{{Infobox dog breed | name = Akita Inu | altname = {{ubl|Akita Inu|Akita Ken|Japanese Akita|Great Japanese Dog}} | image = Akita Collage.png | country = Japan | collapse_standards_and_traits = | maleheight = {{cvt|25|-|28|in|cm|order=flip}} | femaleheight = {{cvt|23|-|26|in|cm|order=flip}} | maleweight = {{cvt|60|-|130|lb|kg|order=flip}} | femaleweight = {{cvt|55|-|100|lb|kg|order=flip}} | coat = Double coat | colour = Red, brindle, white. All with white fur on the ventral areas of the dog (''urajiro''). | litter_size = 3–12 puppies (avg. 7–8) | kc_name = Akita Inu Hozonkai | kc_std = https://www.akitainu-hozonkai.eu/akiho-akita-inu-standard | kc2_name = Japan Kennel Club | kc2_std = https://www.jkc.or.jp/breeds/akita/ | kc2_std1 = https://www.jkc.or.jp/breeds/american-akita/ | kc3_name = American Kennel Club | kc3_std = https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20093952/Japanese-Akitainu.pdf | kc3_std1 = http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Akita.pdf | fcistd = https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/255g05-en.pdf | fcistd1 = https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/344g05-en.pdf | note = | image_caption = }} The {{Nihongo|'''Akita Inu'''|{{linktext|秋田犬}}|Akita Inu, Akita Ken|{{IPA|ja|a.kʲi̥.ta(ꜜ) i.nɯ, -ta.keɴ}}<ref>{{cite book|script-title=ja:NHK日本語発音アクセント新辞典|publisher=NHK Publishing|editor=NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute|date=24 May 2016|lang=ja}}</ref>}} is a Japanese dog breed of large size. Originating from the mountains of northern Japan, the Akita has a short double coat similar to that of many other northern spitz breeds. The breed traces its roots to the Matagi Inu, a ''chūgata ken'' (medium-sized dog) historically used by the Matagi—traditional hunters of the Tōhoku region—for tracking and subduing large game such as ''tsukinowaguma'' (Japanese black bear), ''inoshishi'' (wild boar) and ''kamoshika'' (Japanese serow) in snow-covered mountain terrain.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Akita Inu - History and Identity |url=https://www.akitainu-hozonkai.eu/general |access-date=2025-09-26 |website=AKIHO Europe |language=en-GB}}</ref>
As a breed, Akitas are generally hardy. However, it is subject to debate as to whether the Akita strains are distinct, or if they constitute one breed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-27 |title=The Loyal, Bear-Hunting Akita |url=https://www.japanpowered.com/japan-culture/akita |access-date=2022-05-24 |website=Japan Powered |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Brearley |first=Joan McDonald |title=The Book of the Akita |publisher=TFH |year=1985 |isbn=0866220488 |pages=4–7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Akita {{!}} Breeds A to Z {{!}} The Kennel Club |url=https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/utility/akita/ |access-date=2022-05-24 |website=www.thekennelclub.org.uk}}</ref>
==Breed name== Outside of Japan, debate exists among fanciers whether these are two separate breeds of Akitas. As of 2020, the American Kennel Club<ref name="AKC standard">{{cite web|title=Akita Breed Standard|url=https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/japanese-akitainu/|format=website|publisher=American Kennel Club|access-date=20 February 2021| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110514045543/http://www.akc.org/breeds/akita/| archive-date= 14 May 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref> now considers American and Japanese Akitas to be two separate breeds, no longer allowing free breeding between the two. The United Kennel Club,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/WebPages/Library/BreedStandards|publisher=United Kennel Club|format=website|title=Breed Standards|access-date=14 November 2016|archive-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121133807/http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/WebPages/Library/BreedStandards|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fci.be/uploaded_files/344GB2006_en.doc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060515184334/http://www.fci.be/uploaded_files/344GB2006_en.doc|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 May 2006|publisher=Federation Cynologique Internationale|format=document|title=FCI standard #344, American Akita|access-date=9 March 2011}}</ref> The Kennel Club,<ref name="Japanese Akita UK Standard">{{cite web|title=UK Breed Standard for Japanese Style|url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=4223|format=website|publisher=The Kennel Club|access-date=15 October 2011|archive-date=14 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814134952/https://thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=4223|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=UK Breed Standard for American Style|url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=4091|format=website|publisher=The Kennel Club|access-date=15 October 2011|archive-date=14 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814151046/https://thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=4091|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Australian National Kennel Council,<ref>{{cite web|title=Australian Breed Standard|url=http://www.ankc.org.au/Breed_Details.aspx?bid=237|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228024339/http://ankc.org.au/Breed_Details.aspx?bid=237|archive-date=2015-02-28|format=website|publisher=Australian National Kennel Council|access-date=22 December 2016}}</ref> the New Zealand Kennel Club,<ref>{{cite web|title=NZ Standard for American Style|url=http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br637.html|format=website|publisher=New Zealand Kennel Club|access-date=19 April 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110524175231/http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br637.html| archive-date= 24 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NZ Standard for Japanese Style|url=http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br601.html|format=website|publisher=New Zealand Kennel Club|access-date=19 April 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110524175126/http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br601.html| archive-date= 24 May 2011}}</ref> and the Japan Kennel Club<ref>{{Cite web|title=一般社団法人 ジャパンケネルクラブ|url=https://www.jkc.or.jp/|access-date=2021-09-24|language=ja}}</ref> consider Japanese and American Akitas as separate breeds.<ref name="DVM"/> Some countries{{which|date=August 2023}} refer to the American Akita as simply the Akita and not the American Akita. The issue is especially controversial in Japan.<ref name="Itagaki">{{cite web |url=http://www.northlandakitas.com/pdf/preserv_of_japan_dogs.pdf |first1=Dr. Shiro |last1=Itagaki |title=The Preservation and Development of Japanese Dogs|publisher=Akita Learning Center |access-date=6 May 2011}}</ref> For the FCI's 84 countries, the breed split formally occurred in June 1999, when the FCI decided that the American type would be called the Great Japanese Dog,<ref name="DVM"/> later renamed the American Akita in January 2006.<ref name="DVM"/>
