Dog Breeds: All About the Akita

The Akita has a long and distinguished history that originated in the 17th century. They were bred for hunting purposes in a mountainous area of Northern Japan, near the province of Akita. They were favorite pets of emperors and other nobility. So much so, they were once known as "the royal dog". They were also favored by the Samurai, who cross bred them with Bull Mastiffs and Great Danes to increase their size and aggressive qualities. The Akita and Akita hybrids were also used as fighting dogs.

In modern day Japan, the Akita is a national treasure. The Akita is believed to have a spiritual quality, and be an omen of good fortune. Proud parents of a newborn, or someone who is ill, can expect to receive a small statue of an Akita as a gift; signifying health, happiness, and long life. The town of Shibuya has a bronze statue of an Akita named Hachi-ko. Hachi-ko awaited the return of his master at the Shibuya train station for ten years. There was no way to tell Hachi-ko of his master's untimely demise during his trip.

Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the United States in 1937. While lecturing in Japan, she heard the story of Hachi-ko, and expressed a wish to have a dog with qualities like Hachi-ko. When she returned to the United States she brought an Akita puppy named Kamikaze with her. Ms. Keller is quoted as referring to Kamikaze as "an angel in fur". Many more Akitas were brought to the United States by servicemen returning home from Japan after WW II. There were few Akitas left in Japan after the war. German Shepherds used by the military and the police were protected. Many other dog breeds, including the Akita, were killed. The small number of Akitas that survived the war left little to work with for Japanese breeders. Many had been crossbred with German Shepherds and other dogs. Japanese breeders began to try to eradicate the changes.