American Akita: characteristics, care, what to feed, puppies, standards, training

The American Akita, known as the large Japanese dog, has the following characteristics:

• balanced psyche,
• strong hunting instinct
• loyalty to the owner
• often stubborn character
• good health and good immunity,
• unpretentiousness in care,
• the need for full walking,
• demands for quality nutrition,
• cleanliness, absence of a specific odor,
• reluctance to vote without reason.

This Japanese breed comes from the province of Akita, and it received the “American” prefix thanks to the soldiers who brought it to the United States. Outwardly, the pet resembles a cute bear cub with wise eyes. However, the breed cannot be called easy for beginners.

Rating of the 10 best dry food for American Akita

Place	Name	Rating	Price, rub.
1	Belcando Junior Maxi for large and giant breed puppies from 3 to 18 months (15 kg)	10 / 10	5 214
2	Acana Puppy Large Breed, 11.4 kg	10 / 10	5 050
3	Royal Canin Maxi Adult, 15 kg	9 / 10	4785
4	Almo Nature Holistic beef 12 kg	9 / 10	4279
5	Purina Pro Plan Optiderma for healthy skin and coat, salmon with rice, 14 kg	8 / 10	4113
6	Brit Care lamb with rice 12 kg	9 / 10	3999
7	OUR DIET WITH BEEF, 15 kg	7 / 10	1670
8	Pedigree for healthy skin and coat, beef, 13 kg	7 / 10	1399
9	CHAPPI MEAT ABUNDANCE WITH VEGETABLES AND HERBS, adults, 15kg	7 / 10	1381
10	ALL DOGS (13 kg) Dry complete	6 / 10	1153

Dry dog ​​food is a complete nutritious diet for a pet, developed taking into account the physiology and characteristics of the animal. It contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and amino acids in a balanced state. When choosing, pay attention to the composition. The product must contain fats of animal and plant origin and natural ingredients. This is what dogs should receive to be healthy and cheerful.

Akita food

Akita Inu dogs are fed both natural food and commercially produced food. However, when choosing the first option, it is necessary to take into account that their gastrointestinal tract is adapted to digest only light protein foods. Therefore, the diet should be selected especially carefully.

Animals are quite selective in food - a dog may refuse some foods.

The Akita Inu is one of the few breeds that can be fed two types of food. For example, she can eat meat porridge for breakfast, and dry food for dinner.

But before you switch your animal to a mixed diet, you should consult a veterinarian. He will take into account the characteristics of a particular pet and give individual recommendations.

Ready-made feed

The majority of breeders prefer to feed Akita Inu with dry food, which has several advantages:

• owners are spared the need to stand at the stove;
• high-quality food is perfectly balanced and fully meets the needs of the Akita Inu’s body;
• you don’t need to think about what to cook for your dog today and buy food for it separately;
• dry food is convenient for traveling - you can feed your pet at any time, regardless of the circumstances;
• There are treatment lines that are suitable for animals with poor health;
• The daily portion of food is always indicated on the packaging.

Dry food for Akita Inu should be premium and super premium, or holistic. Cheap food sold in any supermarket includes a lot of ballast substances, artificial colors and flavors. Therefore, it does more harm than good.

For Akita Inu, food based on rice or fish is preferable. They must not contain soy, corn, wheat or chicken.

Some dogs do not refuse food containing lamb, duck or rabbit. First, it is better to buy a small package to determine what exactly your pet likes.

We suggest you read: Caring for the American Bully

A good alternative to dry food is wet – ready-made food, produced in the form of canned food:

• allow you to diversify your daily menu;
• do not cause thirst;
• have a richer taste;
• their consistency resembles natural food.

However, you should not mix wet and dry food in the same bowl. They can only be given at different feedings, for example, dry in the morning and wet in the evening.

For Akita Inu, it is recommended to buy the following brands of food:

• Acana;
• Almo Nature;
• Holistic Artemis;
• GO! Natural holistic;
• Canidae;
• Royal Canin.

With natural nutrition, the owner is forced to personally select the proportions of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which causes difficulties for beginners. However, this approach is not without advantages:

• the dog does not get bored with food, since different types of food are prepared for it;
• the person is confident that he is feeding the Akita Inu with high-quality and fresh products;
• natural food is as close as possible to the natural diet.

It should be remembered that if you feed your dog natural food, you must additionally give it vitamin and mineral complexes.