==History==
===Japanese history=== thumb|Akita Inu photographed around 1907 thumb|right|Hachikō [[File:Hachiko-hakusei.jpg|thumb|right|Loyal Hachikō became legendary after waiting every day for his master to return at Shibuya Station in central Tokyo.]] The direct ancestor of the Akita Inu was a dog kept as a guard dog and fighting dog by samurai and wealthy farmers in the Ōdate area, and was known as the {{Nihongo|Ōdate dog|大館犬}} until 1931 when it was renamed the Akita Inu.<ref>{{cite book|title=Hachikō: Solving Twenty Mysteries about the Most Famous Dog in Japan |publisher=Amazon.com Kindle E-book|last=Itoh|first=Mayumi|date=2017|isbn=978-197-33-8013-9|page=98}}</ref> Since ancient times, hunting dogs called {{Nihongo|matagi dogs|マタギ犬}} were kept in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan. The word ''matagi'' means hunter. The main targets of hunting were Asian black bears, Japanese serows, Japanese macaques, and rabbits. In Akita Prefecture, there was also a matagi dog called the {{Nihongo|Akita Matagi Inu|秋田マタギ犬}}, which is a medium-sized dog and is distinguished from the Akita Inu.<ref>{{Cite book |editor = Inu no Kenkyusha |title = 昭和日本犬の検討 |trans-title = Examination of Showa Japanese dogs |publisher = Inu no Kenkyusha |date = 1936 |url = https://dl.ndl.go.jp/pid/1229309 |doi = 10.11501/1229309 |page = 16 |language = ja |author1 = 犬の研究社 }}</ref>
During the Edo period (1603–1867), the Akita region was ruled by the Satake clan of the Kubota Domain. The {{Nihongo|Satake West Family|佐竹西家}}, the castle keeper of Ōdate Castle, is said to have nurtured the fighting spirit of its vassals through dogfighting.<ref name="Odate1">{{Cite book |editor = Ōdate City History Compilation Committee |title = 大館市史 |trans-title = Ōdate City History |volume = 1 |publisher = Ōdate City |date = March 1979 |url = https://dl.ndl.go.jp/pid/9537893 |doi = 10.11501/9537893 |page = 76 |language = ja |author1 = 大館市 }}</ref>
It is not known exactly how Akita Inu became larger, but according to a "discussion on dogs by old people" held in 1931 in the then Ōdate Town, a famous dog named "Moku" was kept at the {{Nihongo|Jō'ō-ji Temple|浄応寺}} in Ōdate, commonly known as {{Nihongo|Naka no Tera Temple|中の寺}}, in the late Edo period (1603–1867).<ref name = "Ono1931">{{Cite magazine |last = Ono |first = Susumu |title = 天然記念物に指定された秋田犬に就て |trans-title = On the Akita Inu designated as a natural monument|magazine = Saito Hō'enkai Jiho |issue = 58 |publisher = Saito Hō'enkai |date = October 1931 |url = https://dl.ndl.go.jp/pid/1564061 |doi = 10.11501/1564061 |pages = 11–13 |language = ja}}</ref> Moku was a dog born at the end of the Ansei era (1854–1860), lived through the fires of the Boshin War (1868–1869), and lived until 1871 or 1872. Moku was about 85 cm tall at the shoulder and was large enough to carry an adult on its back. Moku was a purely Japanese dog with erect ears and a curly tail, sesame (''goma'') in color, and long hair.<ref name = "Ono1931" /> If this theory is to be believed, Akita Inu had become larger by the end of the Edo period at the latest.
In 1931, the Akita was officially declared a Japanese natural monument. The mayor of Odate City in Akita Prefecture organized the Akita Inu Hozonkai to preserve the original Akita as a Japanese natural treasure through careful breeding.<ref name="Stars" />
In 1933, Heishiro Takaku (Takahisa), one of the early members of Nippo in Tokyo and later of the Nipponinu Kyokai (Nikkyo) in Osaka and Katsuichi (Shoichi) each published articles on a proposed Japanese dog standard, which Included the Akita dog. Akita dogs revealed the most non-uniformity at that time, when compared to medium and small Japanese dogs, due to being outcrossed to the Tosa fighting dog, and other Imported foreign dogs.<ref name=":0"/>{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2024|reason=This is just some breeder's personal site}} In 1934, the first Japanese breed standard for the Akita Inu was listed, following the breed's declaration as a natural monument of Japan.<ref name="obj17">{{cite book |last=Andrews |first=Barbara J. |title=Akitas |publisher=T.F.H. Publications Inc. |year=1996 |isbn=0-7938-2760-4 |location=N.J. USA |page=17}}</ref>
The Akita breed was used during the Russo-Japanese War to track prisoners of war and lost sailors.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Allsopp |first=Nigel |title=K9 Cops: Police Dogs of the World |publisher=Big Sky Publishing |year=2012}}</ref> During World War II, the Akita was considered a non-military breed and was crossed with German Shepherds in an attempt to save them from the wartime government order for all non-military dogs to be culled.<ref name="JAICUK">{{cite web |title=Akita Inu Breed History |url=http://www.japaneseakita-inu.co.uk/Files/History.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113013943/http://www.japaneseakita-inu.co.uk/Files/History.htm |archive-date=13 January 2012 |access-date=29 April 2011 |publisher=Japanese Akita Inu Club Great Britain}}</ref> Some were used as scouts and guards during the war.<ref name=":1" />
A native Japanese breed known as Matagi Inu (hunting dog) was used along with the Hokkaido Inu breed to mix back into the remaining Akita dogs to restore the breed. There were many lines of Akita, but the most influential were the Dewa and Ichinoseki.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2023-05-06 |title=History Of The Akita Inu: 1 Of The Great Japanese Breeds – A Dog's Game |url=https://adogsgame.com/the-akita-inu-history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513165511/https://adogsgame.com/the-akita-inu-history/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-13 |newspaper=A Dogs Game |language=en-US}}</ref> Both lines contributed to the foundation stock for both Akita types, and many exported dogs were a combination of these lines. According to one Japanese judge, the greatest difference between Japanese- and American-bred Akitas is that the latter still show much evidence of the Dewa strain.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Website_Caccia - Akita |url=https://www.caccia.se/Akita_two_lines_sid_2.htm |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.caccia.se}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2024|reason=This is just some breeder's personal site}} In the early 1900s, Dewa-line Akitas were heavily favoured and did well in show. Kongo-go (from the Heirakudo Kennel of Eikichi Hiraizumi) is considered to be the most influential dog of that line.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=History of the Akita {{!}} Minamoto No Yorimitsu |url=http://www.m-n-y-akitas.nl/history-of-the-akita/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=www.m-n-y-akitas.nl}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2024|reason=This is just some breeder's personal site}}
