Japanese dogs Akita Inu and Shiba Inu are breeds popular among breeders and lovers of four-legged friends. The pedigree of both breeds is rooted in ancient times and is closely related to the history of Japan. The best puppies of Akita Inu and Shiba Inu, which meet the standards, are still delivered from the Land of the Rising Sun.
The similarity of the two breeds often leads to the fact that people who do not have experience in dog breeding confuse them with each other. In fact, these are two completely different breeds of Japanese dogs: Akita Inu and Shiba Inu differ both in appearance and in character. We offer you to understand the characteristics of the breeds of four-legged pets and understand which puppy is right for you.
Description of Akita Inu dogs
This breed is chosen not only because of its exterior. Such a dog is an indicator of success and the owner’s goal is to demonstrate an attitude to history and cultural values. This is largely due to the role played by dogs of the Akita Inu breed in the Russian-Japanese war and their natural origin.
Origin of breed
A feature of Akita Inu, which determines its high value as a domestic breed, is that for its breeding did not resort to selection. Dogs began to live with humans as a result of a long process of domestication, preserving their natural features. For dog handlers and dog breeders, the value of breeds that are not artificially bred is incredibly high.
The Akita Inu breed is more than eight thousand years old: archaeologists first discovered the remains of dogs in the graves of primitive people. Originally, this Japanese breed was intended for protection. Dogs lived in rich homes and were considered a kind of indicator of the high status of the owner. Wealthy Japanese allocated their pets separate rooms, dressed them in the best clothes, and assigned them a staff of servants to meet the needs of their pets. At night, the adult Akita Inu guarded the owners' houses, warned of the invasion of strangers and were very aggressive towards strangers trying to break into the guarded property.
The rank status of Akita Inu and its notable past make the breed more valuable, unlike the similar Shiba Inu, and it costs several times more. Changes in state order in Japan made Akita Inu more accessible to a wide layer of citizens, however, the title of dogs of wealthy people, fixed by centuries of history, left its mark on the price of puppies.
The widespread occurrence of Akita Inu in the country significantly increased the number of breeds, improving the exterior of dogs that have become more resilient, quick-witted and strong. Dog handlers and dog breeders carefully monitored the purity of the breed, crossing only purebred representatives.
Dog Military History
Dogs with high intelligence, dexterity, power, trained to protect the life and property of their owners, attracted the attention of people not only in peace but also in wartime. Akita Inu participated in the fighting along with the Japanese, protecting their masters to the last.
In military conditions, the endurance and agility of dogs did not always save them, which led to the almost complete destruction of the breed. The number of Akita Inu declined daily, and by the end of the war there were only a few specimens that were valued by dog ​​breeders worth its weight in gold. The breed began to be considered not just ranked, but heroic thanks to its participation in the war. Breeders diligently increased the number of dogs and achieved incredible success in this. The losses incurred by the Akita Inu in the war were more than offset by the birth of purebred puppies who found loving and loyal owners.
Character Features
Power is the hallmark of Akita Inu. Loyal but proud dogs are ready to give their lives for their masters. The Akita Inu in the apartment is by no means a cute, fluffy toy, ready to rush with children. Being excellent watchmen, they can serve as nannies, but only for children of primary school age, and not for tots. They will not react aggressively to children's provocations, but they will not tolerate inappropriate behavior in their opinion and simply go away from the offender. However, among dogs that protect children, they have no equal, so Akita Inu can really be trusted with a child.
The breed does not show aggression either to relatives or to people. Akita will not pay attention to the bullying cat or dog, but just pass by. The only exception when a dog can show cruelty and aggression is an attack on the owner or his property. The pet will fight to the last, defending what is expensive and should - it was thanks to this that the Akita Inu was taken to the war.
Akita Inu is an excellent companion for those who prefer calm, peaceful and loyal dogs. The breed is also perfect for lovers of Japan, its culture and history.
