American Akita dog description. About the most “diverse” breed - the husky. Dog care

Formation and division of the breed

Strelka and Belka, perhaps descendants of exactly that husky that an unknown artist depicted on a fresco preserved in Kyiv back in 1037, with their flight into space provided convincing evidence of the outstanding properties of this group of northern dogs.

Laika can be considered one of the oldest breeds of dogs serving humans. To this day they have preserved characteristic features, indicating their close relationship with the wolf and jackal. How to use, as well as environment, over many generations, have fixed certain psychological and physiological signs, on the basis of which huskies can be divided into three subgroups:

1. Shepherd's huskies.
2. Sled (polar) huskies.
3. Hunting huskies.

Shepherd huskies

The original breed is the Nenets Laika, related to the Lapland Laika, common in all northern regions of the Scandinavian Peninsula.

general characteristics. The Nenets Laika is a small, lightweight type, but still a compact dog. The height at the withers for males is no less than 45 cm, and for females no less than 40 cm. Their important protection in harsh climates is long hair. The wide skull extends into a moderately convex forehead. The transition from forehead to muzzle is well defined.

Muzzle shorter in relation to the skull, with dry cheekbones, tightly fitting the jaw and dry lips. The eyes are round, occasionally slanted, dark hazel in color. Red-brown huskies have yellowish-green eyes.

The practical use of this subgroup is obvious from the name. However, in addition to being excellent assistants for shepherds, they also perform well in hunting waterfowl, squirrels and even bears.

It is interesting that when shepherding huskies are crossed with hunting huskies, the offspring experience an undesirable increase in hunting instincts, even bordering on savagery (unrestrained pursuit, bullying and devouring game, etc.). Crossbreeding also negatively affects the length of the coat, which is much shorter in crossbreeds, and thus does not fulfill its purpose. protective function(in swampy areas on thawed ground in summer there are not enough huskies long hair bothered by clouds of mosquitoes). A warning sign of unwanted crossbreeding in some generation is clearly enlarged occipital protuberances.

Sled (polar) huskies

They form the largest subgroup. They transport people and cargo wherever all roadable roads end in the north. Vehicle. In addition to working in a team (consisting of 8 - 13 dogs), huskies are also successfully used for driving elk or mountain bighorn sheep and deer. At a time when the polar bear was not yet protected by law, they justified themselves when hunting it.

Due to the fact that these huskies are distributed over the vast territory of Siberia from the Ob to Chukotka, from the Arctic Ocean to the Amur and are therefore found in many variants, the following characteristic a typical Laika of the eastern northern regions is described.

General characteristics. The sled-polar husky is a dog with a strong, powerful bone structure and gives the impression of a strong, hardy dog. This is also reflected by its rather high height at the withers: in males it is no less than 60 cm, in females it is 58 cm. A highly developed chest is typical.

Hunting huskies

Hunting huskies are the main assistants of hunters in the vast forest areas of northern Europe and Asia. As hunters convincingly claim, a good hunting husky is the best weapon for them.

In essence it is an all-round hunting dog. Back in the nineteenth century, outstanding Russian cynologists sought to include many species of these huskies into separate breed groups in order to consolidate their outstanding hunting abilities through further selection.

In 1898, the first book about huskies by M. G. Dmirieva-Sulima was published in Russia, in which, based on the generalized experience of commercial hunters and the theory of specialists, huskies were highly appreciated.

Breed standards and photos

Evidence of many years of intensive efforts is the presence of a wide breeding base of purebred Laikas. All modern views Laikas can be classified, according to the standard approved by a majority vote at the All-Union Cynological Meeting in 1947, as one of the four dog breeds below:

1.

General form. The dog is of medium height, strong and dry type of constitution, with well-developed muscles, lively and agile. The height at the withers in males is 52-58 cm, in females it is 2 cm less.

Head. Wedge-shaped, dry, rather wide in the skull, approaching an equilateral triangle. The length of the muzzle is slightly shorter than the length of the skull. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is gradual, unnoticeable, the cheekbones are well defined.

Muzzle pointed, dry, parallel to the forehead line. Lips are dry and tight-fitting.

Eyes. With a cheerful, lively expression, clear. Medium size, oval, set somewhat obliquely, not sunken or protruding, brown and dark brown in any coat color.

Ears. Erect, mobile, small, set moderately high in the shape of a triangle, with a wide base and sharp apexes.

Limbs. Straight and parallel. Pasterns slightly sloping, paws well-arched. Dewclaws on the hind legs are undesirable.

Tail. Set on high, curved in a ring or sickle over the back or pressed to the thigh. At high speed the ring unfolds. When the dog is calm, it is allowed to keep the tail down. In length (straightened) the last vertebra reaches the hock joint or is 1-2 cm shorter.

