FluffyDogs.com

There is also another story that paints the virtues of the Akita dog. A legend states there once lived an Akita dog, named Shiro, in the 18th century in Odate. At the time, there were some ongoing disputes about mine land ownership, and people without proper permits were not allowed to trespass on those properties.

Shiro and his master Sataroku were out hunting one day, but Sataroku did not realize he forgot his hunting permit at home. When they came across guards at some point, Sataroku was arrested and thrown in prison for trespassing and hunting without a permit.

The Akita is one of seven breeds designated as a national monument in his native country of Japan. In July 1931, the government of Japan designated the Akita breed as a national monument and as one of Japan’s national treasures.

The Akita is a powerfully built dog originally developed to hunt bears in Japan. The Japanese now use the Akita as a guard dog and police dog.

The Akita Club of America was founded in 1956.

This is a very moving story that I came across when I was researching the Akita breed. I still cannot help but shed a tear every time I read it. Dogs earned the title of “man’s best friend” for a very good reason. Keep reading and you’ll see why…

Many years ago, there lived a great Akita dog that left its print on Japan’s history with his unconditional love and loyalty for his owner. This dog was born in November, 1923, in the city Odate, Akita Prefecture. A professor named Eisaburo Ueno who lived in a Suburb of Tokyo (close to Shibuya train station) became this dog’s owner in 1924, and named him Chu-ken Hachiko (the faithful dog Hachiko). They bonded quickly, and became inseparable.

Today’s Akita, ongoing debates…

Welcome back to the last piece of this 6 part Akita dog breed history article. If you missed any other parts, you can find them here (Akita Dog breed General Information)

Japanese Akita dogs are only allowed to be red, white or brindle with no pinto or black masks. The specimens that come in red and brindle should have white shading on the face, the chest, inside of the legs and under the tail.

Occupation forces save the Akita dog from extinction

Welcome back to another “episode” of the Akita dog breed history. If you missed any other parts, you can find them here (Akita Dog breed General Information)

The American soldiers who brought Akita dogs back with them continued to rear and develop the breed. The Akitas found on the East-Coast are mainly of Dewa lines descent, whereas those on the West-Coast are mainly of Ichinoseki descent. An interesting fact is that many Akita dogs from the West Coast resemble those found in Japan today, whereas those from the East Coast resemble the Akita dogs that lived in Japan 30 - 40 years ago.

The Akita dog misses extinction by a hair during WWII

Welcome back to another “episode” of the Akita dog breed history. If you missed any other parts, you can find them here (Akita Dog breed General Information)

All efforts to restore the breed were put on hold with the beginning of the Second World War. Food was scarce and it was difficult to keep big dogs around in such conditions. Orders were given by the government to kill all dogs that were not German Shepherds, since these dogs were considered useful to the army. The fur of killed dogs was used for lining soldiers’ clothes. Some dogs were hidden by their owners, other were let loose. Nevertheless, by the time the war ended, the breed was almost extinct.

Akita dogs during the 1800’s, and the beginning of the 20th century

Welcome back to another “episode” of the Akita dog breed history. If you missed any other parts, you can find them here (Akita Dog breed General Information)

Dog fights were a very popular sport in Japan for centuries. With the arrival of Western breeds, some dogs were created for the specific purpose of fighting, especially during the period of mid 1800’s to early 1900’s. Two types of dogs in particular became prized for their fighting abilities. One was the Tosa Fighting Dog, created by mixing the native Tosa (Shikoku) Dog with different imported mastiff dogs. The second one was developed in the Dewa/Akita region probably by crossing the native dog of Dewa with Great Danes and Tibetan Mastiffs.

Akita ancestors make their way to Japan

I hope part 1 of the Akita Inu dog breed history got you intrigued enough to come back and check what happened next. In case you missed it, you can go to Japanese Akita Inu dog breed history, part 1 to read it now)

As the ice sheets of North America began melting, important changes occurred throughout the world. Increases in sea levels gave birth to the chain of islands known as the Sea of Japan. Communication and exchanges were scarce, as boats were needed to go from one island to another. This event caused the Japanese descendants of Spitz dogs to evolve in isolation. The dogs’ appearance became less generic as each area developed its own dog, based on its needs, all this with a limited stock. Japanese Akita dogs were primarily used for guarding and hunting.

Akita beginnings…

When I began researching the origins of the Akita dog breed online, I didn’t expect to find a lot of information. Much to my surprise, the history of the Akita is complex and lengthy, when compared to other popular breeds out there. I’ve decided to split my work in parts, so that you don’t get bored with the length of the article. Enjoy part one and keep checking back for updates.

AKITA
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard
Copyright 1991, United Kennel Club, Inc.

History

The Akita is the largest of Japan’s native breeds, medium (Kai, Kishu, Ainu, Shikoku) and small (Shiba). It is a member of the Spitz family. The breed goes back many centuries to the polar regions. The Akita was originally bred as a fighting dog. The nobility later found alternate uses for the breed, such as hunting deer, boar or even black bear.
The Akita was recognized by United Kennel Club in 1980.

General Appearance