Akita Inu is allowed to feed:

• lean meat - beef, horse meat, rabbit, lamb and game;
• fish, algae, seaweed and other seafood;
• by-products – kidneys, lungs, tripe, liver;
• porridges – rice, millet and buckwheat;
• fermented milk products - cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt, yogurt without fillers, dyes and flavors;
• vegetables.

The Akita Inu is treated to fruits – apples, bananas, peaches – throughout the day. A couple of times a week, add egg yolk to your food. It is advisable to add vegetable oil to vegetables and cereals so that the food is better absorbed.

Opinions and arguments on the topic of American Akita nutrition often clash. The majority support dry food, and a small part of the votes are given for natural food. Why is it more convenient and better to feed your dog commercial food? The answer is very simple, you will select food specific to the dog’s breed, and the entire mineral complex will already be in the dog’s diet.

Still, if you are determined to eat natural food, then you need to know the permitted products:

• All sour milk. Try to choose low-fat products only or the fat content should be low.
• Boiled eggs.
• Meat (rabbit, beef, chicken, turkey).
• Low-fat fish varieties.
• Zucchini and cucumbers in any form (can be either raw or boiled).
• Buckwheat and rice must be in the diet.
• Fruits: banana, apples and pears.

Feeding

Akita is one of the loyal breeds.
They demonstrate loyalty to the family. The need for proteins is constant. Adult breeds require at least a gram per kilogram of body weight. Food should be enriched with microelements. It is important for your dog to eat food rich in vitamins A and D. You need to follow the instructions on the food packaging and consult a veterinarian if in doubt. Take the Attention Test! Find 10 differences! (click right here!)

Find the answer Are you bothered by some problem or question? Enter “Breed” or “Name of the problem” into the form, press Enter and you will find out everything about the issue that interests you.

There are times when you need to increase your nutrient intake through supplementation.

Here are 3 common situations:

1. The pet is sick or in the recovery phase.
2. The puppy is not developing correctly.
3. The female is pregnant or lactating.

Supplements should not be used unless prescribed by a veterinarian.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive qualities of the breed include restraint, silence, intelligence and immense devotion to the owner. This is an excellent hunting assistant and even a guide dog. The breed is clean, does not smell and does not cause problems with grooming. The American Akita is a born guardian, barks little and is not aggressive towards other people unless he feels they are a danger to his owner.

The disadvantages of the breed include excessive independence and jealousy. The owner of such a dog can be a person with leadership qualities who can show them to the dog and make it respect him. It is not recommended to bring the breed into a family with children, where there are other pets and children under 12 years of age.

Despite some difficulties in the upbringing and character of the American Akita, this breed remains one of the most loyal, calm and balanced. With proper upbringing, the breed will never attack the owner and members of his family, but will bravely defend the home and territory, and will become an excellent watchman, friend and companion.

Additionally, check out the video about the American Akita dog breed:

Belcando Junior Maxi for large and giant breed puppies from 3 to 18 months (15 kg)

Many experts recommend Belcando Junior, made in Germany, for large dogs. Its composition is rich in a high content of poultry meat, in addition to easily digestible rice, which helps good digestion and absorption of useful components. The recipe contains carob fruits, which contain tannins and substances important for life that have an effect on proper digestion. Belongs to the super premium class.

pros

• A complete, balanced complex of nutrients.
• Healthy pet.
• Convenient, economical packaging.
• A wide range of.
• Availability.
• German quality.

Minuses

• Causes an allergic reaction.
• Not all dogs like it.
• Not sold in all Russian cities.
• Composition with sodium chloride.
• Large granules of strange color.
• Poor combination with vitamins and other products.
• There is a minimum of meat, but a maximum of cereals.

Pet training

Akita training deserves close attention. The Akita Inu shows serious muscles that need development. From the age of six months, it is acceptable to take your puppy to a dog training area. The baby will not immediately begin to follow commands and exercises, but will run around interesting devices and slides with interest.

Akita is an intelligent dog with a playful and good-natured disposition. It is easy to train due to its curiosity and thirst for physical activity. The owners are confident that the pet will withstand any stress and testing; it is difficult to find an animal with greater endurance and stubbornness.

Due to its popularity, Akita Inu is often kept in apartment conditions. You will still need to do daily exercise and long walks.