Wool. The coat is thick, coarse, straight, with a soft undercoat. The outer hair on the neck, withers and shoulders forms a lush collar and scruff. The hair on the head, ears and limbs is short. On the hind legs on the back side the hair is longer and forms fluffy pants. The tail is pubescent evenly along its entire length, with slightly longer hair on its underside, which, however, does not form a dewlap.

Color. Black, white, red, piebald, zoned.

Vices. An elongated, massive muzzle in relation to the length of the skull, eyes that are too small or large, floppy, low-set ears with rounded tops, a tail that is too long or saber-shaped, depigmentation of the nose.

Wool defects. Poor undercoat development, wavy coat, too long hair With inside tail and on the back of the front legs, short hair.

2.

General form. The dog is of medium height, strong and dry type of constitution. Compared to the Russian-European Laika, it has a more extended format. The height at the withers in males is 54-60 cm, in females it is 2 cm less.

Head. When viewed from above, it appears as a sharp wedge with a wide crown. The length of the muzzle is approximately equal to the length of the skull. The occipital protuberance is well defined. The transition from forehead to muzzle is not sharp.

Muzzle wedge-shaped, the upper line of the muzzle is parallel to the line of the forehead, the lips are dry, tightly fitting, without drooping or jowls. Ears. Shaped like a slightly elongated triangle, erect, mobile, high-set.

Eyes. Medium size, with a sharply slanting eyelid, brown in any coat color.

Neck and torso. The neck is muscular, dry, and equal in length to the head. The chest is wide, deep and long, reaching down to the elbows and below. The withers are well developed and sharply defined.

Back straight, wide, muscular. The loin is slightly convex, short, wide, and muscular. The croup is moderately long and moderately sloping. The belly is moderately tucked.

Limbs. Straight and parallel. Elbows point straight back. Pasterns slightly sloping. The hind limbs are slightly wider apart than the forelimbs.

Tail. Curved into a ring or sickle onto the back or pressed against the thigh.

At a fast pace, the tail unfolds, and can be lowered when the dog is calm. Tail length to the hock joint or 1-2 cm shorter.

Wool. The coat is thick, coarse, straight, with a soft undercoat. On the neck, withers and shoulders, elongated hair forms sideburns, a collar and a scruff. The hair on the head, ears and the front sides of the legs is short. There are small featherings on the back of the hind legs. The tail is evenly pubescent; between the toes the hair forms a small brush that covers the soles of the paws.

Color. White, black, zoned, red and brown of all shades, piebald, spotted. Speckling on the limbs to match the spots is acceptable.

Vices. Too long in relation to the skull, massive muzzle, lack of a pronounced or sharp transition from the forehead to the muzzle, round, small or large eyes, hanging, inactive, low-set ears with rounded tops.

The tail is too long or saber-shaped. Depigmentation of the nose. Wool defects. Poor undercoat development, wavy coat.

3. Karelo-Finnish Laika

General form. Small in stature, strong, agile. The height at the withers in males is 42-48 cm, in females it is 2 cm less.

Head. When viewed from above, wedge-shaped. The parietal crest and occipital protuberance are weakly expressed, the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is faintly noticeable. The top line of the forehead and the line of the muzzle are parallel. The muzzle is pointed. The lips are thin, dry, tight-fitting, and not saggy.

Ears. Small, erect, mobile, in the shape of a somewhat elongated triangle with sharp apexes.

Eyes. Small, oval, with a moderately oblique eyelid. Dark brown. Torso. The chest is deep, flattened, the withers are well developed, the back is straight, muscular, the loin is short, convex, the croup is wide, short, almost horizontal, the belly is well tucked.

Limbs. Straight, parallel, rear legs set slightly wider than front ones. The paws are round with tightly closed toes.

Tail. Set on high, curled over the back or pressed to the thigh, a sickle tail is acceptable. Evenly lowered, reaching to the hock joint or 1-2 cm shorter.

Wool. Hard, straight, thick, with a soft, lush undercoat. The hair on the head, ears and front legs is short. The hind legs have noticeable feathering. On the underside of the tail the hair is noticeably longer. On the neck and shoulders, longer hair forms sideburns and a fluffy collar.

Color. Red of all shades. White markings on the face, chest, belly, legs and tip of the tail are allowed, as is a dark mask. The nose is black; with a light red color, brown is allowed.

Vices. The muzzle is too long, massive in relation to the skull, the absence of a pronounced or sharp transition from the forehead to the muzzle, round, very large or very small eyes, floppy, low-set ears with a rounded top. The tail is too long. Dewclaws are not acceptable.

Wool defects. Wavy coat and poor undercoat development.

4. East Siberian Laika

General form. Compared to the West Siberian one, this Laika is of a more extended format. The height at the withers in males is 55-65 cm, in females it is 2 cm less. In addition to greater length and height at the withers, East Siberian huskies also have more powerful bones.

Head. Wedge-shaped with a relatively wide skull and rounded occipital bone. The length of the muzzle approaches the length of the skull. The occipital protuberance is pronounced. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is smooth, weakly expressed. The top line of the muzzle is parallel to the line of the forehead.

