The Most Faithful Friend is an akita-inu dog breed, after which the popularity of the previously unknown breed has soared to heaven. The film is based on the real story of the dog Hachiko – a dog who for ten years every day came to the railway station and waited for his deceased owner.
Akita-inu is still popular. This dog is truly fearless, fully confident and will show unwavering devotion to his family.
Origin
Among the breeds of dogs whose history goes back centuries, the Akita-inu stands out. “Akita” is a prefecture in northern Japan, and “inu” is Japanese for “dog”.
In Asia, these dogs were favorite pets in the court, and eventually Akita-inu began to enjoy the privileges of the nobility. The first mention of Akita’s dogs dates back to the 1600s, when they protected royalty and were used for bird hunting.
The maintenance, feeding and care of the akita-inu became a ceremony. Each dog had its own personal servant. Special collars and leashes were even made for them, by which it was possible to recognize the rank of the dog and the position of its owner in society. Everything around him met the respect enjoyed by the akita-ina.
Akita-inu is the largest Japanese spitz dog. For a long time these dogs have been used mainly for hunting large animals such as wild boars, deer and bears.
Archaeological studies that revealed the remains of spitz-shaped dogs dating back to around II millennium B.C. have shown that the akita is one of the 14 oldest breeds of dogs.
Ancient drawings depicting dogs reminiscent of modern akits have survived. Initially akita-inu were pets in peasant families, and later were raised in status, becoming pets of aristocrats and even in the imperial house. To simple people the pet of this breed became absolutely inaccessible.
There was even a law punishing the offenders of the akita-inu. For preservation and development of hunting qualities in Japan in the VI century were founded clubs of fans of these dogs. They made the instructions on the maintenance, cultivation, training. In the XV century were established tribal books, which recorded the nickname, origin, color and other information.
Initially, Japanese dogs were small to medium sized. Since 1603, the Akita district has used the Akita matagi for dog fights. Since 1868, they were crossed with mastiffs, which resulted in an increase in the size of the dogs, but were lost features characteristic of the spitz-like type.
Despite the fact that dogfights were banned in 1908, the breed has been preserved and improved, becoming a Japanese breed of large dogs, and its nine outstanding representatives in 1931 were called “Nature Monuments”.
This valiant breed was brought to America by Helen Keller. As a tribute to Helen, the Japanese showed her the statue of Hatiko, located at Shibuya Station, and told her his story.
When Helen expressed her desire to have her own puppy Akita, the puppy became the first of the breed to be brought to America. Keller was delighted with the dog, but unfortunately the dog died of plague. After learning the news, the Japanese government officially introduced Helen to his older brother.
After the Second World War, returning American soldiers who were stationed in Japan, since 1956, brought much more dogs Akita. Ultimately, the American akita emerged, which became stronger and stronger than the Japanese one.
However, there were also adherents of the Japanese standard. This split led to years of battle and a delay in the development of the American standard. Only in 1972 was the American Akita admitted to the American Kennel Club.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a special society was created to preserve this breed. It also promoted that it remained primordial. Rarity of the given breed consists also in that it is purebred, without crossing with representatives of other breeds.
During the Second World War, akita-inu breeding ceased and most of the dogs were sent to the front. There are only a few purebred breeders left in Japan, but filmmakers have managed to keep the breed and restore it to its original level.
Description of the breed
Akitu-inu has a strong, proportional physique, with a heavy bone and a fairly well-developed musculature. Weight of bitches reaches 32-45 kg, male 40-45 kg, height in the withers: 64-70 cm in male dogs and 58-64 cm in female bitches. The color of the pedigree dog can be varied, there are white, pale, red, tiger and peggy akits.
To all one requirement – the color must be clean, the picture is clear, divorce and blurred lines are not allowed. These dogs have medium length hair, which has a developed thick and soft undercoat. Often these dogs are compared to cats: their hair looks flawless and there is no specific smell of dogs. The muscles are very well developed and require regular training.
Akita’s spicy hair is hard and straight, the undercoat is thick and soft. Wool on the shoulder blades and “pants” is slightly longer than on other parts of the body. The longest coat on the tail. Akita wool should consist of three layers. The longest hair is the top, coarsest layer of coat.
There is also a hard but shorter layer of wool, and a soft undercoat. All three layers must be in place for the coat to be correct. The structure and length of the coat makes a significant contribution to the appearance and has a very strong influence on the impression made by the dog.
Character
Akita-inu is a big and brave dog with a rather powerful appearance: with a big head and contrastingly small triangular eyes, confident in itself and with a solid stand. This breed is famous for its unshakable loyalty to its owners and amazing tenderness to family members.
Imagine a reliable and loving protector who will follow you from room to room and whose whole purpose in life is to serve only you.
As a native Japanese breed, Akita-inu has absorbed the peculiarities of Eastern temperament. Restrained and calm in the presence of outsiders, often cautious, becomes good-natured and sociable in her family.
Dogs of this breed are the owners of impeccable manners, which makes them excellent family members. Patient and affectionate towards children. Very loyal to the owner.
But despite their loyalty and devotion, the Akita-inu have a strong character and willpower, so teaching these dogs is not easy. However, charming with family members, these dogs will be left out and remain silent when visiting.
Akita-inu is a brave and willful dog, she is afraid of strangers, but very devoted to her family. She is always vigilant, smart and brave. Akita is usually aggressive towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex. This breed is best suited for families with one dog.
The Akita-inu family is gentle and playful, and she is happy to participate in all family affairs. This dog likes to play with toys and various household items. Despite the common belief that the akita never barks, she is actually quite noisy and can grumble and moan and, if necessary, barking loudly.
It should be borne in mind that the personality of the akita can be overwhelming. This dog is not suitable for beginners or timid owners. He needs a solid and consistent host who will provide the required level of discipline.
The natural protective instinct of the akita sometimes results in the dog becoming aggressive, so training and proper socialization of the breed is important from an early age. Akita is very stubborn and you’ll need a lot of patience to teach her the manners she needs.
Adults should always control the interaction between these dogs and the children. No child can have a more loyal buddy and protector than an akita, but it is important to teach him to be respectful and kind to any contact with the dog.