must be at least 15 months old.

The favorable period for conception is 10-14 days after the start of estrus.

A healthy female of the breed gives birth to 2 to 7 puppies.

The decision to get a dog is always a very responsible step, which needs to be approached seriously and thoughtfully. Akita Inu are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. This is a true friend and a full-fledged family member. With proper care, it will be faithful to you for many years.

Grooming

Soft, plush-like wool of medium length with a thick undercoat is the calling card of representatives of this breed. At the same time, the coat requires minimal care, which does not take much time.

These dogs do not need any haircuts or trimming..

You need to comb your pet 1-2 times a week, first with a wide-toothed comb, then with a slicker brush to get rid of dead undercoat hairs, and then with a massage comb or a natural bristle brush.

NOTE!

Akita Inu sheds twice a year for several weeks; as a rule, these periods occur in January-February and May-June.

At this time, abundant hair loss occurs, which brings inconvenience not only to the pet, but also to its owner. Daily brushing can improve the situation.

During the molting period, to maintain a healthy coat of the dog, you should give it mineral supplements..

Sterilized animals living indoors or in a climate that excludes major seasonal changes do not shed excessively.

Akita Inu health

This is a very healthy breed. However, these dogs are prone to allergic reactions and certain diseases:

• dysplasia;
• volvulus;
• blood clotting disorder;
• turn of the century.

It is easier to cure any disease at the initial stage, so it is important to take your dog for preventive examinations to the veterinarian once a year.

Akita Inu are strong dogs that do not require specific and labor-intensive care. But nevertheless, it is the owner’s responsibility to provide minimal hygienic care and not to forget about periodic veterinary examinations and vaccinations.

Dogs feel great both in an apartment and in an outdoor enclosure. In any case, they need sufficient physical and mental stress.

Do you need to brush your teeth?

At 4 months, puppies begin to change their teeth and owners need to carefully monitor this process, because if baby teeth fall out untimely, malocclusion may form.

Teeth brushing should be done at least once a week or more often, using specialized toothpastes for dogs . The toothbrush can be an ordinary human one, it does not matter fundamentally.

Paste intended for human use should not be used due to its fragrance and tendency to foam.

How often should I bathe?

Akita Inu are clean dogs and dirt that the pet cannot cope with on its own can be easily removed during brushing. Therefore, bathing is required no more than once a quarter or even less often.

Frequent washing harms the Akita Inu's coat, depriving it of its protective properties..

When bathing, you should use a special shampoo and conditioner that matches your dog's coat type.

The undercoat takes a long time to dry, so after washing your pet you need to dry it with a hairdryer, but so as not to dry out the skin..

Appearance

Akita Inu gives the impression of a harmoniously built, strong dog with well-developed muscles. This is the largest of the Spitz breeds.

Some features of its appearance seem classic, but when combined they give the dog a resemblance to a bear, fox, or wolf.

There are three recognized basic colors:

• red (from beige to orange);
• white – without inclusions of other colors, with a black nose;
• brindle - from silver to almost black.

Attention: a mandatory feature of “Japanese” women is urajiro. The internal parts of the body are painted white, the main color is unevenly distributed. It gains intensity closer to the spine, from bottom to top of the limbs.

Sesame is considered separately - red color with an admixture of black along the back. It is recognized by the FCI but is not valued in Japan.