However, the Dewa-line later went into a decline because Japanese breeders felt that the Akita did not give the impression of a Japanese dog, so began to breed towards an ideal type reminiscent of other Nihon-ken. The Dewa line was stereotyped as the “German Shepherd” type, while the Ichinoseki line was referred to as the “Mastiff” type.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0" /> Thus, the Ichinoseki-line rose in popularity. Goromaru-Go was regarded as the most influential Akita of that line who, although did not perform well in show, produced outstanding Akita dogs when bred to Taihei and Nikkei lines from Southern Akita.{{cn|date=March 2025}}
During the occupation years following the war, the breed began to thrive again through the efforts of Sawataishi and others.<ref name="telegraph" /> Morie Sawataishi and his efforts to breed the Akita is a major reason this breed exists today.<ref name="Sherrill">{{cite book |last1=Sherrill |first1=Martha |title=Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain |date=28 February 2008 |publisher=Penguin Press USA |isbn=978-1-59420-124-0 |place=City |page=256}} {{ISBN|978-1-59420-124-0}}</ref> For the first time, Akitas were bred for a standardized appearance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AKIKO |url=http://www.clubakita.ro/Akiko/history.html |access-date=2018-02-07 |website=www.clubakita.ro |archive-date=2018-02-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207123112/http://www.clubakita.ro/Akiko/history.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2024|reason=This is just some breeder's personal site}} Akita fanciers in Japan began gathering and exhibiting the remaining Akitas and producing litters to restore the breed to sustainable numbers and to accentuate the ideal characteristics of the breed muddied by crosses to other breeds.<ref name="Kimura">{{cite web |last1=Kimura |first1=Tatsuo |title=A History Of The Akita Dog |url=http://www.northlandakitas.com/akitahistory/ahistory.htm |access-date=6 May 2011 |publisher=Akita Learning Center |format=website}}</ref> It was not until the 1960–1970s where the foxier Japanese type started to diverge from the typical American type.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Akita Pedigree |url=https://www.akitapedigree.com/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=www.akitapedigree.com}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=January 2024|reason=No specific page on the site is specified for the citation}}
The story of Hachikō helped push the Akita into the international dog world. Hachikō was born in 1923 and owned by Professor Hidesaburō Ueno of Tokyo.<ref name=Killilea16>{{cite book|last=Killilea|first=David|title=The Akita Today|year=1988|publisher=Ringpress Books Ltd.|location=Glouchestershire, UK|isbn=1-86054-099-6|pages=15–16|author2=Jenny Killilea}}</ref> Professor Ueno lived near the Shibuya Train Station in a suburb of the city, and commuted to work every day on the train.<ref name="Stars" /> Hachikō accompanied his master to and from the station each day.<ref name="Stars">{{cite news |url=http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=18964 |last1=Chida |first1=Hiroshi |title=Odate museum honors national dog, the Akita |work=Stripes Pacific Travel |date=27 November 2003 |publisher=Stars and Stripes|access-date=30 April 2011}}</ref> On May 25, 1925, when the dog was 18 months old, he waited for his master's arrival on the four o'clock train, but Professor Ueno had suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage at work.<ref name="Stars" /> Hachikō continued to wait for his master's return.<ref name="Stars" /> He travelled to and from the station each day for the next nine years.<ref name="Stars" /> He allowed the professor's relatives to care for him, but he never gave up the vigil at the station for his master.<ref name="Stars" /> His vigil became world-renowned when, in 1934,<ref name=obj22>{{cite book|last=Andrews|first=Barbara J.|title=Akitas|year=1996|publisher=T.F.H Publications Inc.|location=N.J. USA|isbn=0-7938-2760-4|pages=21–22}}</ref> shortly before his death, a bronze statue was erected at the Shibuya train station in his honor.<ref name="Stars"/> This statue was melted down for munitions during the war, but a new one was commissioned after the war.<ref name="obj22"/> Each year on March 8 since 1936, Hachikō's devotion has been honoured with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Tokyo's Shibuya railroad station.<ref>American Kennel Club (listed author): ''The Complete Dog Book: The Photograph, History, and Official Standard of Every Breed Admitted to AKC Registration, and the Selection, Training, Breeding, Care, and Feeding of Pure-bred Dogs'', Howell Book House, 1985, page 269. {{ISBN|0-87605-463-7}}.</ref><ref>Ruthven Tremain, ''The Animals' Who's Who: 1,146 Celebrated Animals in History, Popular Culture, Literature, & Lore'', Scribner, 1984, page 105. {{ISBN|0-684-17621-1}}. Accessed via Google Books August 21, 2008.</ref> Eventually, Hachikō's legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty, particularly to the person and institution of the Emperor.<ref name="Skabeland">{{cite web |url=http://www.berfrois.com/2011/09/aaron-herald-skabelund-hachiko/ |title=Canine Imperialism |first1=Aaron Herald |last1=Skabelund |publisher=Berfrois |date=23 September 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109010243/https://www.berfrois.com/2011/09/aaron-herald-skabelund-hachiko/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In 1967, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of Akita Inu Hozonkai (AKIHO, Akita Dog Preservation Society), the Akita Dog Museum was built to house information, documents and photos.<ref name="Stars"/>
