What is the origin of the Akita Inu?
1500 years ago, foreign dogs were crossed into the local breed. This resulted in four Japanese Spitz species:
- Akita Inu
- Nippon Inu
- Shiba Inu
- Chow-chow
The enthusiasm for dog fights increased sharply in the 19th century. Mastiffs and Tosa dogs were crossed with the Akita.
Dog fighting was banned in Japan in 1908, but the enthusiasm for the Akita remained.
Emperor Hirohito declared Akita Inu a cultural monument and national property in 1931.
World War II almost caused the extinction of Akitas.
Foreign breeds were crossed with the original breed as a rescue measure. Two forms of breeding emerged. The American soldiers took the somewhat larger, often black tabby animals back to their homes. They became the progenitors of the American Akita.
he smaller, reddish dogs stayed in Japan.
The Akita Inu was recognized as a breed by the FCI in 1964.
What are the breed characteristics of the Akita Inu?
The Akita Inu is a large dog with strong bones. It radiates a calmness from within and exudes dignity.
Typical for the breed is the curled up, bushy tail, which it carries over his back.
As former hunting and fighting dogs, Akitas are robust and confident.
Akitas love to run, they love to be used as sledge dogs and are reliable assistance dogs. Their handsome appearance, paired with a natural protective instinct makes them the perfect watchdog. Akita Inus are not considered list dogs.