Acana Puppy Large Breed, 11.4 kg

Acana Puppy appeals to every furry friend and turns into a favorite bowl. Transforms the animal's fur into smooth and silky, bones will be stronger, and more energy will appear. Thanks to these crackers, your beloved friend is provided with a balanced diet. Many breeders of our smaller four-legged brothers recommend them to everyone else. This is a holistic class.

pros

• Natural.
• Without smell.
• Large packaging.

Minuses

• High price.
• There is a fishy smell.

Royal Canin Maxi Adult dry for large breed dogs, 15 kg

The animal receives a complete diet thanks to Royal Canin. It is designed for individuals weighing from 26 to 44 kilograms, aged from 15 months to 5 years. Its dry granules contain a unique complex of nutrients that helps the digestive system function optimally. They contain a lot of protein, creating a balance with dietary fiber. Royal has natural taste properties with an aroma that evokes excellent appetite in our smaller four-legged brothers. Category: premium.

pros

• Balanced composition.
• High quality.
• Promotes good digestion.
• Maintaining optimal shape and weight.
• Healthy coat, skin, teeth.
• Convenient, practical packaging.
• The pet likes it.
• Gives activity.
• The crackers smell nice.

Minuses

• The packaging is made of paper and does not close after opening.
• Unattractive looking bag of granules.
• Possible only from 15 months to 5 years.

What to feed an adult Akita Inu

The serving size of an adult dog can be determined by the formula: N*0.035, where N is the weight of the animal. Then this figure must be divided by the number of feedings, that is, by 2. Example: an adult dog weighs 30 kg, which means 30*0.035/2= 525 grams. At each feeding, the dog should receive approximately 525 grams of food.

Due to their sedentary lifestyle, Akita Inu may refuse to eat and not eat for up to two days. There is no need to worry, provided that the dog is cheerful and active and drinks water.

Almo Nature Holistic beef 12 kg (for large breeds)

Italian crackers of excellent quality with meat additives do not violate European standards. They have the aroma of real meat, causing an excellent appetite in your beloved pet. They contain protein, but in minimal quantities. The animal receives adequate nutrition by consuming it regularly. Almo Nature belongs to the super premium category.

pros

• Dogs love its taste.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Wide range of tastes.
• Fresh natural ingredients.
• There are no artificial additives, dyes, preservatives, or flavors.

Minuses

• Sometimes causes hair loss.
• The pet may refuse to eat it.

Purina Pro Plan Optiderma for Healthy Skin and Coat, Salmon with Rice, 14 kg (Large Breeds)

A healthy body and the well-being of an animal are the result of its optimal nutrition. Purina Pro Plan was developed by Russian veterinarians and nutritionists. The composition includes specially selected nutritional components for four-legged pets of different sizes, weights and ages. It suits even special preferences and keeps the animal in excellent condition. Belongs to the premium class.

pros

• Decent composition.
• Wide range for any age, size.
• Nutritious with all the vitamin complex.

Minuses

• Flavoring additive.
• Doesn't cause much appetite.
• Not available everywhere.
• Creates increased gas formation.

Brit Care lamb with rice 12 kg (for large breeds)

The food is produced in the Czech Republic. It is rich in protein due to the significant amount of natural meat and fish in the recipe. Rice is used, enriching the body with carbohydrates, including fish and chicken oil, which produce fatty acids. Brit Care is most useful for large breeds, because its components prevent joint diseases - a problem for many large four-legged pets. Premium and super - premium class.

pros

• Vitamins and minerals in balance.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Nice smell.
• Causes a huge appetite.
• Optimal size granules.
• High quality.
• For a healthy pet's body.

Minuses

• It smells strong.
• Unpleasant color.
• Too dry.
• Not suitable for all breeds.
• Insufficient bag volume - up to 12 kilograms.

Origin and stages of development of the breed

The name Akita is taken from the name of the prefecture of the same name, located in the northern part of the island of Honshu, where the legendary breed originated. It was bred for hunting. The inhabitants of the island of Honshu managed to produce an intelligent and hardy hunter. The long history of the breed indicates the dogs' devotion. They served their masters, hunted for them, and respected them with all their hearts. In Akita's soul there is only room for a single owner, to whom the dog will remain devoted until the end of his days.

If archaeological research is taken into account, the antiquity of the breed is assumed. During excavations, skeletons and drawings of dogs were discovered that strongly resemble modern Akita Inu. Experts call the ancestors of the Matagi Inu breed, known since the 8th century and actively used for hunting wild boar and bear.

