Akita is a Japanese breed. The Akita has been declared a "national treasure" in its home country. Helen Keller brought the first Japanese Akitas to the United States in 1937. The breed did not then make it to American shores until, after World War II, returning soldiers brought the Akita Inu to America. When American soldiers returned home to the US, they brought with them the dogs they cared for during Japan's difficult times. The breed in Japan was almost completely lost, but thanks to true fans and connoisseurs, they not only kept the dogs, but also continued breeding.

Japan is going through a very difficult time. There was famine, and although the Allies provided relief, it was a time of grief and pain. Dogs were a luxury then, and only very rich people could afford a dog. Many of those who kept dogs at that time were accused of wasting food and were declared enemies of the state. Therefore, many dogs were killed. Many dogs were thrown away and many dogs were eaten by people. But desperate people, who also did not have the opportunity, continued to keep and breed dogs, preserving the breed.

After some time, the situation in Japan began to improve after the war. Then the government offered help and cash payments to restore the breed if their owners could not support the dogs themselves. They began to conduct dog reviews and register in the stud book. There were more and more dogs.

Americans, as conquerors, have always been in Japan, and everywhere they have access and respect. But, probably, it is not worth saying that Americans were not very loved in Japan and were not considered friends. It is not difficult to guess what kind of puppies and dogs the Japanese gave to American "friends". The worst representatives of this breed were exported to the USA. And yet at this time the export of dogs was an extremely good thing. A good thing for Japan because they got rid of bad dogs that didn't fit their idea of a true Japanese Akita, but also a good thing for the Americans, who got a lot of exotic dogs.

Akita in America.

A new exotic breed of dogs and an extraordinary appearance sunk into the hearts of American breeders. There was a demand for Akita puppies. Many dogs were imported, someone was sold as a pet, someone fell into the hands of breeders and these dogs, of course, began to take part in breeding. Very few dogs that arrived from Japan were used in breeding, many remained just pets and companions. Some of the dogs were used in training, but not showing exceptional results, there are not many enthusiasts of this. Breeding of dogs was more often random, not taking into account the type and quality of producers. But you need to consider that there were real Akita fans in the USA and they sometimes did incredible things and brought top quality dogs to the USA.

Having common interests in the development of the breed in their country, several Akita breed clubs have formed in the USA. In 1956, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the new breed, but refused to register the standard, as there were big disagreements between numerous (according to inaccurate data, 9 Akita clubs were formed in the USA within three years) breed clubs.

In 1955 Mr. M.K. Spelmeyer founds the Akita Owners Association, registering it as a closed society of Akita Owners. In 1956, eleven people who owned 30 dogs - Club of America. After a short time, these two most powerful clubs at that time decide to merge, which happens in 1960 in California, and the new organization has a new name, the American Akita Club.

The Akita Breeders' Association formed later, adding another breed club. But they were soon accused of using the name of M.K.'s first club. Spelmeyer and asked to be accepted into the strongest Akita Club of America at the time.

With his own goals in 1963, Charles Rubenstein formed and registered another club, the American Akita Breeders Club, with the support of some of the famous kennels of the time.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Recognition of the standard and breed organization required a single breed club in the country, but the two main clubs refused to merge despite arbitration in 1969.

Akita breeders and owners were very unhappy, their dogs did not have recognized pedigrees, they could not take part in exhibitions, in fact they were breeding outbred dogs. All this dissatisfaction, accumulated over 14 years of development of the breed in the country, led to the collective withdrawal of members from both existing organizations and the formation of a new one, the American Akita-Club (ACA), which became the only one in the USA and still exists today.

The last remaining step towards AKC recognition is the creation of a studbook. With over 3,000 registered dogs at the time, this was not an easy task. On April 4, 1973, the Akita breed was admitted to regular breed status in the AKC. During this time the national The ACA club created a breed standard and registered all pedigree dogs (Akit) with the issuance of unified pedigrees and the mandatory registration of all litters in the stud book. After registration stabilized, dogs imported from Japan were no longer accepted for registration because the AKC did not have mutual privileges with the Japanese Kennel Club.

In October 1976, the American Akita Club held its first National Akita Specialty Show in Los Angeles. 104 Akitas competed in the regular classes and 36 dogs competed in the sweepstakes (the US has a different judging system for shows).

The Akita Club (ACA) became a full member of the AKC in 1995.

What you need to know about Akita.

