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While the Akita inu is a celebrated breed in Japan, it is only recently gaining recognition in the United States. Discover more about these majestic, fluffy dogs.
1. THEY DERIVE THEIR NAME FROM A JAPANESE REGION.
Akitas have a history spanning thousands of years, making their precise origins unclear. However, it is known that the modern Akita was developed in the Odate area of Japan's Akita prefecture. Initially referred to as "snow country dogs," they were primarily used for hunting game. By the 19th century, due to a surge in rural populations, their duties expanded to safeguarding households. They were initially known as Odate dogs before their name was formally updated in the 1930s.
2. THEY ARE DESIGNED FOR SNOWY CONDITIONS.
The Akita region is encircled by mountains, leading to severe winters and wet summers. While this rugged, chilly terrain is challenging for many, Akitas flourish in it. Their thick double coats provide warmth, and their webbed paws enable them to navigate snowy surfaces with ease.
3. THEY HOLD A SIGNIFICANT PLACE IN JAPANESE CULTURE.
In Japan, the Akita represents health, joy, and long life. It is common for Japanese people to present a small Akita figurine to friends or family as a gesture of goodwill, especially during illnesses or after the birth of a child. This statue symbolizes a wish for the recipient's continued well-being.
4. THE BREED WAS ONCE EXCLUSIVELY OWNED BY THE WEALTHY.
In the 17th century, the Akita was a symbol of prestige, reserved exclusively for the Japanese elite. These dogs enjoyed luxurious lives, complete with intricate feeding routines and ornate collars, while special leashes indicated their owner's social standing. They were employed in hunting expeditions alongside falcons, targeting boar, deer, and other large prey. Some aristocrats even employed dedicated caretakers for individual dogs. By the 19th century, Emperor Taisho had revised the law, allowing all citizens to own an Akita.
5. THEY REMAIN INVOLVED IN DOG FIGHTING.
Sadly, dog fighting remains prevalent in Japan, particularly in rural areas, despite being prohibited in major cities like Tokyo. In the early 20th century, Akitas were bred with robust breeds such as mastiffs, great Danes, and St. Bernards to enhance their size for fighting. Crossbreeds of Akitas and Tosa dogs were particularly common, combining the Tosa's endurance with the Akita's power, resulting in Shin-Akitas, or "improved Akitas." However, unlike in other nations, Japanese dog fights are not fatal; the dogs wear protective gear, and matches are halted before serious injuries occur.
6. HACHIKO IS THE BREED'S MOST CELEBRATED DOG.
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You’ve likely heard of Hachiko, Japan’s most renowned canine. In 1920s Tokyo, Hachiko would follow his owner to the train station daily. Each evening, he would wait faithfully on the platform for his owner’s return, then walk home with him. This routine continued until 1925, when his owner passed away at work. Despite his owner’s absence, Hachiko waited at the station for a decade. His unwavering loyalty deeply moved the Japanese people, who would often feed and visit him during his vigil.
When Hachiko passed away in 1935, the nation grieved his loss, and a bronze statue was erected to honor his memory.
7. A MUSEUM CELEBRATES THE AKITA BREED.
Hachiko’s legacy is so cherished in Japan that a museum was established in his honor. The Akita Dog Museum in Odate, created by the Akita Dog Preservation Society, pays tribute to Hachiko and the Akita breed. Inside, visitors can explore documents, artwork, and exhibits about Akitas; outside, they might encounter real Akitas serving as hosts for the day.
8. HELEN KELLER OWNED AN AKITA.
Helen Keller is widely recognized for introducing the first Akita to the United States. During her 1937 visit to Japan with her companion, Polly Thomson, Keller discovered Hachiko and his tale of unwavering loyalty. Inspired by the breed, she expressed a desire to own an Akita. Ichiro Ogasawara, an Akita Police Department instructor, gifted her a puppy named Kamikaze-Go. Sadly, the puppy succumbed to distemper at just seven months old. Upon hearing the news, Ogasawara sent Kamikaze’s younger sibling, Kenzan-Go, as an official gift from Japan.
9. INSURANCE COMPANIES VIEW THEM WITH CAUTION.
Akitas are known for their protective nature and strong loyalty. They tend to be wary of strangers and often clash with other dogs. This temperament leads some insurance companies to impose higher premiums on Akita owners. However, early socialization can help mitigate their natural aggression.
10. THEY BELONG TO THE SPITZ FAMILY.
The Akita is classified under the spitz category, which includes dogs with wolf-like appearances. Spitz breeds typically feature fox-like traits such as a long snout, pointed ears, and a curled tail. Other members of this group include the Norwegian elkhound, the Samoyed, the shiba inu, and the small Pomeranian.
11. WORLD WAR II NEARLY ERASED THE AKITA BREED.
The war brought hardship for all Japanese dog breeds. By 1943, Japan faced severe rationing, making it difficult for owners to sustain their large dogs. Authorities removed all non-German shepherd dogs from the streets, as German shepherds were used for guarding. To protect the Akita, dedicated breeders gave their dogs German-sounding names and concealed them in remote villages, hoping they would survive the war unnoticed.
Even Hachiko’s statue wasn’t spared—it was melted down for weapon production. (A replacement statue was erected in 1948.)
12. THEY ARE EXCEPTIONALLY HYGIENIC.
Similar to the shiba inu, Akitas are meticulous about cleanliness, almost displaying a cat-like fastidiousness. They groom themselves and shed twice a year, eliminating the need for frequent grooming visits.
Images provided by iStock unless otherwise noted.
