Akita Dog (Detailed Introduction)

       The Akita originated in the 17th century and is named after its place of origin, Akita Prefecture. They are calm, confident, gentle, easy to train, loyal to their owners and family, and have very steady temperaments. In Japan, they were used as fire warning dogs. Today, they have become very popular family dogs worldwide and have long been well-loved as the most sociable breed in Japan!

       The original Japanese dogs were medium-small, with no large breeds. Since 1603 in the Akita region, the Akita dog (a medium-sized bear hunting dog) was used as a fighting dog. From 1868, the Akita dog was crossbred with Japanese fighting dogs and Mastiffs. Eventually, the size of this dog increased, but it lost the characteristics of the fox dog. In 1908, fighting dogs were banned, but this breed was preserved and improved into a large Japanese breed. Finally, in 1931, nine top examples of this breed were designated as "Natural Monuments."

       In 1931, it was officially recognized as a national precious animal of Japan, so this dog was widely welcomed in Japan.