The modern history of the Akita Inu dog began in the 17th century, when hunting activities ceased and loyal dogs were needed for protection and guard duty. The breed migrated from peasant houses to the luxurious buildings of Japanese nobles. Respect between people and dogs remained mutual; once they even passed a law punishing a person who abused or killed a dog of the specified species. This circumstance had a beneficial effect on the development of the breed.

However, its continued existence was in jeopardy. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the breed began to be actively bred, precisely because of the risk of extinction. The fault was the introduction of a tax on the maintenance of dogs and a general epidemic. Urgent measures taken in time to preserve the Akita Inu (for example, the law on transferring the breeds under state protection) saved the wonderful dogs. Although the main crisis lay ahead. We are talking about the terrible years of the Second World War, when they forgot about dogs. After the end of the war, less than a dozen purebred representatives of the breed remained.

At the same time, Americans appeared on Japanese soil and became interested in the unique dogs. The dogs by nature had a typically Japanese character (calm, silent, persistent) and good physical strength. The Japanese Akita Inu dog breed migrated to the United States. Today Akita dogs are sold in specialized nurseries and breeders.

Akita Inu is a breed of amazing dogs. A considerable number of people watched the Japanese or American version of the film Hachiko. The breed of the dog - the main character - interested the audience. The dog won the hearts of people with his unusual pleasant appearance, intelligence, and most importantly, devotion, for which the Japanese deservedly depicted the dog in a monument.

OUR DIET WITH BEEF, 15 kg

OUR DIET, produced in Russia, provides the body of four-legged pets with the entire complex of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are so necessary for health. The composition contains natural ingredients, probiotics that support the immune system. The dog is healthy and active all day long thanks to fatty acids, chicken and salmon fat. The listed components are present in the specified diet. Considered economy class.

pros

• Qualitative.
• The dog eats with pleasure.
• Gives activity to the animal.
• The fur shines and shines.
• Well absorbed.
• Choice of flavors.

Minuses

• Large granules.
• Cats eat.
• Only for large representatives of the breed.

Pedigree for healthy skin and coat, beef, 13 kg (for large breeds)

PEDIGREE helps reduce the risk of tartar and plaque formation on your pet’s teeth. Provides him with normal digestion. It is preferable to feed your pet dry food in a container separate from wet food, and ensure the availability of fresh drinking water. This is quite healthy, tasty dog ​​food. It is produced taking into account the physiological needs of a large four-legged pet. The food is produced by a Russian company and is designed for the economy category.

pros

• Convenient packaging.
• Pleasant aromatic and taste properties.
• The pet eats with pleasure.
• No artificial flavors.
• High quality crackers.
• Comfortable in using.
• Lots of vitamins.
• The coat takes on a healthy, beautiful appearance.

Minuses

• Negative reputation.
• Missing useful components.
• Worse than normal nutrition.
• Doesn't do any good.
• Harmful to the health of the animal.
• The pet quickly gets used to this food and does not eat anything else.
• Increases salivation.

https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/pitanie/luchshih-suhih-kormov-dlya-amerikanskoy-akity.html

Origin story

The ancestors of the American Akita are Japanese dogs from the Akita region. In their homeland they took part in dog fights. After fighting was banned (1908), the breed began to develop as a large Japanese dog. During World War II, she had a hard time - dog skins were used to sew warm clothes and for other economic purposes. There have been attempts to save the breed by crossing it with the German Shepherd.

After the war, the breed began to revive. Her journey across the continents began. American soldiers returned home and took with them cute dogs that looked like big teddy bears. This is how the Akita came to the USA and began to be called American. In Japan, Akitas developed according to their own canons, in the USA - according to their own. Later, these two varieties were separated into separate breeds.

CHAPPI MEAT ABUNDANCE WITH VEGETABLES AND HERBS, adults

CHAPPI is produced in Russia for economy class. It contains cereals, which are considered the best sources of carbohydrates. Proteins are present in the form of meat and offal. Use vegetables, for example, carrots, vegetable oils. CHAPPI is convenient because there is no need to add vitamins to it; they are already contained in sufficient quantities.

pros

• Wide availability.
• Nutritious food.
• Does not cause constipation in the animal.
• Decent quality.
• Promotes healthy appearance of coat and teeth.
• Doggies like it.
• There are no artificial flavors or flavor enhancers.

Minuses

• Treatment of the animal after eating these dry granules.
• Bad composition.
• Allergic reactions.
• Hair falls out.
• Bloating.
• Not suitable for all individuals.
• Unattractive packaging.