Appearance
Almost all representatives of the breed meet the standards: Akita Inu are distinguished by a compact physique and well-developed muscles. A short and flat muzzle makes dogs look like bears, a dense physique makes them look like wolves.
Features of care and maintenance
Akita Inu is not picky about their care, but their maintenance requires compliance with some features that provide maximum comfort for pets. This primarily affects nutrition. The original Japanese origin of the breed affects the intolerance of fatty meats. The digestive system of dogs is adapted to certain foods, including fish, rice, vegetables, seafood, fruits. Mostly, the pet's menu should consist of the listed ingredients, however, the addition of chicken, low-fat veal and beef, cereals, dairy products and broths is acceptable.
Akita Inu is forbidden to give flour and bakery products, fatty meat, lard and sweets. Dry food is also not recommended - its use can adversely affect the digestive tract of the dog. It can be given only in small quantities and soaked in milk or water.
The daily Akita Inu diet should be 20% protein, while carbohydrates are preferred. In addition to the standard diet, seasonal courses of micronutrient and multivitamin therapy are given.
Akita is a breed that longs for walks: the longer they are, the better. The dog should run without a leash at least once a week, relieving the stress accumulated during sitting in the apartment. Ideal option - active games with the owner.
The minimum duration of walks is an hour, the frequency is twice a day. It is advisable to walk the dog away from the tracks and the city limits, in the fresh air. The abundance of oxygen and regular physical exertion will positively affect the appearance of the pet - the coat will shine and shine, the skeleton and muscles will improve.
The dog needs grooming: it is combed against the growth of the wool with different combs three times a week. The frequency of the procedure increases during seasonal molting to one to two times a day; the exact amount depends on the characteristics of the dog.
The Akita Inu bench should be made of easy-to-clean natural fabrics. It should be placed in a passageway, from where all the rooms and the entrances / exits from them are perfectly visible - so the dog will be able to control the situation and satisfy the instinct of the guard. The personal place of the dog should not be located near open windows and heating appliances.
Periodically, Akita Inu needs to be washed. Twice a week, the pet's face is wiped with a damp cloth, and once a week, the ears are cleaned with a damp cotton pad or napkin. Too often, washing the dog is not worth it - just 2-3 times a year.
Akita Inu Cost
The price of Akita Inu puppies depends on their pedigree, the kennel in which they were born and raised, compliance with the breed standards. The average cost of a dog in Russia is about 10 thousand rubles, however, it can be several times higher depending on the mentioned criteria.
Shiba Inu: breed description
Now about these dogs. The outward similarity of Japanese dog breeds raises many questions about what the difference is. Shiba Inu and Akita are different breeds that differ from each other in origin, character and appearance.
Origin
The history of Japanese Inu dog breeds dates back millennia: only about two thousand years old. The breeding of this breed was done by Japanese monks, who set a goal - to guard and defend the monasteries. At the same time, the dogs were supposed to be small and silent - it was these qualities of the Inu dog breed that were considered important for maintaining peace and silence in the monastery.
In addition, physical endurance, reaction speed, and dexterity were required of the dog. All qualities were required for the successful fulfillment of the duties of a hunter, and not just a security guard.
The Japanese Inu dog breed is considered not just a watchdog, but also a hunting one. The monks of the Land of the Rising Sun needed a combination of these two qualities. The purity of blood derived from the breed breeding method was fervently stored and maintained: Sibu was bred only in monasteries. Originally, this breed was considered a monastery, as a result of which ordinary citizens of Japan could not get such a pet.
A little later, the Inu - Shiba dog breed became ubiquitous, and many people started it to protect the territory, however, restlessness, ardor of character and desire to hunt provoked outbreaks of aggression in the dog, which entailed danger to the owners and family members. Today, both breeds of primordially Japanese dogs are very popular due to their character traits and ease of keeping in the apartment.
