Breed history
The Akita Inu is a Japanese breed originating from the province of Akita in Japan. From the beginning of the 17th century, canids named Akita Matagis were used as fighting dogs. This dog also hunted wild boars, deer, and bears. Then, in the middle of the 19th century, the breed was crossed with the Tosa and the Mastiff.
Following the dogfighting ban in 1908, the breed was improved. In 1931, the Akita Inu has designated a “Historical Monument” thanks to 9 of its dogs. Like many dogs, the Akita Inu nearly went extinct after World War II, when all dogs except German Shepherds were captured. Then, breeders managed to save it, and the Akita’s popularity has continued to grow. The desire of breeders to find the characteristics of the original breed has paid off so well that the one found today is the real one, the pure one. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed on March 13, 1964.
