Blog | Pet Fed

23 Jun, 2021 By : Staff Writer

The History of Akita

The Akita is a large breed of dog developed in the early 17th century in the Akita prefecture of northern Japan.

It is said that the emperor banished a rebellious nobleman to the prefecture, the northernmost province of the island of Honshu, where he was ordered to live out his days as a territorial ruler. The nobleman was an ardent dog man and encouraged his chief to complete the breeding of a large, versatile hunting dog. Generations of selective breeding produced the Akita, a powerful hunter with a strong work ethic and heart who worked in packs.

Akita's have for centuries been the object of myth and legend and occupy a special place in Japanese culture. When a child is born, the parents will usually receive an Akita figurine signifying happiness and long life, in keeping with an old Japanese tradition. A famously loyal Akita of the 1920s named Hachiko is among Japan’s most cherished symbols.

During the Akita’s long history, the breed was on the brink of extinction. To ensure their survival, a Japanese national breed club was founded in 1927. Helen Keller is credited with bringing the first Akita to the United States, a gift she received while visiting Japan. Akita's caught on in America after WWII, when returning soldiers brought them back from the Pacific.

Akita must be well socialized from birth with people and other dogs.