Ears. Standing, mobile, triangular shape, with sharp or

slightly rounded tops, not set very high.

Eyes. Medium-sized, with oval and moderately oblique eyelids, preferably dark brown or brown in any coat color.

Teeth. Large, white, scissor bite.

Neck. Muscular, approaching the length of the head.

Withers. Well developed, protruding sharply above the line of the back.

Back. Straight, wide, muscular.

Forelegs. Straight, parallel, with well-defined angles, elbows directed strictly back. Forearms straight, pasterns slightly sloping.

Hind limbs. Muscular, with long lower legs, parallel, with regular angles of articulation. The metatarsus is set almost vertically. The paws are gathered into a ball. Dewclaws are allowed but not desirable.

Tail. The length reaches the hock joint, or 1-2 cm shorter. As a rule, it is curled over the back or pressed against the thigh.

Movements. Fast, easy. The characteristic gait is an accelerated trot and a light gallop.

The Finns call it Karjarlankarhukoira. After the founding of the Finnish cynological society “Suomen Kennel Liitto” in 1934, they began to collect breeding material, and thus the main base for breeding the Karelian bear dog was created. Thanks to this, it was possible to save the ancient Finnish breed in its original form.

Many specimens of this dog breed were exported abroad to Finland, so this northern hunting spitz acquired lovers abroad, such as in Switzerland, England, Sweden and Norway. This large northern spitz was originally intended to work as a detection hunting dog thanks to its remarkable sense of smell, and it is precisely because of this property that it is still used in hunting today.

The bear has now become a rarity in Finland. Hunting in the forests of the north requires a hardy, unpretentious and courageous dog with a strong hunting and orientation instinct, which can chase an animal in the forest in any weather and find its target. These are the properties that give this breed a special purpose in domestic conditions.

Breed standard

General form. Strong and muscular build, reserved, distrustful character.

Height at withers. For males 54-60 cm, for females 48-53 cm. Head. The shape of the head forms a blunt wedge, with a very wide cranium and wide cheekbones. The teeth are large.

Ears. Erect, medium-sized, triangular in shape, slightly set apart, apexes slightly rounded. Lips. Thin and taut.

Torso. The length of the body is slightly greater than the height at the withers. The muscles of the back and croup are very well developed. The advantage is the sloping metatarsus.

Tail. Thick, fluffy, rolled into a tight ring. Wool. The guard hair is hard and straight, the undercoat is thick and fluffy.

Color. Black, preferably with a brownish tint, most often with sharply demarcated white spots, with white markings on the head, neck, chest, paws and tip of the tail.

The standard does not indicate defects.

Training:

Intelligence:

Popularity:

Attitude towards children:

The American Akita Inu is a breed of dog with a deep history of origin, a unique disposition, and an interesting appearance.

These dogs are quite large, so they need a lot of free space. From early childhood they need to be raised in order to get true friend, a fierce guard and a kind nanny. In a properly raised individual, all these roles are perfectly combined.

The ancestors of this breed are considered to be one of the first dogs domesticated by people. Archaeologists have found rock inscriptions depicting dogs very similar to the current breed. They date back to 500 BC.

Originally there was a breed of Japanese dog called Akita Inu. This was the name of the area of ​​Japan where it was first discovered this dog. The Japanese Akita Inu dog has thick white or yellow coat, medium size, slanted eyes, and resembles a bear cub.

Japanese Akitas were used for dog fighting, hunting large animals and guarding. To make them look intimidating, they were crossed with mastiffs and Tosa Inu. Thus, it appeared new breed, descended from the Japanese Akita Inu.

During World War II, Japanese Akitas were rapidly exterminated. Their fur was used by the American military to create protective clothing. Residents' pets were taken directly from their homes, leaving only shepherd dogs, which were considered military dogs. To save their four-legged friends, the Japanese crossed Akitas with German shepherds. This crossbred became the first closest ancestor of the American Akita.

They called it the Great Japanese Dog, but it is very different from the first Akita. Large Japanese dogs live up to their name: they are much larger than their relatives, have a variety of coat colors, almond-shaped eyes and are more reminiscent of German shepherds than Spitz dogs. The latter were the closest relatives of the Japanese Akita Inu.

The Americans brought the crossbreed to their homeland, where it earned respect and began to be considered one of the rarest and most valuable breeds.

For a long time, all Akita Inu were one breed. However, dog handlers protested, pointing out obvious differences between Japanese and American dogs. They not only have external differences, but also practically different characters.

See also: Devoted and wise friend - Japanese dog Akita Inu

In 2000, a division took place into several independent breeds: Akita Inu (Japanese) and American Akita Inu. Both breeds have been officially approved and are no longer considered a single breed.

Appearance

Pay attention to the photo of the American Akita. This large dog with heavy bone. It has a broad head resembling an obtuse triangle, small eyes, medium-sized erect ears, and a muscular, thick neck. These dogs have dark brown eyes, black nose and lips.