When to change food

It is recommended to change food in the following cases:

• if your pet has an allergic reaction;
• the dog has gained weight;
• claws peel off, hair falls out;
• when the physiological state changes (lactation, pregnancy, growing up, illness).

In each case, you should contact your veterinarian for recommendations.

Raising a healthy dog ​​is quite simple if you follow all the recommendations for its nutrition and care. The most optimal feeding option for Akita Inu is mixed. Compliance with the diet will protect your pet from health problems, and therefore you should not neglect it.

ALL DOGS (13 kg) Dry complete

ALL DOGS, according to many dog ​​breeders, is considered a complete diet for our smaller four-legged brothers of any breed, size, age and activity level. Each owner adjusts its portions according to the needs of their pet. Together with it, the pet receives a complex of essential nutrients for life. The food is produced in Denmark, based on the latest research on pet nutrition and international standards, which indicate recommended levels of nutritional content. It belongs to the economy class.

pros

• Suitable for almost all breeds.
• Quite popular due to its excellent composition.
• Induces pleasure while eating.
• Excellent oral hygiene and plaque removal.
• Does not contain GMOs, excess or artificial additives.

Minuses

• Not suitable for everyone.
• Insufficient amount of protein.
• You need to add vitamins and natural meat.
• Poor assortment from the manufacturer.

Most of the listed types of dry food, we recommend paying attention to Belcando Junior Maxi and Royal Canin Maxi Adult in the ranking of the best.

This food is based on natural ingredients. Proper nutrition is the key to a healthy body and excellent physical condition of any animal.

The price of these feeds is high, but it is worth it. Moreover, they contain all the useful components, including vitamins, and your beloved pet receives adequate nutrition.

Description of standard and character

Description of the Akita breed:

• energetic animal,
• powerful skeleton,
• powerful muscles.

The modern breed standard was approved on July 17, 1982. In appearance, sometimes the height of males reaches 70 cm, weight - 35 or 45 kg. The head is wide, the appearance resembles a blunt triangle. The dog's muzzle looks offended and gloomy, in reality the animal shows a playful and cheerful disposition. A distinctive feature is the long tail, which curls strongly. There is harmony in the appearance of the breed; the animal looks beautiful and elegant.

Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of the breed. Powerful white fangs look terrifying, but are not used for harm. It is worth saying that the shoulder girdle is considered the weak point of the animal. The muscles in this part of the body are poorly developed. The shoulder blades stand out, look powerful and have fully developed muscles. The hair at the withers is long, reaches 5 centimeters, and is rough to the touch.

There are a number of Akita colors. More often it is possible to meet red-haired representatives, with a characteristic spot on the forehead. There are white representatives of the Akita Inu, which are rapidly gaining popularity recently. The undercoat can differ in color from the coat. The dog moves quickly and energetically thanks to serious muscles. The main advantage is an interesting tandem of remarkable strength and complete obedience. She never barks without a serious reason. Not prone to sudden fits of rage. Coexists well with pets, even cats. Akita Inu is a smart dog that strives to help and accompany its owner and family.

The breed gets along well with children, even small ones. If a playful baby begins to pull the dog by the ears, there will be no frightening grin from the Akita, barking or an attempt to bite the baby. The dog will not touch the owner’s child; the feeling of respect and devotion will not allow it. Cynologists classified the breed as a Nordic type of dog. It means that the dog has a strong sense of independence, but there is no desire to wander.

The character of the species is associated with Japanese origin. In addition to typical Japanese qualities, dogs are distinguished by extraordinary devotion to their owner. However, feelings are expressed with restraint, not to mention their attitude towards strangers, with whom dogs remain aloof. Puppies tend to be hyperactive, but activity decreases exponentially with age. As a result, the dogs become calm, even phlegmatic.

Representatives of the breed behave independently and, due to their devotion to their owners, are not prone to escape. They are silent and balanced, causing almost no trouble. The only drawback is the frequent conflicts between dogs due to the desire to dominate due to a clear sense of self-esteem. Fights often occur between brothers.

Their worthy character, individuality, and external charm have deservedly made dogs popular among the world's population. The Akita Inu dog breed is a devoted friend of the owner, capable of being nearby and protecting at any time.

Feeding recommendations for large breed dogs

Large dogs have no less appetite. Individuals with large dimensions have a slower metabolism, they need fewer calories and fat, and they require a higher protein content to maintain shape.