thumb|The Akita "Tachibana",<ref name="telegraph"/> one of the few Akitas to survive the war, is pictured here on a Japanese 1953-issue postage stamp. In 1937, Helen Keller travelled to Japan. She expressed a keen interest in the breed and was presented with the first two Akitas to enter the US.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://akitainu-news.com/en/archives/261|title=Deep and Beautiful Bond between Helen Keller and Akita Dogs|publisher=Akita-Inu News|date=October 17, 2020|access-date=September 17, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/02/13/helen-keller-had-a-japanese-akita-dog-named-kamikaze-go-she-was-the-first-to-bring-an-akita-dog-to-the-united-states|title=Helen Keller had a Japanese Akita dog named Kamikaze-go; She was the first to bring an Akita dog to the United States|publisher=The Vintage News|last=Blazeski|first=Goran|date=February 13, 2017|access-date=September 17, 2025}}</ref><ref name="keller"/> The first dog, presented to her by Mr. Ogasawara and named Kamikaze-go, died at {{frac|7|1|2}} months of age from distemper, one month after her return to the States. A second Akita was arranged to be sent to Keller: Kamikaze's litter brother, Kenzan-go.<ref name="Ogasawara">{{cite web |url=http://www.northlandakitas.com/hellen.htm |title=Helen Keller and Akitas |first1=Ichiro |last1=Ogasawara |publisher=Akita Learning Center |access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> Keller nicknamed the dog Go-Go and they were great companions from day one. Go-Go even spent his first night at Keller's home sleeping at the foot of her bed.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gibeault|first=Stephanie|title=Hellen Keller, Accomplished & Inspirational Icon, Was a Lifelong Dog Lover|url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/helen-keller-was-a-true-dog-lover/|access-date=2022-02-10|website=American Kennel Club|language=en}}</ref> Kenzan-go died in the mid-1940s.<ref name = "Killilea">{{cite book|last1=Killilea|first1=David|last2=Killilea|first2=Jenny|title=The Akita Today|year=1998|publisher=Ringpress|location=Glouchester, U.K.|isbn=1-86054-099-6}}</ref> By 1939, a breed standard had been established and dog shows had been held, but such activities stopped after World War II began.{{citation needed|date=March 2013}} Keller wrote in the ''Akita Journal'': {{cquote|If ever there was an angel in fur, it was Kamikaze. I know I shall never feel quite the same tenderness for any other pet. The Akita dog has all the qualities that appeal to me he is gentle, companionable and trusty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.petpublishing.com/dogken/breeds/akita.shtml|title=The Akita Inu: The Voice of Japan|author=Rick Beauchamp|publisher=Dog & Kennel|access-date=6 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718182822/http://www.petpublishing.com/dogken/breeds/akita.shtml|archive-date=2011-07-18|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.natural-akita.com/JPTeez/html/helen_keller.html |title=Helen Keller: First Akitas in the USA |publisher=Natural-akita.com |date= 14 June 1937|access-date=24 August 2010}}</ref> }}
===American history=== thumb|A 9-week-old American Akitathumb|A female American Akita The Japanese Akita and American Akita began to diverge in type post-World War II due to America and Europe preserving the Akitas that fell out of favour in Japan, particularly the Dewa-types and dogs with the signature black mask or pinto marking. American Akitas are typically considered mixed by Japanese breeders (and not true Akitas by the Japanese standard).{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} However, their phenotype predates the Japanese Akita by a few decades, and they are closer to pre-war Akitas like Hachiko.<ref name=":2" />{{page needed|date=January 2024|reason=Once again the page being cited isn't specified}}
Helen Keller is credited with bringing the Akita to America after being given two Akitas by the Japanese government in 1938. By 1939, a breed standard was established, and dog shows began to be held, but this development was interrupted by World War II.<ref name="keller">{{Cite news|url=https://www.akitaclub.org/helen-keller/|title=Helen Keller|work=Akita Club of America|access-date=2018-02-25|language=en-US}}</ref> During this time, US servicemen serving as part of the occupation force in Japan first came into contact with the Akita. The breed so impressed them that many service members chose to bring an Akita back home with them upon completion of their tour.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}
Although both types derive from common ancestry, marked differences are seen between the two.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Two Akitas|url=http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-information/allan-reznik-dog-expert/the-two-akitas.aspx|website=DogChannel.com|access-date=2015-07-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714044456/http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-information/allan-reznik-dog-expert/the-two-akitas.aspx|archive-date=2015-07-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> American Akitas generally are heavier boned and larger, with a more bear-like head, whereas Japanese Akitas tend to be lighter and more finely featured with a fox-like head.<ref name="DVM">{{cite web|last=Kaluzniacki|first=Sophia|title=The Akita Dilemma – One Breed or Two?: a historical perspective|url=http://www.tamarlane.com/dillema.htm|publisher=Tamarlane|format=website|access-date=19 May 2011}}{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2024|reason=This is just some breeder's personal site}}</ref> Additionally, while American Akitas are acceptable in all colors, Japanese Akitas are only permitted to be red, white, or brindle. Additionally, American Akitas may be pinto and/or have black masks, unlike Japanese Akitas, where these are considered disqualifications and are not permitted in the breed standards.{{citation needed|date=March 2013}}
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955, the Akita was placed in the Miscellaneous class. The AKC did not approve the Akita standard until 1972, and it was moved to the Working Dog class. As such, the Akita is a rather new breed in the United States. Foundation stock in America continued to be imported from Japan until 1974, when the AKC cut off registration to any further Japanese imports until 1992, when it recognized the Japan Kennel Club standards. This decision set the stage for the divergence in type between the American Akita and Japanese Akita Inu that is present today.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Akita Inu|url=https://starpetstore.com/akita-inu-all-related-information/|access-date=2021-09-24|website=starpetstore.com/|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924184940/https://starpetstore.com/akita-inu-all-related-information/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Elsewhere in the world, one American Akita was first introduced to the UK in 1937. He was a Canadian import, owned by a Mrs. Jenson; the descendants of Mrs. Jenson live on today breeding American Akitas. The most widely known of these is Joseph Felton, an award-winning Akita breeder, but the breed was not itself widely known until the early 1980s.<ref name="Killilea"/> The breed was introduced in Australia in 1982 with an American import and to New Zealand in 1986 with an import from the UK.<ref name="Killilea"/>
==Gallery== thumb|right|Long-coat Akita thumb|right|White Akita [[File:Akita hiking in Shpella e Pëllumbasit.JPG|thumb|Akita hiking in Shpella e Pëllumbasit, Tirana, Albania]] [[File:Shinzō Abe and Alina Zagitova (2018-05-26).jpg|thumb|right|Olympic figure-skating champion Alina Zagitova receiving an Akita Inu puppy called Masaru in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and AKIHO President Takashi Endō.]]