These are the owners of powerful limbs, a large fluffy tail wrapped in a ring, and double hair. Thanks to it, they tolerate any temperature conditions well.

Akitas can easily walk in the cold without additional clothing, but it is important not to let them long time stay in the open sun.

The height of males ranges from 65 to 72 cm, and that of females from 60 to 67 cm. Their weight can reach 70 kg, while that of Japanese relatives does not exceed 45 kg.

Character

Before you buy an American Akita Inu, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with its character. By the way, it is quite complex.

These dogs strive for self-realization and dominance. If it is not initially proven to them that the owner is the head of the family, they will take on this role. These are very pugnacious individuals who have difficulty getting along with other animals.

If you get two American Akitas of opposite sexes at the same time, you will have the opportunity to raise them in peace. However, individuals of the same sex strive to eliminate the competitor, sometimes using violent methods.

To prevent possible collisions with other pets, it is important to purchase an Akita last. She does not want to accept new residents into her “flock,” but she can agree with the laws of an already established “flock.” Due to the genes of a hunter, it can hunt small pets: rodents, birds and cats. Try to take this point into account.

The American Akita is an amazing breed of dog with a memorable appearance and an extraordinary ancient history of origin. This strong, temperamental, stubborn and self-sufficient dog is the dream of an experienced dog breeder. A properly raised Akita will become a devoted friend and a good guard for its owner.

Historical excursion

Rock carvings of Akita-like animals date back to 500 BC. e. The breed first appeared in Japan and was called Akita Inu. The dogs received this name because of the area in which they were first discovered.

The Japanese variety of the breed has slanted eyes, a white or yellow color and looks like a teddy bear. To give dogs a scary look, they were often crossed with large breeds(mastiff, husky, etc.). So, other varieties of the breed appeared.

The origin of the American Akita breed is connected with a sad story. During World War II, Akita Inu dogs had a very difficult time. Thus, many dogs were killed by the American military for the sake of beautiful animal skins, from which they later made protective clothing. There have been cases when the military broke into a house local residents and took away pets by force, sparing only service Akita Inu. In order to somehow preserve and protect their animals, the Japanese began to cross them with other breeds (mainly with German Shepherd). As a result, a new breed gradually began to form - the American Akita.

The new breed was different from its Japanese ancestors and was originally called the "large Japanese dog." These dogs were large in size and had varied coat colors. The large Japanese dog looked more like a German Shepherd.

Akita Inu and German Shepherd mix brought to America, where breeding of the breed continued. The dogs quickly attracted the interest of dog breeders and won their respect. Due to its rarity, the breed began to be considered one of the most valuable.

For a long time there was no distinction between Akita Inu and crossbreeds. However, cynologists insisted that the breeds be separated, since they differ not only in external signs, but also by character.

In 2000, two independent breeds were officially approved - American and Japanese Akita.

Gallery: American Akita (25 photos)

External characteristics of the American Akita breed

When compared with its Japanese counterpart, the Ama Akita is larger and stockier, but the Japanese is refined and slender. The first impression is that he is a big dog with a massive, heavy bone. The dog's weight and height are assessed according to gender and body proportions:

• body height to length ratio for males is 9:10; 66−70 cm; 45−60 kg;
• the ratio of body height to length in the female is 9:11; 61−65 cm; 32−46 kg.

Standard

Breed standard:

Color and coat type

The undercoat is soft and dense, holding the coat in its natural position. The guard hair is coarse, dense, slightly raised. The length of the fur depends on the area of ​​the body:

• muzzle, ears, paws below the knee - up to 4 cm;
• croup, withers - 4−5 cm;
• body - 5−6 cm;
• tail - more than 6 cm.

The fur on the tail is stiffer and denser.

In the American breed, any coat color is allowed, but the most common are red, fawn, fawn-white or white, brindle. With a spotted coat color, additional color can cover up to 1/3 of the muzzle and body. Presence allowed dark mask. But with white fur, spots and a mask are unacceptable; the nose, lips and paw pads are black. The undercoat can be lighter or darker in relation to the main color of the coat.

Disadvantages, vices

Representatives of the breed with defects are not allowed (restricted) to exhibitions. Deviations are divided into serious and minor. Vices are considered a serious deviation.

Disadvantages of the breed - deviations from accepted standards:

Vices of Akita:

• the frame of the body is light;
• the substance of the body is lightweight.

Deviations for which the dog is disqualified:

• deficiency of the second testicle;
• short or too tall growth;
• undershot, overshot jaw;
• tail curved like a sickle (less than ¾) or straight;
• semi-erect, hanging ears;
• patches or completely depigmented nose.

Character and training of the American Akita

The description of the breed indicates that dogs were once used to guard premises and people, as well as to hunt large animals. Of course, the American dog has inherited some innate instincts and character traits.

Temperament

American Akitas - independent dogs who have a stable psyche. Experts recommend choosing an Akita only for experienced dog breeders with a strong character and a “strong hand.”

