More than 70 years have passed since the Akita , being a breed unique to Japan , was designated as a Natural Monument . This occurred in July 1931. The Akita 's designation was the first of the seven Japanese breeds: Akitas, Hokkaidos , Koshino-Inus, Kais, Kishus, Shikokus and Shibas. Until that time, Akitas were known only to the local population around Odate city in the Tohoku District, Akita prefecture at the North of Japan, and by handful fanciers, as Odate-Inu or Kazuno-Inu. The designation as a Natural Monument changed the breed's name to “ Akita ” and trigged the effort to preserve and restore the purity of breed.
If it were necessary to describe the Akita in one word, "dignity" would suffice, for it is this concept that the breed embodies. Whether in proud stance or no-nonsense movement, the breed's dignified presence is its most distinct quality. Each element described in the standard is designed to contribute to this impression.
The breed character is reserved, silent, and dominant over other canines. Although the Akita is unruffled by minor irritations, he is alert toward other dogs, and any serious challenge is met with swift retaliation.
Akitas are most striking and impressive creatures with an attitude of nobility and an appearance of strength and power.
It has grown steadily in popularity, in part because of its extraordinary appearance and in part because of its captivating personality. The Akita Inu (the latter is the Japanese word for "breed") was named after the rugged, mountainous Akita province on the northern end of Japan's Honsu island, where the first dogs of this type were developed in the 17th century and remained unchanged for centuries. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog. According to Keiichi Ogasawara, DVM, writing in The Akita University Research Bulletin , studies "seem to indicate" that the Akita's ancestors "came from Europe via the USSR and Hokkaido."
Because Akitas were often kept as pets by Japanese emperors and other members of the ruling nobility, the breed was once known as "the royal dog." The Akita's size and courage made it a formidable hunter, whose quarry included the fierce boar, huge elk and savage 800-pound Yezo bear of Akita province.
The Akita's bravery also made it a favorite recruit for Japan's famed Samurai warriors. In order to turbocharge the Akita's aggressiveness, it was crossbred with Tibetan mastiffs and Great Danes. These breeds not only enhanced the Akita's combativeness and courage but also brought added vigor and additional size to the breed.
Today, the Akita is considered the national dog of Japan and is designated as a Natural Monument. The breed has had many uses, first as an Imperial guard dog, then as a fighting dog, hunter of deer and bear, for sledding, and for police, army and guard work. The Akita has keen hunting abilities and can even hunt in deep snow.
He has a soft mouth, so he is suitable for waterfowl retrieval. In Japan , small statues of the Akita are often sent to ill people to express a wish for their speedy recovery, and to parents of newborn children to symbolize health.
The largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds, the Akita , pronounced a-KEE-ta, is a powerful, solid, well-proportioned and distinctive looking dog. Strong and muscular with a bear-like, flat, heavy head and strong, short muzzle. The Akita is slightly longer than he is tall with a broad, deep chest and level back. The head is broad and shaped like a blunt triangle. The stop is well defined and there is a shallow groove going up the center of the forehead. The small, erect ears are carried forward and in line with the neck. The small, triangular eyes are dark brown. The nose is generally black (brown is permitted on white Akita 's, but black is preferred); the lips are black and the tongue is pink. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The tail is carried high and curled over the top of the back in a graceful sweep down the loin, into a gentle curl, or into a double curl. The Akita has webbed, cat-like feet - which makes it a fine swimmer. The double coat is composed of a harsh, waterproof outer coat insulated with a thick, soft undercoat. Coat colors are pure white, red, sesame and brindle. Except for white, all other colours must be shaded with appropriate amount of Urajiro (white or whitish coat colour of the sides of the muzzle, on cheeks, on the underside of jaw, neck, chest, body and tail as well as inside of the legs). The colors are rich and clear, like paint on a canvas. The colors should be without clear borders. A black mask is forbidden.
The Akita character is the result of centuries of breeding in Japan . Japanese history, both verbal and written, describe the Akita as one of the oldest of the native dogs. Centuries ago the breed was owned only by the Shogun, the imperial leaders of the country. The Akita bred to hunt, guard, and herd. This swift, agile, unswervingly tenacious dog tracked large game and held it at bay until the royal hunters arrived to make the kill. As a guard dog, the Akita was unsurpassed in its keen senses of smell, sight, and hearing. By nature a quiet dog that barked only when threatened, the breed needed no training in its guard duties. As a herding dog, it fiercely protected livestock from savage predators in the mountainous terrain of Akita Prefecture .
During the late 1800s, the Akita breed suffered two major setbacks. First, the Akita was crossed with the Japanese fighting dog, the Tosa. This crossbreeding resulted in a dog of imposing size and aggression used extensively when dog fighting was a popular sport in Japan . Then, at the turn of the century, Japan had a fatal outbreak of rabies with more than 3000 cases reported. Dogs, both healthy and affected, were clubbed to death.
