AKITA HISTORY

The breed we know today as Akita derived from ancient hunting or matagi dogs found in the northern area of Honshu Island, which is the main island of Japan.  Formerly known as Dewa Province, today, it is Akita Prefecture, the area which gives the breed its name.

It is a mountainous, sparsely settled area, and the dogs hunted large game such as boar, elk and fierce Yezo bear.  Purportedly, the dogs were used in pairs and pursued their prey quietly.

During the 1600's as the cult of busitido gained a foothold in Japanese culture, one of the samurais' favored pastimes was watching dog fights.  Their popularity continued into fairly modern times, when they were finally outlawed.

Unfortunately, among the dogs used for fighting were those from the Akita Prefecture.  To improve their fighting ability, the Japanese crossed this northern hunting dog with several other breeds, changing both their character and appearance.

Finally, concerned fanciers became alarmed at the deterioration of the breed and began trying to restore it to its original hunting type.  Their interest in the native dogs also corresponded to the rise of the nationalism that marked Japanese history in the early part of this century.  To further the native dogs' breeding, the Preservation Society for Japanese dogs, known as Nippo, was formed in the early 30's.  This was followed by two societies devoted to the Akita Inu (dog), Akikyo and Akiho.

World War II almost eradicated their efforts.  The Japanese government passed an edict that all large non-military dogs were to be killed.  They took too much food and supervision in a wartime economy.  The Akitas that survived were dogs that were hidden by their owners.  After the war, so few were left that other Japanese breeds of differing sizes as well as some outside breeds were used to preserve and restore the Akita.

The dogs were very popular with American soldiers during the occupation of Japan, and many of them brought Akitas back to the U.S.  Interested in establishing the breed here, they began taking steps to have it AKC registered.  This finally occurred in 1972, after which, no further registrations from Japan were allowed.  Several years ago AKC recognized the Japan Kennel Club and reciprocity of registrations began, so Japanese Akitas can once again be imported and registered in the U.S.

 

 

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