Character Features
The character of the Siberian Sea is largely determined by its hunting nature: dogs are agile, agile and very playful. Being very active even in adulthood, representatives of the Inu dog breed easily get involved in brawls with other dogs, are often in an excited state, very aggressive towards animals and people who threaten the owner. Being very devoted, Siba stands to the last, protecting “her” from offenders. The violent disposition does not affect the attitude towards children, although one should not expect manifestations of tenderness from a dog: he prefers games more. If the child annoys Siba, then she will simply leave the room, but will not show aggression.
The hunting potential of Inu dogs is fully offset by active, long walks. This helps to neutralize the pet’s aggressiveness, so it becomes more good-natured and easily converges with people. Sibs have a developed intellect, which is often used to brazenly and cunningly solicit sweets from the owner. Inu dogs are ideal companions for families with small children.
An interesting feature of the character of the Shiba Inu breed is a reverent attitude towards toys. You can’t select them in any case: the pet itself will bring the favorite trinket to the owner in order to play. This is how her hunting instinct manifests itself: a dog associates a toy with prey.
Exterior
Despite its compact size, Shiba is a hardy, strong and strong dog. During the hunt, she can kill not only a bird, but also a larger animal, causing deep wounds and holding it until the hunter arrives.
Care Features
What is the difference between Shiba Inu and Akita in care? Due to their common origin, both breeds have similar dietary preferences. Dog breeders do not recommend feeding dogs fatty meat and dry food - this can adversely affect the health of the animal and lead to serious diseases.
Shiba's walking mode is identical to that of Akita: daily active exits are required for a minimum of one and a half hours. Several times a week the dog should walk without a leash.
The thick wool of an anthrax requires frequent combing. During seasonal molting, a pet has to be scratched every day, as a standard - two to three times a week. To do this, resort to plastic combs and metal combs.
In other aspects, the care of Shiba is no different from the care of Akita Inu; The four-legged pet bench should be located in a place with good visibility. The only problem that the owner may encounter and which, however, can be easily solved by training Shiba Inu, is the dog’s craving for shoes and its destruction.
Shiba likes to drag shoes around the apartment and chew. You can solve the problem by buying a quality toy that the dog could carry around.
Cost of siba
The price of Shiba puppies is several times higher than that of Akita Inu, which is associated with various aspects: pedigree, appearance, color of Shiba Inu. In a professional kennel you can buy a dog for 30-50 thousand rubles.
Comparative analysis of external characteristics
In 1992, dog handlers and breeders all over the world came to a common opinion regarding the standards of Shiba Inu and Akita Inu, compiling a list of parameters symbolizing purebred and breed compliance.
Exterior | Parameters of an adult Akita Inu | Adult Shiba Inu Parameters |
|---|
| | |
|---|
| | |
| Height (height at the withers) | 60 - 70 cm | 35 - 40 cm |
| Weight | 30 - 40 kg - Akita Inu weight | 8 - 10 kg |
| Color | Two-tone, but dark shade prevails. There are light spots on the stomach, chest, paws and inside of the tail. The following color options are acceptable: - black and white;
- red-white;
- black and red;
- black and steel
The color of females and males may be the same. Puppies are most often born light; their hair grows denser and changes color as the individual grows older | Siba is similar in color in many ways to Akita; an exception are individuals with a unique sesame color. This coloring visually increases the body volume of the dog due to pronounced ripples on the back. Several color mixing options are acceptable: - black and white;
- black and red;
- black and steel;
- red-white;
- red and steel
|
| Muzzle shape | Wide, pointed, similar to a fox. The nose is black, cold in a healthy individual, the teeth are neat, small, lips are thin | Wide pointed muzzle. Powerful jaws, thin lips, medium-sized pointed teeth |
| Eye color | Dark brown | Brown |
| Ear shape | Triangular, pointy ears | Triangular, pointy ears |
| Housing | A shallow chest, a short neck smoothly flows into the sternum. Belly tightened | The short neck smoothly passes into the sternum. The body is not wide |
| Tail | Sticks up, bent into a ring, quite long | Fell into a ring, very fluffy |
| Legs | Straight, short. Hind legs in the thigh above the front | Straight, short, with developed muscles. Front and rear are the same length. Paws are wide, massive |
| Wool | Coarse, thick coat with soft and thick undercoat | Thick, tough and elastic coat. The undercoat is more voluminous |
Deviation from the standards accepted by dog ​​handlers and dog breeders indicates that dogs of the Inu breed are mixed with each other or with other breeds. The thoroughbredness of the selected individual is easily checked by the pedigree, which should be accompanied by each puppy purchased in official kennels.