===Appearance=== As a spitz breed, the appearance of the Akita reflects cold-weather adaptations essential to their original function.<ref>{{cite web|title=Akita: Physical Characteristics|url=http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_akita|website=Pet MD}}</ref> The Akita is a substantial breed for its height with heavy bones.<ref name="books.google.com">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1enEDwAAQBAJ&q=%22++++++Breed+standards+state+that+all+dog+breed+coat+colors+are+allowable+in+the+American+Akita,+including+pinto,+all+types+of+brindle,+solid+white,+black+mask,+white+mask,+self-colored+mask,+even+differing+colors+of+under+coat+and+overlay+(guard+hairs).%5B5%5D+This+includes+the+common+Shiba+Inu+coloring+pattern+known+as+Urajiro.|title=The Complete Dog Breed Book: Choose the Perfect Dog for You|date=2020-03-17|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-0-7440-2234-6|language=en}}</ref> Characteristic physical traits of the breed include a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck.<ref name="books.google.com"/> Additionally, the eyes of the Akita are small, dark, deeply set, and triangular in shape.<ref name="Wallis">{{cite journal |url=http://www.dogsincanada.com/akita-proportions |title=Akita proportions |date=20 January 2011 |first1=Sherry |last1=Wallis |journal=Dogs in Canada |access-date=3 May 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110927132509/http://www.dogsincanada.com/akita-proportions |archive-date=2011-09-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Akitas have thick double coats, and tight, well-knuckled, cat-like feet.<ref name="books.google.com"/> Their tails are carried over the tops of their backs in a gentle or double curl down the loin.<ref name=AKC>{{cite web|title=American Kennel Club – Akita|url=http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/akita/#standard|format=website|publisher=American Kennel Club|access-date=17 April 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150213194713/http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/akita/#standard| archive-date= 13 February 2015 | url-status= live}}</ref>
Mature American-type males measure typically 26-28 in (66–71 cm) at the withers and weigh between 100 and 130 lb (45–59 kg).<ref name="books.google.com"/> Mature females typically measure 24-26 in (61–66 cm) and weigh between 70 and 100 lb (32–45 kg).<ref name="Canada guide">{{cite web|title=Akita – Canada's Guide to Dogs|url=http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/akita.htm|format=website|publisher=Canada's Guide to Dogs|access-date=17 April 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110514050124/http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/akita.htm| archive-date= 14 May 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref> The Japanese type, as stated in the breed standards, is a little smaller and lighter.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Japanese-Akitainu AKC Standard|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/06145646/Japanese-Akitainu_AKC_Standard_11052020.pdf |access-date=2024-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828022455/https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/06145646/Japanese-Akitainu_AKC_Standard_11052020.pdf |archive-date=2022-08-28 }}</ref>
Breed standards state that all dog breed coat colors and patterns are allowable in the American Akita.<ref name=tarmalane>{{cite web|title=Akita Colors|url=http://www.tamarlane.com/colors.htm|publisher=Tarmalane|format=website|access-date=17 April 2011}}</ref> This includes the common Shiba Inu coloring pattern known as ''urajiro''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Shiba Inu Appearance – My First Shiba Inu|date=14 January 2016 |url=https://myfirstshiba.com/copy-appearance/|access-date=2022-01-21|language=en-US}}</ref> The Japanese Akitas, as per the breed standards, are restricted to red, fawn, sesame, brindle, and pure white, all with ''urajiro'' markings - whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of jaw, neck, chest, body, and tail, and on the inside of the legs.<ref name="Japanese Akita UK Standard"/>
===Coat types=== The two coat types in the Akita are the standard coat length and the long coat.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2023-04-29 |title=The Long Coat Akita: A Wonderful Variation - A Dog's Game |url=https://adogsgame.com/the-long-coat-akita-a-wonderful-variation/ |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=adogsgame.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211211311/https://adogsgame.com/the-long-coat-akita-a-wonderful-variation/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref><ref name=Taylor /> The long coat is considered a fault in the show ring, however.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=Taylor>{{cite book|last=Taylor|first=Jason|title=Guide to Owning an Akita|year=1996|publisher=TFH Publications|location=United States|isbn=0-7938-1878-8|page=21}}</ref> The long coat, also known as ''moku'', is the result of an autosomal recessive gene and may occur phenotypically only if both sire and dam are carriers. They have longer (about 3-4 in long) and softer coats<ref name=Doubletake>{{cite web|title=Long Coat Akitas|url=http://www.doubletake-ranch.com/Longcoat/longcoats.html|format=website|publisher=DoubleTake|access-date=17 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930050013/http://www.doubletake-ranch.com/Longcoat/longcoats.html|archive-date=2011-09-30|url-status=dead}}{{unreliable source?|date=March 2013}}</ref> and are known to have sweeter temperaments.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="Taylor"/> This gene is thought to come from the Karafuto Ken dog.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite book|last=Andrews|first=Barbara J.|title=Akitas|year=1996|publisher=TFH Publications Inc|location=NJ, United States of America|isbn=0-7938-2760-4|page=16}}</ref>
==Temperament== The Akita is generally seen as territorial about its property, and can be reserved with strangers.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}
The breed has been defined in some countries' breed-specific legislation as a dangerous dog.<ref name="BSL america">{{cite web|title=Anti-Canine Legislation Information|url=http://www.akitaclub.org/info/akclegislation.html|publisher=Akita Club of America|format=website|access-date=30 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610040624/http://akitaclub.org/info/akclegislation.html|archive-date=10 June 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="NYC housing">{{cite journal|title=Changes to NYCHA's Pet Policy |journal=New York City Housing Authority Journal |date=April 2009 |volume=39 |issue=4 |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/downloads/pdf/j09apre.pdf |publisher=New York City Government |access-date=17 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111063721/http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/downloads/pdf/j09apre.pdf |archive-date=11 January 2012 }}</ref><ref name=Bermuda>{{cite web|title=Restricted Dog Breeds|url=http://www.gov.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_1625_207_213_43/http%3B/ptpublisher.gov.bm%3B7087/publishedcontent/publish/ministry_of_environment/environmental_protection/dept___environmental_protection___conditions_of_entry/articles/restricted_dog_breeds.html|format=website|publisher=Bermuda Minister of the Environment|access-date=26 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608071756/http://www.gov.