History of the Akita Breed - Family - Pets

The Japanese Akita is believed to have originated in the Akita prefecture around the early 1600's. Its ancestors belonged to the Shogun, the imperial leaders and they were bred to track and hold large game at bay. Akitas were used to hunt and track elk, antelope, boar and bears. The modern Akita is descended from these hunting dogs and has remained relatively unchanged.

The Akita has had a bittersweet history though and the breed has had its fair share of ups and downs. At the turn of the century, Japan experienced an epidemic of rabies and many dogs were clubbed to death. The breed become recognized by Japan as a national treasure in 1931 but World War II signaled a bad time for the breed when many dogs were killed and eaten by the starving people. Their pets were also used for clothing.

In the early 1900's an Akita named Hachi-Ko achieved heroic status in Japan, he belonged to a professor and every day the dog would greet his master at the train station, but one day his owner had a heart attack and died. Hachi-Ko continued to wait at the station every day for nine years until his death and gained the respect and admiration of the Japanese and a bronze statue was made of him. The second positive event in the Akita's history is the arrival of Helen Keller to Japan. She brought with her a pair of Akitas on her return and although one of the dogs died, the breed began to gain recognition in the United States.

The American Akita was developed and the Akita Club of America was started in 1956. In 1973 the Akita was allowed into the American Kennel Club's Working Group. In Canada the breed has been further split into two types: the American Akita and the Akita Inu.

Akitas are well known for their intelligence and devotion, but due to the fact that they are descended from hunting dogs, they do have special needs that must be met. Although they bond quickly with their owner and family, they are not as social with strangers and can show aggression with other dogs and pets. Because they have a high prey drive they don't make good pets in households with younger children. Akitas have thick coats that shed heavily twice a year and require a lot of grooming. Their fur is so thick it's waterproof. Their paws a webbed which makes them ideal swimmers! Because Akitas are a working dog breed, they require a substantial amount of daily exercise and constant stimulation if you are to avoid boredom. Boredom in this breed can result in aggression or destructive behavior so this is something to be aware of it you're considering getting an Akita.Obedience training at an early age is needed as these dogs have a tendency to exert dominance. You will nee d to be consistent and firm when handling these dogs. They are highly intelligent and learn what is required of them exceptionally quickly. Understanding the breed properly and some research is required if you are considering this type of dog, they are not for the novice dog owner.

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