The main character traits include:

Education and training

You need to start raising an American Akita from 2-3 months. An energetic and wayward puppy will resist at first, so in order to interest him, it is necessary to train him in a playful way. The educational process is often difficult, but with persistence, by the age of 2 the owner will receive a serious pet with excellent manners.

Thanks to the presence of German Shepherd blood, American Akitas are able to remember and quickly carry out many commands. They tend to dominate, but often they test the owner's strength.

Frequent repetition of the same command gets boring for them. Before executing the command, the dog will analyze the situation and draw its conclusion. If he decides that his action will be useless, he will not waste his energy and strength repeating the command.

The use of physical force can forever discourage an Akita from wanting to learn. She may not only be offended by the owner, but also angry with him. In this case, it will be very difficult to restore the pet’s trust. Akita is a dog of mood, if she does not want to this moment engage, then it’s better not to insist on it.

Care

Coarse wool does not require complex care. It is enough to comb the wool 1-2 times a week and bathe it when it gets dirty (but not more than once every 3 months). Representatives of the breed intensively shed their undercoat and fur, so in the autumn-winter period it is necessary to comb the hair up to 2 times a day. Care for eyes, ears, claws and teeth is required.

Walking is an important part of keeping an Akita. Here you should pay more attention to communication with other dogs.

Often, even with good socialization, the American Akita becomes aggressive towards its relatives. You need to walk for a long time.

Many dogs with a dense undercoat may develop a dog odor. The main causes of this problem lie in poor diet or skin diseases.

It is advisable to give preference natural diet, where 50% is meat. But due to lack of time, some owners prefer to feed dry food. In this case, you need to feed the dog premium or super-premium food.

American Akita dogs are loyal, intelligent and friendly. Their Japanese counterparts, the Akita Inu, became widely known after the release of the film Hachiko. These two breeds are closely related, but despite this, there are characteristic differences between them.

Training
Quick wit
Hair loss
Security guard
Watchman
Difficult to care for
Friendly with children
Country of origin	Japan, USA
Lifespan	10-12 years
Price	15-60 tr.
Male height	66-71 cm.
Bitch height	62-65 cm.
Male weight	up to 65 kg.
Bitch weight	up to 55 kg.

History of the American Akita breed

In ancient times, American Akita dogs were used to hunt bears. These dogs were also considered excellent fighters and guards. They got their name in honor of the Japanese city of the same name. Residents of the country rising sun always appreciated these fluffy dogs, they made figurines in their honor, which were customary to give on the occasion of the birth of a child. Over time, the dogs changed as they began to be crossed with the Tosa Inu. It was then that the well-known breed acquired a new look.

These dogs came to America after the Second World War. According to some reports, the soldiers themselves brought them home. Large for Americans fluffy dogs have become a real curiosity. A few years after the dogs appeared in this country, they were crossed with the German Shepherd and the Mastiff. Thus, it appeared the new kind, which became known as the American Akita or the large Japanese dog.

This is interesting! The breed was approved only in 1999. The name “American Akita” is more often used by residents of America, as they consider the appearance of this species to be entirely their own merit. Officially registered designation: Large Japanese dog.

After its appearance, the breed spread throughout the world, but it never gained much popularity.

Appearance of an American Akita

The American Akita can be any color, from light red to black. The most common dogs are those whose predominant coat colors are white and dark brown. The dog may be covered with clear and uniform black spots and have a mask on its face.

Representatives of this breed are large in size, they have a dense build and powerful paws. In addition, the following features stand out: appearance:

• thick, muscular neck;
• fluffy erect tail;
• small eyes of dark shades;
• large muzzle;
• straight back;
• square jaw;
• triangular ears.

The average height of a male is 66-70 cm, and a female is 62-65 cm. Weight of a male: no more than 65 kg, female - 55 kg. The American Akita dog breed is distinguished by long hair on the croup and back (approximately 4-5 cm). The rest of the body, including the muzzle, ears and neck, is covered with short fur.

Important! When choosing a puppy, you need to pay attention to two details: eye color and the presence of membranes between the toes.

Large Japanese dogs resemble plush toys due to their soft and fluffy fur. Their main difference from the original breed is the variety of acceptable colors.

Character of the American Akita

Characteristics of the breed cannot do without a point about character. Without further ado, it is clear that the American Akita is incredibly loyal. In the family, these dogs behave calmly; they do not show aggression towards children. Dogs are distinguished by their balance, sharp mind and sensitivity. If the owner’s mood changes, the American Akita will definitely notice it.

These dogs are strong-willed and their trust must be earned when they are still puppies. Otherwise, the American Akita will not become a full-fledged friend to its owner, since it simply will not feel affection for him.

Fluffy dogs have hunting habits. They prefer active games and love to chase birds and cats. These dogs need to be constantly monitored and trained.

The main advantages of the breed:

• devotion;
• calm;
• independence;
• playfulness;
• friendliness towards children.

