It’s difficult to say exactly how old the Akita is, since the Japanese civilization has over 2,600 years of history and much of it has been documented without much discernment between what is myth and what is factual. Drawings from the Bronze Age already showed dogs with stand-up years and half-curled tails, and other distinct features of the Japanese type dog.

 

The evolution of breeds in Japan unfolded according to their habitat and geographic location, alongside pertinent culture developments, like wars and conflicts. Japanese dogs, which are considered natural monuments, have their origins in the country’s remote mountain areas, where they were safe and isolated for a long time, thus ensuring the breed’s purity. Out of the seven breeds regarded as natural monuments in Japan, the Akita is the largest, and it has its roots in the Odate area.

 

The name Akita-Inu was used for the first time in 1931; before that it was simply known as the “Odate Dog”, or “Nambu-Inu” during the feudal period. The current name comes from the Akita Prefecture, where the district of Date is located.

 

Going forwards in history, during the Meiji Era (1862-1912), a period known for is conflicts and cultural agitation, dog fighting became very popular, and the Akita sought after for that purpose. This practice lasted up until the Taisho period (1912-1925), until it was finally forbidden in Japan.

 

A while after, unfortunately, many Akitas died of hunger or were killed during World War II. As well as having to cope with the food shortage, the dogs were also captured for their fur, which was used for making winter clothes. One of the factors that contributed to the restauration and preservation of the breed was the touching story of the Hachi-Ko, which we will tell you soon. Up until then no other dog had touched the hearts of the Japanese people like him.

 

After the war, a lot of good specimens were mated, giving way to the process of restoration and preservation of the Akita. With the increase in popularity and the growth in numbers, the Akita lineage became a matter of great emphasis amongst respectful breeders. During this period two main lineages stood out from the others – Dewa and Ichioneski. It was also during this time that the differentiation between the Japanese Akita and the American Akita began to take place, as the breed started to establish itself in the 1950’s America.

 

Up until then predominant exclusively in Japan, the breed initiated its expansion process when a specimen was taken to the US in 1939. The development of the breed in American soil culminated with it being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973. Parallel to that the breed also spread to other countries, mainly European ones.

 

The Akita arrived in Brazil in the mid-1970s, brought by Japanese immigrants and Bras Dog Kennel. After existing only in this restricted circle for a while, it finally caught the locals’ attention, and is now a very well known and loved breed amongst Brazilians.