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_1625_207_213_43/http%3B/ptpublisher.gov.bm%3B7087/publishedcontent/publish/ministry_of_environment/environmental_protection/dept___environmental_protection___conditions_of_entry/articles/restricted_dog_breeds.html|archive-date=2011-06-08|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Ireland>{{cite web|title=Dangerous Dogs|url=http://www.environ.ie/en/LocalGovernment/DogControl/|format=website|publisher=Department of Environment, Heritage, and Local Government|access-date=16 August 2009|year=2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629230334/http://www.environ.ie/en/LocalGovernment/DogControl/|archive-date=2009-06-29|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Akita is a large, strong, independent, and dominant dog. A well-trained Akita should be accepting of nonthreatening strangers, otherwise they treat all strangers in an aggressive manner.<ref name="petwave">{{cite web|url=http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/Akita/Personality.aspx|title=Akita Inu Dog Breed – Temperament & Personality|date=3 August 2015|access-date=23 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223232504/http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/Akita/Personality.aspx|archive-date=23 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
A survey on canine behaviour in five 'ancient' breeds in Poland found the Akita to be the most aggressive towards other dogs with 59% of Akitas being reported to display aggression towards other dogs and animals. They were the second most likely to be aggressive towards humans with 13% of Akitas being reported to display aggression towards humans. Stereotypic behaviour was reported in 27% of Akitas, ranking it second out of the five breeds surveyed. Excessive vocalisation was only reported at 17% for the Akita, lower than the other breeds. Less than 10% of Akitas were reported to have separation anxiety, the lowest amount. 70% of all human directed aggression involved a visitor on the Akita's territory, highlighting the defensive nature of the breed.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Wójcik | first1=Anna | last2=Powierża | first2=Kinga | title=The Influence of Breed, Sex, Origin and Housing Conditions on Undesirable Behaviors in Ancient Dog Breeds | journal=Animals | publisher=MDPI AG | volume=11 | issue=5 | date=2021-05-17 | issn=2076-2615 | doi=10.3390/ani11051435 | doi-access=free | page=1435| pmid=34067911 | pmc=8156398 }}</ref>
A Japanese study found that the CAG repeat polymorphism in the AR gene in the Akita Inu was correlated with increased reports of aggression in male Akita dogs, but not females.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Konno | first1=Akitsugu | last2=Inoue-Murayama | first2=Miho | last3=Hasegawa | first3=Toshikazu | title=''Androgen receptor'' gene polymorphisms are associated with aggression in Japanese Akita Inu | journal=Biology Letters | publisher=The Royal Society | volume=7 | issue=5 | date=2011-03-30 | issn=1744-9561 | doi=10.1098/rsbl.2011.0087 | pages=658–660| pmid=21450727 | pmc=3169042 }}</ref>
==Health== ===Autoimmune diseases=== Many autoimmune diseases are known to occur in the Akita, including: * Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada syndrome,<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1111/j.1399-0039.2005.00508.x |title=Uveodermatologic (VKH-like) syndrome in American Akita dogs is associated with an increased frequency of DQA1*00201 |year=2005 |last1=Angles |first1=J. M. |last2=Famula |first2=T. R. |last3=Pedersen |first3=N. C. |journal=Tissue Antigens |volume=66 |issue=6 |pages=656–65 |pmid=16305682}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1111/j.1748-5827.1987.tb01445.x |title=Harada's disease in the Japanese Akita |year=1987 |last1=Cottelll |first1=Beverley D. |last2=Barnett |first2=K. C. |journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice |volume=28 |issue=6 |pages=517–21}}</ref> also known as uveo-dermatologic syndrome, is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin and eyes.<ref name=Monaco>{{cite web|last=Monaco|first=Marie|title=Uveodermatologic Syndrome (UDS, VKH)|url=http://www.samoyedhealthfoundation.org/diseases/uveodermatologic-syndrome-uds|publisher=Samoyed Club of America|access-date=8 October 2011}}</ref> * Autoimmune hemolytic anemia<ref name="JACA"/> is an autoimmune blood disorder.<ref name=Day>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/S0165-2427(99)00055-0 |title=Antigen specificity in canine autoimmune haemolytic anaemia |year=1999 |last1=Day |first1=M.J |journal=Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology |volume=69 |issue=2–4 |pages=215–24 |pmid=10507306}}</ref> * Sebaceous adenitis<ref name="reichler">{{cite journal |doi=10.1046/j.0959-4493.2001.00251.x |title=Sebaceous adenitis in the Akita: Clinical observations, histopathology and heredity |year=2001 |last1=Reichler |first1=Iris M. |last2=Hauser |first2=Beat |last3=Schiller |first3=Irene |last4=Dunstan |first4=Robert W. |last5=Credille |first5=Kelly M. |last6=Binder |first6=Heinrich |last7=Glaus |first7=Toni |last8=Arnold |first8=Susi |journal=Veterinary Dermatology |volume=12 |issue=5 |pages=243–53 |pmid=11906649}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1023/B:VERC.0000014199.39879.bb |title=Sebaceous Adenitis in the Dog: Three Cases |year=2003 |last1=Spaterna |first1=A. |last2=Antognoni |first2=M.T. |last3=Cappuccini |first3=S. |last4=Tesei |first4=B. |journal=Veterinary Research Communications |volume=27 |pages=441–3 |pmid=14535449|s2cid=30352408 }}</ref><ref name=Pedersen>{{cite web |last1=Pedersen |first1=Niels C |title=Determining whether risk for sebaceous adenitis of Standard Poodles is associated with a specific DLA class II genotype |url=http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CCAH/local-assets/pdfs/sebaceous_adenitis_PROJECT_DESCRIPTION_3-31-2010.pdf |access-date=22 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708233053/http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CCAH/local-assets/pdfs/sebaceous_adenitis_PROJECT_DESCRIPTION_3-31-2010.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> is an autoimmune skin disorder believed to be of autosomal recessive inheritance.<ref name="reichler"/> * Pemphigus foliaceus<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1177/030098589403100103 |title=Comparative Histopathology of Pemphigus Foliaceus and Superficial Folliculitis in the Dog |year=1994 |last1=Kuhl |first1=K. A. |last2=Shofer |first2=F. S. |last3=Goldschmidt |first3=M. H. |journal=Veterinary Pathology |volume=31 |pages=19–27 |pmid=8140722 |issue=1|s2cid=2609668 |doi-access= }}</ref> is an autoimmune skin disorder, believed to be genetic.<ref name=pemphigus>{{cite web|title=Pemphigus|url=http://www.akita-association.org/pemphigus.htm|publisher=The Akita Association (UK)|format=website|access-date=22 April 2011|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221830/http://www.akita-association.org/pemphigus.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, is a systemic autoimmune connective-tissue disease that can affect any part of the body.<ref name="akitarescue">{{cite web|title=Diseases in the American Akita|url=http://akitarescue.rescuegroups.org/info/file?file=s197m7036.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=3 April 2011|publisher=Akita Rescue Mid-Atlantic Coast (USA)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526085141/http://akitarescue.rescuegroups.org/info/file?file=s197m7036.pdf|archive-date=2010-05-26}}</ref>
