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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.

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.