Japanese Akita Inu Breed Profile

Japanese Akita Inu

Origins

The Akita dog breed is believed to be descendant of the ancient and now extinct Matagi Inu dogs, which were dogs used for hunting wild boar, Sitka deer, and Asian black bear by the Matagi and other northern native people of Japan. It is believed that these dogs were used for centuries and originally developed from ancient spitz dogs brought to the northernmost area of Japan at a time when a land or ice bridge connected the now-island country to Eastern Europe. These dogs were described as medium-sized spitz-like dogs. DNA studies have found that the Asian spitz breeds, including the Akita, as well as the Shiba Inu, Chow Chows, and Chinese Shar Peis, are among the most ancient breeds still in existence.

Japan has had a complicated relationship with its dog breeds. At times, the country has shown a great deal of effort to ensure the preservation of its native dog breeds. However, there have also been instances of countrywide breed and landrace eradication. The Akita has historically been both a victim and a beneficiary of his native country’s vacillating attitudes toward dogs. In the seventh century, a dog keepers office was established to preserve the purity of native Japanese dogs.

As Japanese society and culture progressed, agriculture replaced hunter-gatherer cultures, and the Akita’s ancestors were used less for hunting and more for guarding homes and property. Eventually, the dogs found their way into the horrific spectator sport of dogfighting, which became prominent throughout Japan and much of Europe in the 20th century. To create a more impressive fighting dog, the Akita was crossed with European and Asian mastiffs— including the ancestors of today’s Tosa Inu, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and English Mastiff—resulting in a dog that was far more superior in substance, bone, and size.

During the early 20th century, the Japanese government and many nationals took the preservation of their native breeds very seriously. In 1931 the name “Akita” was assigned to Matagi Inu descendants of the Akita Prefecture and surrounding areas. It was also during this time that the Akita, as well as several other Japanese native breeds, were recognized and declared a natural monument by the Japanese government. To further preserve the breed, the Akita Inu Hozankai was formed to guide breeders using guidelines. In 1934 the official standard was written. The original Akita colors include only brindle, red fawn, sesame, and white, with all other colors being considered incorrect.

Unfortunately, preservation efforts were thwarted by World War I and World War II when the numbers of many native Japanese dog breeds were decimated. To make matters worse, the Japanese government switched from preserving native breeds to mandating that all non-military dogs be exterminated so their furs could be used to clothe the Japanese military. The only dogs exempt from this mandate were German Shepherds, which were used by the military. Desperate efforts to save the breed resulted in breeders crossing their dogs to the German Shepherds to prevent them from having their fur harvested. As a result of this, three very distinct types of dogs emerged and could be found in the Akita regions and surrounding areas: the original Matagi which were very few in number, the large fighting Matagi cross that was bred for the fighting ring, and the Matagi German Shepherd crosses.

After World War II, the breed began to split into the two distinct types observed today. Shortly after World War II, the Japanese began restoration efforts to once again protect and preserve their heritage breeds. Five independent organizations that each recognized the Akita breed with differing standards came together and determined the original Matagi Inu type of Akita as the true Akita, with the other larger crosses being incorrect. The remaining Matagi Inu Akitas were collected from rural areas and towns throughout the country, and the breed began to make a steady recovery.

American soldiers were partial to the large, bear-like fighting Akita and German Shepherd Akitas. These dogs were also more readily available, due to the fact that they possessed coat colors and patterns not favored by the Japanese people. The American servicemen brought many of these large, colorful Akita dogs with them back to America. These dogs were used to establish the breed in America. Once in America, breeders and enthusiasts embraced the large type Akitas over the Matagi types that were later imported. In fact, the breed was eventually known as the Japanese Fighting Akita.

Now, the two types have become so divergent that many organizations consider them separate breeds. Japanese Akitas are lighter in substance and bone, squarely proportioned, leggier with more tuck-up and narrower, even skull to muzzle ratios. They also may only come in the traditional four colors. The Japanese dogs resemble large Shiba Inus, which are a very close relative. The American Akitas are heavier and more substantial, with heavier bone and overall mass. They have shorter muzzles in comparison to the skull, and are relatively rectangular in proportion. They may come in any color, including piebald, which is referred to as “pinto” in the breed. They may also have masks, which are forbidden in the Japanese Akitas.