===Immune-mediated endocrine diseases=== In addition to these, some immune-mediated endocrine diseases with a heritable factor can occur, such as:
* Hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison's disease, affects the adrenal glands and is essentially the opposite of Cushing's syndrome.<ref name="Bouyet"/> * Diabetes mellitus, also known as type 1 diabetes, affects the pancreas.<ref name="Bouyet"/> * Hypothyroidism,<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1111/j.1399-0039.2006.00614.x |title=Association of canine hypothyroidism with a common major histocompatibility complex DLA class II allele |year=2006 |last1=Kennedy |first1=L. J. |last2=Quarmby |first2=S. |last3=Happ |first3=G. M. |last4=Barnes |first4=A. |last5=Ramsey |first5=I. K. |last6=Dixon |first6=R. M. |last7=Catchpole |first7=B. |last8=Rusbridge |first8=C. |last9=Graham |first9=P. A. |last10=Hillbertz |first10=N. S. |last11=Roethel |first11=C. |last12=Dodds |first12=W. J. |last13=Carmichael |first13=N. G. |last14=Ollier |first14=W. E. R. |s2cid=358248 |journal=Tissue Antigens |volume=68 |pages=82–6 |pmid=16774545 |issue=1|url=http://researchonline.rvc.ac.uk/id/eprint/138/ |doi-access=free }}</ref> also known as autoimmune hypothyroidism, is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland.<ref name=AkitaFriends>{{cite web|title=The Akita – Diseases|url=http://www.akita-friends.com/breed/general.htm|publisher=Akita Alumni Dog Club|format=website|access-date=19 April 2011}}</ref>
===Nonimmune-specific conditions=== Other nonimmune-specific conditions known to have occurred in the Akita include:
* Gastric dilation, also known as bloat may progress to gastric dilatation volvulus, in which the stomach twists on itself.<ref name="Bell">{{cite web|last1=Bell|first1=Jerold S.|title=Risk Factors for Canine Bloat|url=http://www.malamutehealth.org/articles/bloat_risk.htm|format=website|publisher=malamute health|access-date=4 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425045028/http://www.malamutehealth.org/articles/bloat_risk.htm|archive-date=25 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Microphthalmia, meaning "small eyes", is a developmental disorder of the eye, believed to be an autosomal recessive genetic condition.<ref name=upei>{{cite web|title=Microphthalmia|url=http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/ocular%20disorders/microphthalmia.htm|format=website|publisher=Canine Inherited Disorders Database|access-date=19 April 2011|year=1998}}</ref> * Primary glaucoma,<ref name="startup">{{cite journal |doi=10.1136/vr.118.9.251-b |pmid=3705415 |title=Hereditary eye problems in the Japanese akita |year=1986 |journal=Veterinary Record |volume=118 |issue=9 |pages=251|s2cid=30453180|last1=Startup |first1=F. |doi-broken-date=11 July 2025 }}</ref> results increased pressure within the eyeball.<ref name="Turner">{{cite web|last1=Turner |first1=Andrew |last2=Hurn |first2=Simon |title=Eye Diseases and Information |url=http://www.allanimaleyes.com/diseases.html#glaucoma |format=website |publisher=All Animal Eye Services |access-date=19 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805065155/http://www.allanimaleyes.com/diseases.html |archive-date=August 5, 2009 }}</ref> * Progressive retinal atrophy<ref name="startup"/><ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1111/j.1748-5827.1996.tb01950.x |title=Recent advances in understanding the spectrum of canine generalised progressive retinal atrophy |year=1996 |last1=Clements |first1=P. J. M. |last2=Sargan |first2=D. R. |last3=Gould |first3=D. J. |last4=Petersen-Jones |first4=S. M. |journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice |volume=37 |issue=4 |pages=155–62 |pmid=8731401|doi-access= }}</ref> is a progressive degeneration of the retina (portion of the eye that senses light and allows sight).<ref name="Turner"/> * Hip dysplasia<ref name=JACA>{{cite web|title=Diseases of The Japanese Akita-Inu |url=http://www.akita-inu.com/health.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229231233/http://www.akita-inu.com/health.htm |archive-date=2014-12-29 |publisher=Japanese Akita Club of America |access-date=22 December 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> is a skeletal condition where the head of the femur does not fit properly into the hip socket it leads to osteoarthritis and pain.<ref name=CSU>{{cite web|title=Treatment Options for Mature Canine Hip Dysplasia (Osteoarthritis stage)|url=http://csuvth.colostate.edu/_docs/small_animal/orthopaedics/orthopaedics_201101_hip_dysplasia.pdf|publisher=Colorado State University|access-date=8 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425053550/http://csuvth.colostate.edu/_docs/small_animal/orthopaedics/orthopaedics_201101_hip_dysplasia.pdf|archive-date=25 April 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> * Elbow dysplasia<ref name=JACA/> is a skeletal condition in which the components of the elbow joint (the humerus, radius, and ulna) do not line up properly, leading to osteoarthritis and pain.<ref name=Elbow>{{cite web|title=Dog Joint Problems|url=http://www.jointpainindogs.com/dog-joint-problems.html|publisher=JointPainInDogs.com|format=website|access-date=8 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002065149/http://www.jointpainindogs.com/dog-joint-problems.html|archive-date=2011-10-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Von Willebrand disease,<ref name="Bleeding">{{cite web|last=Dodds|first=Jean|title=Bleeding Disorders|url=http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2005&PID=11012&O=Generic|format=website|publisher=World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings|year=2005|access-date=5 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1093/jhered/90.1.112 |title=A review of canine inherited bleeding disorders: Biochemical and molecular strategies for disease characterization and carrier detection |year=1999 |last1=Brooks |first1=M. |journal=Journal of Heredity |volume=90 |pages=112–8 |pmid=9987916 |issue=1|url=https://academic.oup.com/jhered/article-pdf/90/1/112/6453247/900112.pdf|doi-access=free}}</ref> is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in Von Willebrand factor.<ref name=vWDclerk>{{cite web|first1=Julie B.|last1=Anderson|first2=Kenneth S.|last2=Latimer|first3=Perry J.|last3=Bain|first4=Heather L.|last4=Tarpley|title=Von Willebrand's Disease|url=http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/anderson/index.php|publisher=Veterinary Clinical Pathology Clerkship Program|format=website|access-date=8 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918210247/http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/anderson/index.php|archive-date=2011-09-18|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Cushing's syndrome, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, affects the adrenal glands, and is caused by long-term exposure to high levels of glucocorticosteroids, either manufactured by the body or given as medications.<ref name="Bouyet">{{cite book |last1=Bouyet|first1=Barbara|title=Akita, Treasure of Japan |volume=2|year=2002|publisher=Magnum Publishing|location=Thousand Oaks, California, USA|isbn=0-9716146-0-1|pages=268–269|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DNwJAAAAIAAJ&q=Cushing%E2%80%99s+Syndrome+Akita+Dog&pg=PA269|first2=Alicia |last2=Meyers |first3=Steve |last3=Eltinge |first4=Jean |last4=Dodds |access-date=19 April 2011}}</ref>