The Akita is a great breed, but of course it's not the dog for everyone. Akita in the house is considered a symbol of health, prosperity and good luck.

American Akitas are large dogs, males can weigh over 45 kilograms, are very strong and have strong willed temperament - definitely not a grandma's dog! All puppies are cute, including Akita puppies, but before you get a plush puppy that turns into a grizzly bear, do some fact's:

1. Akitas do not bark unless there is a good reason. If an Akita barks, pay attention. They are silent hunters that hunt low to the ground, do not growl or make noise, almost like cats.

2. Akita may consider small animals as prey and hunt them. These can be cats, rodents, birds and small wild animals, and small dogs. Chickens, ducks and other birds are Akita food, don't expect a dog to make friends with a bird.

3. Akitas are natural guard dogs and do not require any training to become guard dogs. When there is a good reason to protect family and property, your Akita will do anything to protect it. When you are at home, the Akita will welcome your guests, but when you are away, no one will be able to enter.

4. These dogs show aggression towards other animals and for this reason they should not be allowed to roam freely. You can let the Akita off the leash when you are in a place where he is unlikely to be in contact with other animals and people.

5. Males of the Akita breed show aggression towards other males, just like females, they will not put up with the presence of another female. Akitas can get along peacefully with a dog of the opposite sex, although some Akitas prefer to be the only dog!

6. Dogs of this breed are very jealous of their food. If you have other pets, you must ensure that the Akita is fed away from other animals. This rule also applies to children. Akita, not raised with children since puppyhood, is not always tolerant of small children. This dog should never be left alone with a child, even if you are sure that your dog adores all children. Often, an Akita raised with children will tolerate their owner's children, but will not tolerate the surrounding children. As a general rule, it is wise not to leave an Akita or a dog of any large breed alone with children under the age of 12.

7. Do not tease the Akita, as she might bite. Some children love to torture animals. Such children should stay as far away from the Akita as possible, because the large size and hunting instincts of the Akita can endanger the life of the child.

8. Dogs of this breed view eye contact as a challenge and react aggressively. It is strongly not recommended to descend to the level of the Akita and approach the dog's muzzle. These positions can also provoke an aggressive reaction.

American Akita. Instructions for use.

I want to tell you about what life looks like side by side with the American Akita.

They are smart. God, they are smart. Sometimes you really want them to be smart at least half as much. And a little less independent. This mind of theirs is in everything. First of all, in training. This is not a sheepdog that can be hung up on a ball. And not a spaniel who will sell his homeland for a piece. It's like this: "Oh! Ball! Hooray! Throw. Throw again. Throw again! That's it. Tired. Go get your ball yourself. Throw it yourself - and go yourself."

The same with training. The American Akita will sit down, lie down, make a bunny, give a paw, jump up. In case she wants it. If he doesn't want to, then fuck you, not a bunny. She will make a bunch of gestures, but not a bunny. At the same time, with all her appearance, she will show that you got her, she is tired, at death, her stomach hurts, her head hurts, and PMS in general (even if it is a male).

In general, American Akitas feel very well when the jokes are over and must be carried out. And when you can run in circles from the owner and shake your head. To raise this brazen animal, you need to be patient. Change motivators, change activities every couple of minutes. Otherwise, they will become unbearably bored, and they will come up with the idea that they have PMS.

They are touchy. When Shaina, my first Akita, was a little girl, she was very naughty - she ran across the road without permission. And of course, she was strongly scolded, she got it in the ass. It doesn't hurt, but it's embarrassing. And she was offended. She came home, went up to the second floor and lay there in splendid isolation. On the call did not go. She lay with her booty turned towards us, and built offended innocence. Until we apologized to her.

Akitas do not tolerate familiarity. Especially from other dogs. And vindictive. For example, when Shaina and Ruby were little, they were teased by stray dogs. Shaina and Ruby have grown up. Now wandering flocks bypass them, one of their sight and glance is enough to understand the inevitability of retribution for the slightest pretext or yapping towards Madonnas.

And yet they are cats. These are very affectionate dogs that will hug, calm, pity, make you laugh. And they will even treat you. In general, this is a great friend. But it's a friend. Not a working robot shepherd. Not a phlegmatic dog in itself. This is a cat dog. Because, firstly, they hunt mice very well (girls especially love it). And secondly, they look at their person as an equal. And on someone else - like shit. )))