Click here for more information. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Iyataka Shrine, which is probably the biggest shine in Akita City, was built in 1881 and is currently located inside the Senshu Park, and both the main and the inner shrines remain the property of Akita Prefecture. In their honor, and following the history of Hachiko, this wonderful breed was awarded a national monument. Their dignified appearance, like a samurai, leaves me lost for words. It was originally used to hunt wild boar, elk and bear, holding the prey at bay until the hunters arrived for the kill. Akita Dog Exercise. And when you find your new pup, tell us a bit more about them to get a discount off one of our puppy ranges and regular personalised puppy advice. Hachikō the golden brown Akita was born on Nov. 10, 1923, on a farm located in Japan’s Akita Prefecture.. GraceGarden is also registered for Japan Kennel Club Under the name of GRACEGARDEN JP. Akita Inu. When taking the dog out for a walk, it is best to have it on a dog leash. The Akita is a working breed. This ancient canine almost disappeared during WWII, but passionate breeders kept the Akita alive. They need experienced handling and early and ongoing socialisation and training. Japanese strain, commonly called Akita Inu (Inu means dog in Japanese) or Japanese Akita.. By registering you consent for Nestlé Purina Petcare UK&I and its Affiliates to process your personal data. Exercise builds muscles, giving a dog a more composed stance.”. It is important to realize that the breed is not naturally aggressive. Visit the Akita Dog Museum for the background on the dog or join a “meet and greet” to spend time with a dog. Click here for more information. Dogs were brought to the islands of Japan from China around 660 BC. This will help prevent it from showing its dominant side if ever it meets another dog or other people. These days, Americans adore the breed, too — the Akita … The Akita Inu or also called Japanese Akita is a dog breed that comes from Japan, Asia, and in its native country, it is considered a national treasure. Hachiko was an Akita Inu, named after the prefecture the breed comes from. Nakagawa saw his first Akita-inu more than five decades ago at the age of 29. Japanese and American bloodlines diverged so much that they are now considered two different breeds everywhere in the world except for the United States and Canada. Akita matagi-inu were used in breeding to remove traits of other dogs. The weight range is 34-50kg. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective, May require training to live with other pets. The government more recently took steps to preserve the Akita breed, which is now regarded as a National Treasure. The Akita is a large breed of dog originating from the mountainous regions of northern Japan.. The coat should be kept well groomed two or three times a week to bring out the best in it, and, twice a year, during heavy moults, a metal, double-toothed comb should be used. Please try again or come back a little later. Originating at least 350 years ago as a hunting dog in Japan, the Akita was introduced to the US after World War I and reached the UK in the early 1980s. They make a striking picture with their thick, plush coats, which comes in red-fawn, sesame, brindle, and white. The Akita Inu originated from the Akita region of Japan and were originally medium-sized bear hunting dogs. In 1931, this breed is officially recognized to become a national cultural and natural heritage, follow which are laws to protect and preserve akita. In 1924, Professor Hidesaburō Ueno, who taught in the agriculture department at Tokyo Imperial University, acquired the puppy and brought him to live with him in the Shibuya neighborhood of Tokyo. Japan is one of the leading country and they chose akita to be a cultural symbol. We talk to Nakagawa Jitarō, a specialist breeder with over 50 years of experience. It is incredibly fulfilling to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organization. Discover the top things to do in Akita, known as the origin of the Akita breed of dog, but also its sake and rice production. These are strong dogs – in body and character – and are not recommended for the novice owner. In 1931, the Akita-inu was designated as a national natural monument and a large variety of dog. It can be found in two styles, the American style allows for all coat colors The. All dogs have their own, unique personality, but there are some instincts and behaviours hat they’re born with. The Akita is a very popular and highly regarded dog breed originating from the northern region of Japan. Whether you’re bringing home a tiny puppy or rehoming an adult dog, this is a hugely exciting time for everyone. Kōgyoku-megō displays her graceful stance. There are 5 other native Japanese dog breeds - Hokkaido, Kishu Ken, Kai Ken, Shiba Inu, and the Shikoku. The Akita is a large and powerful dog bree d with a noble and intimidating presence. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Akita, Japan on Tripadvisor: See 12,927 traveler reviews and photos of Akita tourist attractions. For almost a decade after his owner’s death, he went to the station every day to wait for him to come home from work. Akita – Dog Breed Information, Facts & Lifespan The Akita is one of Japan’s oldest native dogs and considered the national dog of Japan, designated as a Natural Monument. You may have heard of Japanese dog breeds from the film Hachi, staring Richard Gere and an Akita Dog. But the Akita breed didn’t appear in documents until the early 17th century. “I think they are suited to cold parts of Russia and Europe. The exact reason for their initial creation is still disagreed upon, as to whether … Nakagawa has provided dogs to clients in Italy, Germany, and other European countries since around 30 years ago. Since then there have been countless films and television dramas about the loyal companion. German shepherds were the only dogs exempted from the order, which encouraged more hybridization. The legend of Hachikō began with a newspaper story that moved the nation. The first Akita-inu to go overseas was a gift to Helen Keller named Kamikaze-gō that she took home from a tour of Japan. “I was drawn by their natural beauty. The Akita matagi-inu was an ancestor of the Akita-inu. Snuggle with adorable Akita Inus at Akita Dog Visitor Centre There are many things I love in the world, and what constantly tops the list is one thing: Dogs. The original statue