Akita Inu (or Japanese Great Dog)

 🐾 Express story  

Originating from the Akita province in Japan, the Akita Inu has a rich and eventful history. Used since the 17th century as a hunting dog (for boars, deer, and bears) and for fighting, its role evolved with the ban on fighting in 1908. After World War II, when the breed was on the brink of extinction, Japanese breeders worked to restore its original characteristics. Today, the Akita Inu is a national symbol, recognized for its beauty and loyalty.  

 🐕 Portrait of the breed  

The Akita Inu is a calm, majestic, and intelligent dog, with a great capacity for adaptation. It accommodates both life in a house and in an apartment, as long as it can benefit from regular exercise. Its presence and dense coat give it an irresistible "cuddle" appearance, but behind its sweet exterior lies an independent and protective dog.  

🔍 In short  

- Hypoallergenic: No  

- Weight: 32-52 kg (male), 30-45 kg (female)  

- Size: 64-70 cm (male), 58-64 cm (female)  

- Life expectancy: 11-15 years  

- Need for physical activity: 1.5 to 2 hours per day  

 ❤️ Personality & compatibility  

- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

- Protector: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆  

- Player: ⭐⭐☆☆☆  

- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆  

- Obedient: ⭐⭐☆☆☆  

- Hunter: ⭐⭐☆☆☆  

- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

- Sporty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆  

- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆  

Compatibility:  

- With the children: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆  

- With the animals: ⭐⭐☆☆☆  

- With the unknows: ⭐⭐☆☆☆  

- In apartment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆  

> Good to know: Despite its calm demeanor, the Akita Inu can be reserved and wary of strangers. Early socialization is essential to prevent excessive protective behaviors.  

 🛠 Hygiene & care  

- Maintenance difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆  

- Maintenance cost: ⭐☆☆☆☆  

- Maintenance frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆  

> Outside of shedding periods (fall and spring), weekly brushing is sufficient. During shedding, daily brushing is essential to remove fallen tufts of hair.  

💰 Budget  

- Purchase price: €1,000 to €1,500  

- Average annual cost: $800 to $1,550 (veterinarian, accessories, food)  

💡 Fun fact: The Akita Inu is famous for its incredible loyalty, embodied by Hachiko, a dog that became a symbol of unwavering attachment after waiting for his deceased owner for 9 years at Shibuya Station in Japan.  

> An elegant and loyal companion, ideal for calm and responsible owners ready to build a special relationship with this unique dog!