World Animal Day

World Animal Day was proclaimed in 1931 at the Congress of Ecologists in Florence and is celebrated on October 4th, the feast of the patron saint of animals, Francis of Assisi.

The Japanese Akita (Akita Inu) comes from the Japanese province of the same name. The original name of the breed was Akita Matagi and the dogs were used for bear hunting. From 1600 to 1868 it was used for dog fighting and as a heavy weapon carrier for samurai. At a certain period of Japanese history, it could only be owned by nobles.

Akita Inu is an intelligent and fearless dog. Extremely strong, fast, and agile, it stands 61 to 66 centimeters tall and can weigh thirty to forty kilograms. This dog is characterized by low set triangular ears and a tail curled over the back. With proud posture, dignified and beautiful, the dog is very attached to its owner, to whom it will remain faithful until the end of its life. It is suspicious and can become aggressive towards strangers, so socialization is necessary. Males are often hostile when meeting males of any breed. Females are nobler and calmer. The Akita is appreciated not only in Japan but also in Europe and America.

(Željka Šaravanja)