The American Akita dog breed is also distinguished by the fact that its representatives do not bark without a good reason. These dogs will not throw hysterics to their owner or whine at the door for hours for an inexplicable reason. The behavior of dogs of this species is almost always transparent and understandable, since these animals are very smart.

The disadvantages of the breed may appear in the absence of education. A dog who received little attention while he was a puppy will grow up violent, obstinate and vindictive. These dogs good memory, they remember literally all the actions of their owners, which also needs to be taken into account.

American Akita training

The large Japanese dog is willful and has a developed sense of self-esteem. Training will be easy only if the dog has trust and respect for the owner. It is best to start training 2-3 weeks after the puppy gets into the house. First you need to accustom the dog to his name and place. Full training should begin when the dog is six months old. You should choose a special approach to your pet, treating him as an equal.

1. There is no need to be harsh and rude; the dog will not tolerate this. The description of the breed, in particular the character, gives a clear idea that these dogs are leaders who are not used to groveling;
2. It is necessary to start training with basic commands. You need to teach your dog exercises outside;
3. After the dog completes a particular task correctly, it is recommended to reward it. You should give your pet treats and show in every possible way that he is behaving correctly;
4. As a punishment, you can use a simple technique: take the dog by the withers with one hand and press it slightly to the ground.

The American Akita dog breed is distinguished by its obstinacy, as well as its zeal for leadership. Compared to other dogs, these pets will try to show themselves as best as possible. Because of this, it is recommended to conduct training in parks where people walk with their four-legged friends.

How to choose a puppy

American Akita puppies begin to be sold at the age of 1.5-2 months. Experienced breeders always provide complete information about the parents, Required documents. First of all, it is necessary to study the pedigree, and also look at the conditions in which the dog is kept. To choose good puppy, you need to focus on the following factors:

1. Appearance. Dogs of this breed are muscular and large, but at an early age this is not so noticeable. You should feel the paws: ideally, puppies should have large elbows and thick, short toes;
2. Character. Excessive aggression or passivity - bad sign. The puppy must be active and friendly, in contact with its brothers and sisters;
3. Health. It is imperative to ask the breeder for a certificate confirming the presence of all necessary vaccinations.

These are the three main factors to consider when choosing a dog. Regarding appearance, it is also worth noting that the dog should have a short muzzle and an even, thick tail.

Important! American Akita puppies should have a harmonious build and smooth transitions between body parts. It is important to ensure that there is no imbalance in the dog’s silhouette.

The average price of a puppy of this breed: 40,000 rubles.

The American Akita dog will look majestic and beautiful if you care for it properly. It is not necessary to keep the dog at home; it is better to give it a place in the yard. Big sizes The pet is also not allowed to live permanently with its owners.

The American Akita dog breed is clean, but you don’t need to bathe them too often; once a month is enough. For water procedures, you need to use a special shampoo so that the animal’s fur does not lose its softness. It is recommended to comb your dog once a week.

If a dog lives on the street, then its claws will wear down without outside intervention. Otherwise, you will need to constantly use a nail clipper. Regular procedures also include brushing your teeth, which is necessary to prevent caries and other diseases.

The American Akita breed is not particularly fussy about food, but owners should pay attention Special attention diet of your pets. Correct menu for dogs is based on products such as:

• meat and fish;
• various cereals;
• vegetables (except potatoes);
• fruits and berries.

The list of prohibited foods includes fatty, floury, spicy and sweet foods.

Health and illness

The American Akita dog is a strong and strong animal, but this does not mean complete absence health problems. This breed has the following diseases:

You should take your dog to the veterinarian for examination once a year or if any abnormalities appear. To avoid problems with your dog's digestion, it is necessary to limit it from harmful foods.

Photo of American Akita

The American Akita, whose photo touches the hearts of any person, is stately and beautiful dog. Owners of pets of this breed constantly receive compliments for their four-legged friend.

The American Akita is an incredibly attractive, intelligent and sensitive breed. Its representatives become devoted friends and excellent guards. You should not be afraid of the difficulties that the character of these dogs conceals. In order for them to be affectionate and kind, you just need to treat them accordingly.

Laika is a common and relatively new hunting dog breed in Russia. It is distinguished by unique, well-developed hearing, vision and sense of smell. Representatives of the breed are very beautiful in appearance, intelligent, well-mannered and friendly.

The breed belongs to group 5 “Spitz and primitive breeds” in the ICF classification. Some varieties, for example, the Yakut Laika, are still not recognized by the FCI.

In ancient times, huskies were the name given to ordinary yard dogs living in almost every yard. They were called “yard dogs”, “northern pointy-eared dogs”, “pointy-eared dogs”. The Laika dog breed received its official name relatively recently.

The purpose of the breed has long been hunting. But if in the European part of Russia hunting was, for the most part, the prerogative of aristocrats who used hounds for this purpose, then for the peoples of the North and Siberia, fur fishing remained one of the main types of export trade. That is why increased demands were placed on hunting dogs, which the Laika met perfectly.