However, a few events focused positive attention on the breed in the 1900s. In 1927 the Mayor of Odate City in the Akita Prefecture organized the Akita Inu Hozonkai (AKIHO) to preserve the original Akita as a national treasure through careful breeding.
Nihonken Hozonkai (NIPPO) (society to preserve the original Japanese breeds) was established Tokyo in 1928. In 1931, the Akita was officially declared a Japanese Natural Monument .
On October 4, 1932 a true story, published in Asahi Shinbun (Asahi Newspaper), about the loyal dog Hachiko - one of the most revered Japanese Akitas of all time – touched the hearts of not only the fanciers but also Japanese people as a whole. The name Hachiko became known throughout the country and his breed “ Akita ” was also brought into the limelight.
However, just as the breed was stabilizing in its native land, World War II pushed the Akita to the brink of extinction. Early in the war the dogs suffered from lack of nutritious food. Then many were killed to be eaten by the starving populace, and their pelts were used as clothing. Finally, the government ordered all remaining dogs to be killed on sight to prevent the spread of disease. The only way concerned owners could save their beloved Akitas was to turn them loose in the most remote mountain areas. There the breed's hardiness and keen hunting instincts helped them survive the war years.
During the occupation years following the war, the breed began to thrive again. US servicemen fell in love with the Akita and smuggled many of them into the US when they returned.
The legends of Hachiko and Shiro
For the Japanese, the most famous Akita is the Chuken Hachiko , which means «loyal Hachiko», but he is usually referred to as Hachiko.
Hachiko, a white male Akita, was born in Odate, Akita Prefecture in November 1923
Mr. Jitaro Nakagawa, President of the National Akita Club of Japan near the house of Hachiko in Odate,
pic by G. Shapareva
Two months old, he was sent to the home of Professor Eizaburo Ueno in Tokyo . The Professor named the puppy Hachi and called him Hachiko. At that time, Professor Ueno's residence was in a suburb of Tokyo in the vicinity of Shibuya Station, and he used the train from that station to the agricultural experimental station in Nishihara where he worked.
May 21, 1925, Hachiko was at Shibuya Station as usual, waiting for his master's arrival on the four o'clock train. However, Dr. Ueno would not return this time since he had suffered a stroke and had died at the university. Hachiko was by then eighteen months old. The next day and for the next nine years, Hachiko returned to the station and waited for his beloved master before walking home, alone. Hachiko was sent to homes of relatives or friends, but he always continued to await his master, who was never to return, at the train station. Nothing and no one could discourage Hachiko from maintaining his nightly vigil. It was not until he followed his master in death, in March 8, l934, at the age of 11 years and 4 months, that Hachiko failed to appear in his place at the railroad station. The fidelity of Hachiko was known throughout Japan, owing to an article, “Faithful Old Dog Awaits Return of Master Dead for Seven Years” in the October 4, 1932 issue of Asahi Shinbun (Asahi News). Upon his death, newspaper stories led to the suggestion that a statue be erected at the station. Contributions from the United States and other countries were received. Today, the statue of Hachiko, pays a silent tribute to the breed’s faithfulness and loyalty. A bronze statue of Hachiko was erected in 1934 at his waiting spot outside the Shibuya railroad station, which is now probably the most popular rendezvous point in Tokyo. Hachiko was mounted and stuffed and is now on display at the Tokyo Museum of Art.
During the World War II, the statue was melted down to help the Japanese military. A new statue was returned to the Shibuya station in 1947. Another statue of Hachiko, although not equally well known, is erected in front of the Odate station. This statue was erected in 1935. It too, was melted down during World War II and was re-erected in 1987.
When Hachiko died he was already a Japanese legend.
In the autumn of 1934, a similar statue of Hachiko was placed near the entrance to the Odate station of his birthplace, Odate. During World War II, the statue was removed by the government and no longer exists. A new statue was placed in front of the Shibuya Station in 1948, and a group of Akita dogs statue was placed near the Odate Station in 1964.
The Rouken (old dog) Shrine Legend
Back to the medieval times another legend has been passed down from generation to generation among the residents of Kuzuhara community. It is the story of a loyal dog, who tried to save his master from the death penalty in the 18th-century, and it goes as follows: “Matagi (hunter) Sataroku, a resident of Kusaki in Nambu-han, was a hunter licenced by the lord of Nambu. Once, while in pursuit of his prey, Sataroku forgot to take his licence along when he accidentally trespassed into the other han’s territory. He was captured and put into prison. “Shiro”, his Odate-Inu hunting companion, could not comprehend what was happening. Shiro sneaked up whimpering to him every time the guard walked away. After long and patient communication between master and dog, Shiro finally understood that his master was in trouble. On an empty stomach and very hungry he crossed the mountains and fields and rushed home. Realizing that the licence had been forgotten Sataroku’s wife sent it with Shiro as soon as he was properly fed. Despite the effort, Shiro wasn’t able to save his master who had been executed just before his arrival. Sataroku’s wife and faithful dog Shiro were forced out of their home and relocated to Kuzuhara in Akita. Knowing the story, the villagers praised Shiro’s loyalty and erected Rouken Shrine (Shiro Temple) over his grave
Temperament
The Akita today is a unique combination of dignity, courage, alertness, and devotion to its family. It is extraordinarily affectionate and loyal with family and friends, territorial about its property, and aloof with strangers. It is feline in its actions; it is not unusual for an Akita to clean its face after eating, to preen its kennel mate, and to be fastidious in the house.