Dry food for large pets varies in granule sizes. For large animals, they are produced about one and a half centimeters in diameter. A smaller granule size will not provide the jaws with full function, which is important for the dog’s health.

Adult pets are fed twice a day, after morning and evening walks. Breakfast and dinner take no more than a quarter of an hour. The bowl is removed even if the food is not eaten. The animal should always have access to clean, fresh water.

The daily amount of food for animals is not the same for equal sizes. It depends on the load experienced by the pet since the last meal. If your pet actively trains or spends a lot of time walking outside, the serving size is increased by a third. If the load is reduced, the pet does not walk much, rests or sleeps more time, the portion is reduced by about 15 percent.

The main indicator of a proper diet is a healthy, well-fed, strong dog whose weight is within the normal range for its age.

Large active animals, service animals, workers, need high-quality nutrition. Suitable feeds marked “energy” or “active”, varieties of “super-premium” or “premium” classes. They contain enough calories, are nutritious, and help improve the digestive system. This diet includes vitamins, dietary supplements, proteins, and amino acids.

It is impossible to give the animal food before training, an active walk or immediately after. Large dogs are at much higher risk of developing volvulus or intestinal blockage than their smaller dogs. These situations are dangerous and require urgent veterinary intervention. After a significant load, you can give the animal to eat after about one hour.

Choosing and caring for a puppy

If you're going to get a puppy, then get the best one. With such a desire, a person comes to the nursery, and then the breeder assures him that this 2-month-old baby will definitely become a champion. Avoid such nurseries. It is unrealistic to see a future champion in a baby before the age of 9 months. Even at exhibitions they are assessed only for their potential; they do not receive exhibition ratings.

But who knows puppies better than the breeder? They are constantly in his sight, which means he sees all their shortcomings, knows their temperament and understands the prospects of each. Ideally, the breeder should be your advisor in choosing a puppy. But in practice things happen differently. Therefore, if you are choosing your first American Akita, take a person who knows the breed standards to the groom.

Meet the baby's parents, see the conditions in which they are kept. And always choose only a healthy puppy. If you plan to participate in exhibitions in the Russian Federation, ask who issued the pedigree. A document from the RKF (Russian Cynological Federation) is required.

How to care for a puppy?

Before the baby arrives, you need to prepare a sleeping place for him and purchase the necessary equipment to care for him. These are a slicker brush, a metal comb and a nail clipper. You will also need a wide collar and a leash 3–5 meters long. To organize feeding and for water, you need two bowls on a tripod with a volume of 3 liters each.

American Akita puppies require careful handling. They are large, and at the same time overly active, trying to jump, run and overcome obstacles. However, their fragile skeleton is not ready for such loads, so during this period babies may have serious injuries to their paws. Calm them down before this happens.

In the first days, the pet must get used to the new environment. 12–14 days after the second vaccination, you can go for walks with your pet. And don’t put off raising your baby until later. He must immediately feel that he will have to obey. Errors in parenting will be difficult to correct.

What vitamins are needed when feeding large breed dogs?

Vitamin complexes are an essential element of the diet of dogs fed boiled meat, offal and vegetables. But when feeding dry food, you may need to take additional vitamins. So that the supplement contains:

• Vitamin C is needed for the functioning of the immune system and ensures the full development of the muscular system, bones, joints, and teeth.
• Vitamin D - used for the formation of the skeleton, especially needed by puppies during the first year of their life.
• Calcium is absorbed along with vitamin D, used to form teeth, skeletal bones, and makes the coat beautiful and shiny.

For large dogs, vitamin complexes are suitable - Beaphar Top 10 Chondro Treat, Unitabs Immuno Complex and others.

Walking and exercise

This is a multifunctional dog that was bred to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer. The couple can hold the bear until the hunter comes. In Japan they were used to drive fish into nets. They can bring the duck to local hunters without damaging the carcass. You can train an American Akita to be a guide dog, or you can teach it to pick mushrooms. In any case, a walk with her will not be boring.

Beginning dog breeders often think that the American dog needs intense exercise during walks. Actually this is not true. Yes, she loves to walk, but prefers to do it slowly. A long distance is not a problem for her, she just wants to overcome it by walking, but not by running. The attitude of different individuals to water differs - some like to swim, others do not come close to the water.

How to Feed a Large Breed Dog Puppy as opposed to an Adult Dog

A young animal cannot be fed in the same way as an adult pet. If the size of the puppy exceeds the height of a medium-sized dog, its bones, teeth, and gastrointestinal tract are in the development stage.