In the harsh conditions of the northern climate, dogs developed endurance, strength and other character traits, thanks to which they could bring real benefits to humans.

Interesting! Individuals that were considered useless and weak were not used by hunters for hunting and were destroyed, since it was unprofitable to keep them in economically. As they explored the North, newcomers brought dogs with them, mixing with which the “witties” lost the purity of their blood, and with it their unique hunting qualities. Residents of the North also tried to eliminate the “half-breeds.” Now it seems cruel, but it was this method of breeding dogs that contributed to the emergence of a breed that is today considered one of the best in the world in terms of hunting characteristics.

Experts distinguish two periods of origin of the Laika breed. The first is the result of a hundred years of selection by hunters of the most strong dogs hunting large game, the second is the standardization of the breed, which began in the 20th century.

The first research and work on factory breeding with Ostroushkek began in the century before last. Active work began to promote this breed: publication of scientific research articles, publication of a separate book “The Laika and Hunting with It.” The first nurseries were formed, which contained the best representatives of this breed.

The Laika was approved as an official breed in 1925, and a few years later at the First All-Union Exhibition of Hunting Dogs, Laikas were very widely represented, which proved their enormous popularity among hunters.

Initially, huskies were classified into certain species according to the names of the peoples who bred them. Several ecotypes are known, each of which has certain features of appearance. At the end of the 30s of the last century, when cynologists identified Finno-Karelian, Karelian, Mansi, Khantei and Zyryan Laikas.

During the Great Patriotic War The Laika dog was on the verge of extinction, so breeding work was interrupted, and the number of hunting dogs was significantly reduced. But they continued to be assistants to people: they were used as demolitions, mine-search dogs, messengers, ambulance dogs, and used to transport cargo and ammunition. Due to the fact that the country needed furs, the organization of nurseries was resumed.

Factory breeding required the creation of a new breed classification and a revision of existing breed standards. At the end of the 40s, cynologists decided to approve four temporary standards: Russian-European, Karelian-Finnish, West Siberian, East Siberian.

In the middle of the last century, breeding work was actively carried out, nurseries were created to improve the breed, but with the collapse of the USSR, the Laika dog began to degenerate. This was due to the closure of the kennel, when the best representatives of this breed ended up on the street, where they mixed with yard dogs.

Today the breed has become popular again. The following types of huskies are considered the most common:

• West Siberian;
• East Siberian;
• Russian-European;
• Norwegian;
• Swedish;
• Karelian-Finnish;
• Finnish.

In Russia and the CIS, the first three species are most often found.

Interesting! Some experts classify Siberian Huskies as the breed we are considering. The Laika Husky is a dog that was bred in Siberia by the Chukchi. It was used as a means of transportation - it, along with its relatives, was harnessed to a harness.

Characteristics, description, character

For the Laika dog, a description of the breed was compiled back in 1939. But the standard was temporary; a permanent standard was approved in 1952.

1. Distinctive features of huskies are their muscular body and strong skeleton. The height limit is 63 centimeters, for males - 52-58 cm, for females - 48-54 cm (on average).
2. Coat middle length, thick, coarse, straight, with a soft and dense undercoat. The husky has a kind of collar on its neck, which is formed due to the fact that the hair on the shoulders and neck is thicker than on other parts of the body.
3. The color is varied, most often mixed, white-gray or red.

The Laika breed has a freedom-loving and independent character, but at the same time very loyal.

• The breed is inquisitive, so if there is no leash, the husky can run far from its owner.
• Impeccable hunters and watchdogs, they show aggression only if they feel that their owner is in danger.
• They love attention and get along well with children.
• They are touchy, talkative, find it difficult to tolerate separation from loved ones, and cannot stand loneliness.
• They are indifferent to strangers.
• Likes are not characterized by servility or arrogance.
• What offends them most is injustice, which they will not tolerate even from their owners.
• They are fearless and quick-witted, capable of assessing a situation and making a decision, but the owner remains the leader in any situation.
• They are accommodating and flexible, but at the same time persistent.
• They love to play with people, run, jump, and always follow the owner’s commands. Even if the command is incorrect, the dog will still carry it out, although its instincts will tell it otherwise.

When hunting, they take on a leading role, clearly understanding why this or that action is needed. They give the owner the opportunity to make a well-aimed shot, diverting attention to himself. The husky does not hunt for herself - she is simply not interested in it, she works for a person, and in the event of an unexpected dangerous situation will sacrifice himself without hesitation.

Diseases

Laikas are distinguished by good health. This is due to the careful selection, because only physically strong dogs can benefit the hunter.

Among the most common diseases in huskies are:

• diabetes;
• renal failure;
• deafness
• glaucoma
• retinal atrophy;
• bloating;
• hip dysplasia.

Care and maintenance

Caring for a husky does not present any particular problems. They are not gluttonous, not demanding, adapted to harsh climates, and clean.

