Japanese Akita Inu dog breed history, part 1
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.
The Akita is a very prized dog for its courage and loyalty, in its Japanese homeland. (I will add more stories later on about Akita loyalty, facts, etc.) Japan is home to several breeds of dogs ranging from small to large sizes. These breeds are Hokkaido, Kishu, Shiba, Kai, and Shikoku, with the Akita being the largest. All of these dogs have Spitz-type characteristics such as double coat, small muzzle, erect ears, and bushy and curled tails.
It is believed that Stone Age nomads from several areas of Siberia migrated with their dogs (Spitz-types, Akita ancestors) into Alaska and Japan, before the Sea of Japan was formed. Oriental types of dogs, such as the Shiba dog, are thought to have entered Japan from China and Korea. Researchers identified a “Western” glycolipid in the Akita, Hokkaido and Chow dogs. An “Oriental” glycolipid was identified in the Shiba, Kai, Shikoku, Tosa dogs and the Pekingese. These findings seem to support the theory that Akita dogs came to Akita from Europe via Russian territories.
