Akita

Overview

Overview of Akita

Considered a "natural treasure" in Japan (where they are from), the Akita was saved from extinction in the 1800s, where a serious effort was then made to save seven of Japan's native dog breeds. The Akita is the largest of those seven breeds as well as the largest dog in the spitz family, weighing between 70 - 130lbs. Hachiko, arguably the most revered Akita, would wait for his master every day at Shibuya station to accompany him back home and even after his master's death, he continued to wait for him every day for the next nine years. Hachiko died on March 8, 1935, where a statue was built to commemorate his loyalty and dedication; even to this day, there is a yearly Hachiko ceremony! These beautiful pooches originate from Akita Prefecture in Northern Japan (more than a thousand years ago). Their iconic pricked ears, plush fur and curled tails were meant for trekking the polar terrain in the mountains of their homeland. Fairly new to American soil, the first Akita was brought over from Japan in 1937 by Helen Keller. Considered to be a very primitive breed meaning that they are closely linked to the wolf, the Akita can be viewed as a high-risk breed in some countries, so early socialization is key to raising a pup that plays nice. They come in almost any color and 3 different coat patterns: solid, brindle and pinto.