1. The ideal conditions for keeping are an enclosure where the dog will feel comfortable.
2. Living in an apartment or urban environment is not advisable for a husky - it needs to be walked a lot. Without walks, the dog will get bored and begin to suffer from a confined space, so the owner must provide his pet with a long and interesting walk.

However, this breed is too independent. When walking, huskies try to run away from their owner, actively get to know other dogs and cats, so they very often die under the wheels of vehicles or disappear.

If the owner is not a hunter, then it is better not to get a puppy of this breed. Likes by their nature cannot become " sofa dogs. They must work, that is, hunt, they need a trade.

The best habitat for huskies is the northern regions of the country, as the heat can have a detrimental effect on the health of the pet.

Features of care include:

1. Brush the coat once a week during the shedding period.
2. Bathing only when necessary, as frequent water treatments can damage the unique structure of the coat and wash away its natural oils.
3. Wiping the eyes as a preventative measure with a damp cloth.
4. Regular examination and cleaning of ears from wax.
5. Inspect paws for splinters and abrasions.

In terms of feeding, huskies are unpretentious and for a long time can do without food at all. If the dog is fed dry food, then preference should be given to a composition with a high content of proteins and fats.

If the dog is supposed to be fed natural food, then the diet should include meat (beef), sea fish (boiled, boneless), cereals (oatmeal, rice, buckwheat), vegetables (pumpkin, carrots, raw zucchini), dairy products. To strengthen teeth and replenish deficiencies mineral salts It is recommended to give bones and tendons.

Education and training

Laikas are very smart and quick-witted, but they do not like to learn, so a number of problems may arise during the training process. Success can be achieved only if the animal recognizes its owner as a leader, and only if it strictly follows commands.

Some breeders are sure that huskies are stupid, capricious dogs. However, this belief is characteristic only of inexperienced animal owners. The difficulty of training is not associated with the laziness or stupidity of dogs, but with their independence and highly developed sense of self-esteem. Teaching a student will require a lot of patience and certain skills.

A lot of time should be devoted to training; classes should be alternated with games and rewards, for example, processed cheese, which huskies love very much.

Representatives of this breed perfectly understand the intonation of the voice, so if you constantly raise your voice at her, they will perceive it as an insult. Under no circumstances should you use force or punish your pet - they do not tolerate cruelty towards themselves. The owner's rude behavior can contribute to the formation of aggression and anger in the dog.

From a very early age, the puppy must understand basic commands, know his place and understand what he can and cannot do.

Proper training of a dog will make it a loyal friend and reliable protector of all family members.

Puppies

Choosing a pet is not an easy task, since the husky is a whole group of breeds with significant differences. First you need to decide for what purpose you are getting a dog. If an attractive exterior is a priority for the owner, then you should choose a puppy based on its external characteristics.

If a husky puppy is purchased for hunting, then appearance alone is not enough. Without skills in the basics of dog breeding and knowledge of the peculiarities of keeping the breed, it will not be easy to manage huskies, as they are distinguished by their freedom-loving character and independence. This breed is absolutely not suitable for homebodies, opponents of hunting and lovers of silence.

There are often cases when a person who does not have training skills acquires an adult dog. This is not recommended. Laikas are monogamous people who remain devoted to their first owner until the end of their lives; they will not be able to accept the new owner and will not obey him.

The best option for choosing a puppy is to contact practicing hunters or a well-known nursery, where the future owner is required to show the documents for the puppy and the working diplomas of the parents.

The decisive factor in the choice is the character of the student. A Laika puppy should be cheerful, playful and healthy. It is better for a hunter to choose a medium-sized puppy. You can take your pet home at the age of one and a half months.

Prices

The price for the Laika breed is low. Even a purebred husky can be bought at a price lower than other representatives of the hunting breeds However, you should only purchase a puppy from trusted breeders.

The price for a baby without metrics can range from 5,000 to 7,000 rubles. This is an excellent option for people who do not plan to breed the breed or exhibit them at Russian or international exhibitions.

A top-class purebred husky costs from 10,000 rubles and above. However, such a high price is determined not only by the exterior, which is as close as possible to the ideal and the purity of the pedigree, but also by the merits of the manufacturer and the fame of the nursery.

So how much does a like cost? The cost of an adult hunting husky depends on the size of the animal it can hunt. Compare:

• “squirrel breeds” from trusted breeders cost 5000-7000,
• “sablehouses” – 7000-9000,
• large game hunters – from 10,000 rubles.

Kennels sell vaccinated and healthy puppies with good pedigree, from working champion parents. However, for many future owners, purebred is not important, so they turn to private sellers, whose puppies are much cheaper. For this reason, there are not many nurseries specializing in breeding huskies.

Photo

In this article you got acquainted with the amazing Laika breed, photos of which are presented in the gallery above. A hardy hunter, a devoted friend and companion, this dog is able to grace any owner with its daily presence.

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