Where did the Akita dog come from?

Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Akita, breed of working dog that originated in the mountains of northern Japan. In 1931 the Japanese government designated the breed as a “natural monument.” It was employed as a hunting and fighting dog and is now trained for police and guard work.

What is a Japanese Akita?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Akita in 1972. They are members of the Working group. Because the American Akita diverged so much from the ancestral Akita, they are known throughout the rest of the world as the American Akita. The AKC has recently recognized the original breed as the Japanese Akita.

Are Akitas Hardy?

The Akita is a powerful, dominant and loyal breed, commonly aloof with strangers, but affectionate and deeply loyal with its family. As a breed, Akitas are generally hardy. The two separate varieties of Akita are a pure Japanese strain, called Akita Inu or Akita-ken, and a larger mixed strain, commonly referred to as the " American Akita ".