The Japanese Akita belongs to the 5^th Group FCI – Spitz and primitive type. They are indigenous to Japan, with the primary purpose to hunt big game such as the wild boar, deer or the dangerous Asian black bear, as well as pulling loads, guarding and later for dog fights. The name of the breed comes from Akita prefecture, on the island of Honshu, located in the northern part of Japan.

Akita has a fixed place in Japanese mythology and literature, and owning an Akita was connected to certain beliefs. These dogs enjoyed great respect and were of great value, bordering on worship. In 1927, AKIHO was founded – Akita Inu Honzonkai (Association for the protection of Akita) and in 1931 Akita was recognised as cultural heritage of Japan.

History, however, wasn’t benevolent to these beautiful and proud canines – after World War II, there were less than 20 Akita dogs left, which abruptly stopped the reconstruction of the breed.

In our life, there was already a number wonderful animals, but when the first Akita appeared in our house, the world turned upside down, we were head over heels and our fascination with the race is getting bigger every day. Akita is a strong, proud, often stubborn, and an extremely intelligent creature with a big heart that requires commitment and consistency in upbringing. However, today, in retrospect, I can say “takes one to know one” and this breed, like no other, is close to my heart.

Nowadays, the Akita plays the role of a family companion, which does not mean that she lost her courage and hunting instinct – if released from a leash, she could go hunting wild animals or the neighbour’s cat. That’s why, at least in most cases, it’s not a dog that you can walk without a leash. Akita will accept all animals with which she is brought up and will treat them as part of her pack. It has a strong sense of hierarchy and sometimes is bossy with a tendency to dominate, but also very sensitive. Therefore, it is extremely important to build a close, trust-based relationship, show who the leader at home is, and show our Akita her place is in the home-pack. In building this relationship, calmness, patience, but also decisiveness and consistency in action are very important because our Akita will often try to break the established rules.

The intelligent Akita is a master of contriving and dealing with different situations.

Not once have we wondered how on Earth has she broke out of a locked kennel, opened the front door, or handled herself in the storage room with dog food, although the bags were closed. Akita is an extremely vigilant observer, and putting the plan into practice is just a matter of time and favourable circumstances. When it comes to training, the basis is the right motivation and catching the individual predispositions and above all great fun. As long as there are a goal and a positive atmosphere, there is training. When Akita loses interest, there is no chance of repeating the commands.

Akita does not bark unnecessarily, but when something disturbs her, she will raise the alarm. Nobody enjoys it like her when after a literally five-minute absence, I return home. Talks, sings and roars, performs her wonderful and unique dance of joy with a shoe or a previously stolen sock in her teeth.

Akita is a dog which is affectionate towards her own family but treats strangers with a distance.

If it is properly socialised, it shows no aggression until provoked. Faithful and devoted protects members of her pack, sensing the threats perfectly. She is very attached to her own family and they like to have constant contact with people. That’s why my dogs occupy all the strategic places at home, from which they can watch the household.

Akita is an exceptional dog, a proud Japanese who should be treated with proper respect. Certainly, it is worth spending time and attention, providing the Akita with respect and trust -only then will we gain a faithful and devoted friend for our whole life together.

The Akita is a rather healthy and immune breed.

Although Akita Inu is generally a healthy breed which is resistant to diseases, there happen to be problems with eyes, hip and elbow dysplasia. As in every breed, food allergies can occur as well. Sometimes autoimmune diseases (SA, VKH/UDS) will show up although this happens rather rarely. We have to remember that as in people, the health of our dog is highly influenced by its diet.