Because it is a large dog, the Akita is certainly not a breed for everyone. Its personality is that of a survivor. Even though centuries have passed since the Shogun warrior owned Akitas, the breed still exhibits keen hunting prowess, extraordinary strength and endurance, and the ability to survive on its own. Akita owners must channel these attributes into early obedience training so that their dogs become good canine citizens rather than neighborhood bullies.
The Akita learns quickly and can become bored easily. Those who don't understand the breed often describe it as stubborn, when in fact, the dog is exhibiting improper training. The Akita thrives on the love and respect of its master and, with constant reinforcement training and a little creativity, can be a very good worker.
The Akita was never bred to live or work in groups like many hound and sporting breeds. Instead, they lived and worked singly or in pairs, a preference reflected today. The individual Akita is happy being an only dog or one of two dogs in a household, but can be very aggressive towards animals not part of his family group, particularly strange dogs. A properly trained Akita will learn to tolerate other animals and not go looking for trouble, but the owner must never forget his dog's inherent drive to be top dog at almost any cost.
There are many pluses to owning an Akita. They are affectionate to their owners and are excellent watchdogs, although they do not bark unless something is amiss. They require only moderate exercise, adjust well to apartment living as long as they receive daily walks, do not eat large quantities of food, and are long-lived. Negatives to ownership include a twice-a-year shedding of the thick, downy undercoat; the size and strength of the breed which, if not properly managed, can become a nightmare; and the predisposition to be aggressive to other dogs.
Epilogue
On Saturday May 28, 1994, millions of people in Japan listened eagerly to their radios to hear the recorded voice of a dog that had died 59 years earlier. This, obviously, was not the voice of an ordinary dog. This was the voice of an Akita Inu, a breed that enjoys national-monument status in Japan. Nor was this the voice an ordinary Akita. This was the voice of Hachiko, a legend in his own time, a symbol of Japanese virtue.
The recently discovered recording of Hachiko's voice — on an old long-playing record that had been broken into three pieces — was obtained by the Culture Broadcasting Network (CBN). After technicians at CBN had repaired the disc with laser surgery, and after a galvanizing buildup, a dramatic Bowl, the storied dog's voice was played for a national radio audience.
"Wan-wan," said Hachiko. ( Wan-wan is Japanese for bow-wow ).
P.S. Special thanks to Mr. Yossef Rotshild, owner of Royal Nippon Akitos Kennel, Israel and Mr. Jitaro Nakagawa, President of the National Akita Inu Club of Japan for opening for me a wonderful world of Akita Inu and sharing their wide experience in this unique breed. Lots of thanks to Ms. Mitsue Tsuji, Japan for helping me with Japanese translation during my stay in Japan this year and Mr. Evert Deloof-Sys, Belgium for translation of this article into Dutch.
The Akita Inu (the latter is the Japanese word for "breed") was named after the rugged, mountainous Akita province on the northern end of Japan's Honsu island, where the first dogs of this type were developed in the 17th century and remained unchanged for centuries. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog. According to Keiichi Ogasawara, DVM, writing in The Akita University Research Bulletin , studies "seem to indicate" that the Akita's ancestors "came from Europe via the USSR and Hokkaido." 
In 1927 the Mayor of Odate City in the Akita Prefecture organized the Akita Inu Hozonkai (AKIHO) to preserve the original Akita as a national treasure through careful breeding. 
Nothing and no one could discourage Hachiko from maintaining his nightly vigil. It was not until he followed his master in death, in March 8, l934, at the age of 11 years and 4 months, that Hachiko failed to appear in his place at the railroad station. The fidelity of Hachiko was known throughout Japan, owing to an article, “Faithful Old Dog Awaits Return of Master Dead for Seven Years” in the October 4, 1932 issue of Asahi Shinbun (Asahi News). Upon his death, newspaper stories led to the suggestion that a statue be erected at the station. Contributions from the United States and other countries were received. Today, the statue of Hachiko, pays a silent tribute to the breed’s faithfulness and loyalty. A bronze statue of Hachiko was erected in 1934 at his waiting spot outside the Shibuya railroad station, which is now probably the most popular rendezvous point in Tokyo. Hachiko was mounted and stuffed and is now on display at the Tokyo Museum of Art.