Which dog to choose?
Both Japanese dog breeds have their advantages, however, when choosing a four-legged pet, you should rely on several criteria:
- The presence of children in the family.
- Preferred character of the dog: playful, active, calm.
- The amount of time that you can devote to daily walks.
- The size of the dog.
- Estimated amount allocated for the purchase of a pet.
Based on the listed criteria, a specific breed is selected - Shiba Inu or Akita Inu. Each of them is unique, but both combine love for people, excellent hunting and security instincts, devotion and the ability to protect the owner in case of attack on him.
Which breed is suitable for keeping on the street, which - in the apartment?
In terms of activity and sociability, Shiba Inu is practically unrivaled. Regular physical activity will help keep the apartment in order and maintain an excellent shape of the pet. The excess energy of the sib will direct to local destruction and cracking of everything that falls on her tooth. Dogs begin to gnaw at various things not because of harmfulness and desire to play a dirty trick, but because they want to play with the owner.
When keeping an anthrax in the yard, it must be taken into account that this breed does not tolerate collars and leashes. Keeping the dog on the chain is undesirable, despite the fact that it is prone to shoots - otherwise it can provoke aggression. An aviary or yard is possible only under one condition: the owner must give the pet the necessary level of attention and communication.
For apartment maintenance, Akita Inu is much better suited. They also require regular physical and mental stress to maintain shape and splash out excess energy, but they are bully at times. Akita is able to spend most of her time in her corner when properly equipped with interesting toys and a soft berth.
Aviary content immediately increases the requirements for dog comfort: it is necessary to build a warm and spacious booth, a large area for walking and a high fence. Akita Inu will feel the love and care of the owner only if the above conditions are met.
To whom is Akita Inu suitable, and to whom - Shiba?
The above features of both breeds, their differences cannot but affect the maintenance and training of dogs. When choosing a particular dog - sibs or akita - are based not only on the features of its content, but also on the nature of the future owner. For example, Akita Inu is an ideal loyal friend who is perfect:
- To a strong-willed and strong person, often an introvert, because this breed is an excellent companion, feeling great in the company of people.
- A person who has sufficient time and means necessary for proper care, since Akita needs care, high-quality food, attention, active games and a spacious territory.
- A leader who does not face problems training a dog. Akita Inu will not listen to someone who does not become authority for her.
As the first dog, you don’t need to start an Akita puppy: the upbringing of such a dog begins with young claws, and amateurs can not cope with this. However, the owners of such pets are proud owners of loyal and intelligent dogs.
Fans of the four-legged when considering the option of Shiba Inu should consider completely different criteria and nuances of content. This breed is ideal for those people who:
- He prefers an active lifestyle, as Siba loves long walks, physical activity and outdoor games.
- He loves cats. Shiba Inu in terms of habits and appearance is very similar to feline - the same affectionate and neat, at times - independent.
- Able to reconcile with the curiosity and curiosity of the pet. Sibu is attracted by everything unknown, so she is not averse to exploring new territory and rushing off for something unidentified and interesting.
Both breeds require the attention and care of the owner. Dogs of Japanese breeds are very sociable, and a lack of response from the owner can lead to lethargy and disease. Both Siba and Akita become a devoted friend of the family and repay the love of their masters with love.