This imposes restrictions on the diet:

• Overfeeding and underfeeding a puppy will be equally harmful. But feeds usually contain tables that can be used to calculate the required volume of feed depending on the weight and age of the pet.
• The number of feedings depends on age. At 2 months, puppies are fed up to seven times a day, distributing food evenly throughout the day. By the age of one year, the number of feedings is gradually reduced, bringing it to 2 or 3 times a day. Sudden changes in the amount of food should not be allowed.
• Regardless of whether the pet eats dry food or natural products, it must have access to clean water or milk around the clock. This is especially important for puppies; when eating dry food, there is a high risk of dehydration.

When purchasing a puppy, it is important to discuss with the breeder what the animal ate before the move. It is impossible to abruptly change the diet from natural food to dry food or vice versa. This leads to problems with the stomach, which is sensitive in the young individual.

In case of food intolerance, puppies experience diarrhea or constipation, and allergic reactions are possible. Small dogs are prone to them; large breed puppies do not yet have strong enough immunity. The transition from one type of food to another or changing the brand of food is carried out smoothly and accurately.

Tendency to diseases, vaccinations

Like other large breeds, the American Akita often suffers from joint-related diseases. This is dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints. American women may suffer from diseases of the eyes, heart, and thyroid gland, which are inherited. Responsible breeders exclude such dogs from breeding. Overall, this is a healthy breed with good immunity.

Vaccinations, anti-worming treatments

Only absolutely healthy dogs can be vaccinated. 10 days before vaccination, puppies are given an anthelmintic. Dosage - according to the instructions, strictly according to the weight of the pet. Subsequent dewormings are carried out monthly until 6 months of age, then every 4 months.

Approximate puppy vaccination schedule:

• 8 – 9 weeks – complex vaccination against plague, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus + against leptospirosis,
• 12 weeks – revaccination + rabies vaccination,
• 1 year and then annually - repeated revaccination + rabies vaccination.

How to feed pregnant large breed dogs

A lack of nutrients in a pregnant bitch's diet will harm her and her puppies, as will an excess of them. Before mating, the dog is given high-quality dry food for adult animals. Once pregnancy is established, there is no sudden change in diet. Portions remain the same while the dog is in the early stages of pregnancy. Excessive nutrition at this stage leads to obesity, which increases the risk of complications during childbirth and endangers the lives of the dog and puppies.

In the third week, the animal may refuse food for up to a week. Active development of the offspring begins in the fifth or sixth week, at which time the daily portion is increased. The serving size is increased by about one third.

As for the brand and class of food, there are groups of food for lactating and pregnant females. Some breeders replace them with puppy food. They contain many useful substances that the expectant mother needs: calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, E, C and D. It is acceptable to use food of the “holistic” and “super-premium” classes.

Supplements for pregnant bitches improve the well-being of the female and ensure the health of the offspring. Products such as “Quantum ICD Dog-Mama” relieve toxicosis, “Farmina Vit-Active for pregnant and lactating dogs” compensates for the lack of vitamins and minerals, “Unitabs MamaCare” is easily absorbed by animals thanks to its natural flavoring.

Description of the breed

FCI Standard No. 344 dated January 29, 2015 “American Akita” Group 5 “Spitz and primitive type breeds” Section 5 “Asian Spitz and related breeds”

The height of an adult male is 66-71 cm, weight - from 50 to 68 kg. The female’s height is from 61 to 66 cm, weight is from 46 to 56 kg.

The dog is distinguished by a strong and powerful physique, harmoniously built. The large head is proportional to the body, has a large dark nose and triangular erect ears.

Nose color depigmentation is only permissible for dogs with white coats.

The Akita has a scissor bite and powerful, strong teeth. American Akita: the breed description contains large dark brown eyes. The neck is short, massive and thick. The fluffy wide tail tapers towards the end and is wrapped in a ring. The limbs are massive and proportional to the body.

The coat has a soft and thick undercoat that protects the owner from severe frosts. The fur is rough and very thick to the touch. The American Akita is long-haired: the dog's body is covered with about 6 cm of hair, the densest and longest hair is on the tail. But on the head and ears the hair is quite short.

The coat color varies, the most popular are:

• white;
• yellow-white;
• dark brown;
• brown-red;
• pale red.

Undercoat and coat colors may vary.