===Breed-specific conditions=== These breed-specific conditions are mentioned in veterinary literature:
* Immune sensitivity to vaccines, drugs, insecticides, anesthetics, and tranquilizers * Pseudohyperkalemia is a rise in the level of potassium that occurs due to its excessive leakage from red blood cells (RBCs) when blood is drawn. This can give a false indication of hyperkalemia on lab tests, hence the prefix pseudo, meaning false.<ref name="akitarescue"/> This occurs because many East Asian breeds, including Akitas and Shiba Inus, have a higher level of potassium in their RBCs than other dogs.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1111/j.1939-165X.2007.tb00188.x |title=Apparent pseudohyperkalemia in a Chinese Shar Pei dog |year=2007 |last1=Battison |first1=Andrea |journal=Veterinary Clinical Pathology |volume=36 |pages=89–93 |pmid=17311201 |issue=1}}</ref>
===Life expectancy=== A UK study found a life expectancy of 11.4 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=McMillan | first1=Kirsten M. | last2=Bielby | first2=Jon | last3=Williams | first3=Carys L. | last4=Upjohn | first4=Melissa M. | last5=Casey | first5=Rachel A. | last6=Christley | first6=Robert M. | title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=2024-02-01 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w | page=531| pmid=38302530 | pmc=10834484 | bibcode=2024NatSR..14..531M }}</ref>
==Working life== Predecessors of the modern Akita were used for hunting bear, wild boar, and deer in Japan as late as 1957.<ref name=RRACI>{{cite web|title=Bear hunting in Japan 1957|url=http://www.nylana.org/RRACI/bear.htm|format=website|publisher=Raritan River Akita Club inc.|access-date=19 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219083815/http://www.nylana.org/RRACI/bear.htm|archive-date=19 February 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> They would be used to flush out the boar and keep it at bay until the hunter could come and kill it. Today, the breed is used primarily as a companion dog, but is currently also known to be used as therapy dogs,<ref name=akitanet>{{cite web|title=Working Akitas|url=http://akitanetwork.com/New/WorkingAkitas.htm|format=website|publisher=Akita Network|access-date=4 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111013232/http://akitanetwork.com/New/WorkingAkitas.htm|archive-date=2012-01-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> and compete in all dog competitions, including conformation showing, obedience trials, canine good-citizen program, tracking trials, and agility competition,<ref>{{cite book|last=Andrews|first=Barbara J.|title=Akitas|year=1996|publisher=TFH Publications Inc.|location=N.J. USA|isbn=0-7938-2760-4|pages=74–99|chapter=6 – Sport of purebred dogs}}</ref> as well as weight pulling, hunting, and ''Schutzhunde'' (personal protection dogs).<ref name=JTaylor54>{{cite book|last=Taylor|first=Jason|title=Guide to Owning an Akita|year=1996|publisher=T.F.H. Publications Inc.|location=N.J. USA|isbn=0-7938-1878-8|page=54}}</ref>
==Akita Inu Preservation Society== The Akita Inu Hozonkai (AKIHO; Akita Inu Preservation Society) is a public interest incorporated association whose purpose is to protect and breed the Akita Inu. In the late Meiji period, the dog-fighting craze grew, and the trend to breed stronger dogs became stronger. In this time, pure Akita Inu were on the verge of extinction due to crossbreeding with other dog breeds such as the Tosa. '''Akita Inu Hozonkai''' was founded in 1927, and in 1954 it was merged with the '''Akita Dog Preservation Association''' to form the current organization.<ref name="odate">{{Cite web |title=天然記念物「秋田犬」を守り育てる歴史的風致 |url=https://www.city.odate.lg.jp/uploads/public/pages_0000000668_00/007_%E8%A8%88%E7%94%BB%E6%9B%B8%EF%BC%88%E6%A1%88%EF%BC%89%E7%AC%AC2%E7%AB%A0_4%E5%A4%A9%E7%84%B6%E8%A8%98%E5%BF%B5%E7%89%A9%E3%80%8C%E7%A7%8B%E7%94%B0%E7%8A%AC%E3%80%8D.pdf |accessdate=2020-12-09 |publisher=大館市}}</ref> <ref name="akiho">{{Cite web |title=About AKIHO|url=https://www.akitainu-hozonkai.eu/about-akiho |accessdate=2025-11-24 |publisher=AKIHO EUROPE}}</ref>
The Akita Inu Hozonkai was established in May 1927 by Izumi Shigeie, who was the mayor of Odate Town in Kitaakita District, Akita Prefecture at the time. In 1931, the Akita Inu became the first domestic dog breed to be designated as a natural monument, and around 1934, dog registration began. In 1938, the Akita Inu standard was established.<ref name="odate" /> In 1936, the Akita Inu Preservation Association was established as a prefecture-wide organization, with Akita Prefecture Governor Masasuke Kodama as its chairman.<ref name="odate" />
During the Pacific War, the bloodline was continued by crossbreeding with shepherds, the only dogs approved for military use in Japan, but the breed regressed significantly from the Akita lineage that had been preserved. After the war, efforts to restore the lineage were resumed using the few remaining Akitas. The Akita Inu Preservation Society resumed exhibitions in 1947, and began publishing its newsletter, the "Akita Inu," in 1949.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}
Akita Inu Hozonkai transitioned to an incorporated association in May 1953. In 1954, the Akita Inu Preservation Society and the Akita Inu Preservation Association were merged to form the current organization. Since then, the organization has expanded its branches nationwide and even established branches overseas. In May 2015, it transitioned to a public interest incorporated association.<ref name="odate" />
==See also== {{Portal|Japan|Dogs}} * List of dog breeds * ''Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin'' * Hachikō * Rōken Shrine * {{Interlanguage link|Iwate Inu|ja|岩手犬}} * Kai Ken * Kishu * ''Lovely Muco'' * Shikoku (dog) * {{Interlanguage link|Tsugaru Inu|ja|津軽犬}} {{Clear}}
==References== ===Notes=== {{Reflist|group=upper-alpha}}
===Citations=== {{Reflist|30em|refs= <ref name="telegraph">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/3701839/Morie-Sawataishi-Saviour-of-Japans-akita-Samurai-dog.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/3701839/Morie-Sawataishi-Saviour-of-Japans-akita-Samurai-dog.html |archive-date=2022-01-12 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Daily Telegraph |title=Morie Sawataishi: Saviour of Japan's Akita Samurai dog |date=11 December 2008 |location=Japan |format=website|access-date=6 May 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref> }}
===Further reading=== * {{cite book |title=Empire of Dogs: Canines, Japan, and the Making of the Modern Imperial World (A Study of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute) |publisher=Columbia University |first1=Aaron Herald |last1=Skabelund |location=Ithaca, NY |type=print|isbn=978-0-8014-5025-9 |year=2011}} {{ISBN|080145025X}}
==External links== * {{Commons category-inline}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110927144132/http://www.hoflin.com/magazines/Akita%20World.html ''Akita World'']. Bimonthly Akita Magazine (archived 27 September 2011) <!--Editors: breed registry, club, rescue, and kennel information links are placed on DMOZ, not here--> *[http://www.akita-inu.com/ Japanese Akita Club of America]
{{Japanese dogs}} {{Spitz}} {{Authority control}}
Category:FCI breeds Category:Dog breeds originating in Japan Category:Dog fighting breeds Category:Spitz breeds