The history of the Akita

The ancestors of the Akita originate from the Akita Prefecture, which is the northernmost region of the main Japanese island of Honshu, where the city of Odate is located. This breed was used for hunting bears, and Japanese warriors have been using them as guard dogs and unfortunately as fighting dogs for generations.

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Thanks to the ban on dog fighting in 1908, the breed was preserved, allowing it to flourish and develop into the great Japanese breed we know today.

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Over the years, various organizations were established to preserve the Akita breed, and in 1927, the Akita-inu Hozonkai (AKIHO) was founded, which is undoubtedly the most important Akita club worldwide today.

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Most Japanese Akita breeders only register their puppies with AKIHO and participate in shows organized by the club, including the HOMBUTEN, held on the first Sunday of May in Odate and in December in various locations around Japan.

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Before 1930, there is little documented data or photographs available that would provide information about the first specimens of the breed. World War II was a turning point for the breed, as many dogs perished, and many others were exported to the United States. It was during this time that two very different types of Akitas began to be bred, which are now known as the American Akita and the Japanese Akita.

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In AKIHO, special efforts were made to soften expressions, eliminate dark masks on their faces, and remove certain cute features that were not entirely pleasing. It can be said that the Akita most similar to the present one began to be bred in the 1970s.

The Akita is considered Japan's national dog, and it was declared a national monument in 1931.

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The Akita is the tallest Japanese dog and a symbol of wealth and prestige (owning an Akita was considered an honor only for the nobility), as well as a symbol or talisman of luck.

One of the most famous Akitas in history is Hachiko, an Akita owned by Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, who accompanied the professor to the train station every day and waited for him to return from work at Shibuya Station. One day, the professor passed away, and Hachiko waited for him until his last days. Hachiko's story moved the Japanese people, and a statue was erected at the station, which is currently a meeting point and an essential visit during travels to Tokyo.