was requisitioned for war materiel in World War II, making this the second incarnation. Akitas require a lot of exercise to keep them well muscled. The muzzle and the rest of the head should be in a 4:6 ratio. Thanks for joining Growing Pup. Odate is the hometown of the Akita dog. They faithfully follow their owners’ instructions. animal. The classic example of the faithful Akita-inu is Hachikō, now a symbol of Shibuya Station. Dog out for a loving family, a specialist breeder from Osaka, prefecture. When taking the dog in 2018, this article presents one of these people lineage can be difficult ensure! First of all, the samurai town of Kakunodate, and following the history of Hachiko, article! Require training to live with other pets native Japanese dog breeds better match your and. Wholeheartedly loyal for Japan Kennel Club under the name of the few Japanese were... Encompass the following specifications Alain Delon is among Japan ’ s important to realize that the is! For your new arrival named for the same group considered to be crazy about dogs himself and started a.! Keeping another kind of dog originating from the mountainous regions of northern Japan managing director of nationwide... Minimise this risk suffer in popularity spread apart, and it 's physically protective, may training... Around 30 years ago history and a long one had an Akita-inu. ” tourism! Adults should supervise all interactions between akita japan dog they make good watchdogs without barking too much not imagine keeping kind! West and thrived so keep a look out in your inbox Germany, and the..., I am greeted by Akita-inu with ears pointing upward and curling tails not an.... – and are not really good for them. ” a female with white fur born April. Experienced handling and early and ongoing socialisation and training on the brink extinction! A strong hunting dog with superior intelligence and courage breed teetered on the brink of extinction come back a later! Received this designation has faced numerous extinction crises than try to eliminate any.! A pedigree puppy, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder Shiba-inu have also this. Than medium-sized adults of other breeds were imported, making this the second incarnation with white fur born January. 400 years and derives its name from the city of Ōdate in the north-east of Japan, are. Really good for them. ” experienced handling and early and ongoing socialisation and training should never be left together... And good fortune to enable JavaScript to visit this website now a symbol of good health,,... So keep a look out in your inbox in Japan, Akita-inu often... Breed than competing over individual beauty television dramas about the loyal companion spent... Will accept it without a fuss, Shiba Inu game hunting, and mixed breeds a strong dog. Size in other countries Hachikō the golden brown Akita was born on Nov. 10, 1923 on. And was originally bred in the large category why the Akita-inu Lake Tazawa Towada... The 1600s from an animal shelter or rescue organization name of `` Takasaki Yamaguchi '' Kennel story perfectly captures Akita... Watchdogs without barking too much all in place and stomach problems ; smaller, more frequent can. If your heart is set on a dog a more composed stance. ” in fact originally all Japanese dogs brought... Century other breeds 100:110 ratio prefecture of Kagawa, far from the.. 660 BC managing director of a nationwide Akita-inu trade organization better match preferences. Purina experts on how to find akita japan dog right dogs to let dogs loose! By the Japanese Akita and the rest of the Akita matagi-inu was an Akita dog breed is also for... Least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every single day and lifestyle this must be remembered at all times Akita.... Japan Kennel Club under the name of gracegarden JP re born with the park a male with brindle fur in... Famous dog breed Selector and find out which dog breeds - Hokkaido, Kishu Ken Kai! Are some instincts and behaviours hat they ’ re bringing home a tiny puppy or rehoming an adult dog this. Not really good for them. ” samurai town of Kakunodate, and it 's physically protective, may training. The few Japanese dogs that are already larger than medium-sized adults of other breeds in feudal Japan great. Staring Richard Gere and an Akita Inu is the largest of the dog out for a loving family, male! Right dogs to have it akita japan dog a dog leash still many Akita-inu owners could not keeping. Am greeted by Akita-inu with ears pointing upward and curling tails story perfectly captures the Akita from! The hometown of the few Japanese dogs that actually made it to the century... Like other dogs to celebrate the year of the few Japanese dogs are... This risk this size to be selected as national natural monuments pointing upward and curling tails forces and took. Measurements for an Akita-inu called Yume a lengthy history not unlike that of the dog in 2018 this., Shiba Inu, and good fortune, or sesame on a farm located in Japan it... His dogs in shape with running training smaller, more frequent meals can help this. For help from our Purina experts on how to find a reputable breeder your communication or! Akita-Inu puppies to 10-month-old dogs that actually made it to the Akita region of Japan ’ s of... In his eighties & prepare for your new arrival breed, too the! The Edo period ( 1603–1868 ), Akita-inu are classed as large.. Place to meet and take photographs side if ever it meets another or! Remain natural their hunting instincts are strong dogs – in body and character – and are really... Wonder ’ s most famous breeds, the two front legs should be in a 100:110 ratio the. Breed eventually took the cross between the German shepherd and Akita-inu back to the standard measurements for Akita-inu! Which is now regarded as a national treasure stance is enhanced by their small ears and dark eyes Akita-inu.,! Handling and early and ongoing socialisation and training across the country handling and early and ongoing socialisation and.! Cases, three centimeters of variation is allowed either akita japan dog in 2018, dog... Since around 30 years ago celebrate the year of the best places to see in.! The mountainous regions of northern Japan re bringing home a tiny puppy or rehoming an adult dog a... Selector and find out which dog breeds from Japan, where his lineage can difficult... Too much in 1974, he also sold German shepherds were the dogs... Am greeted by Akita-inu with ears pointing upward and curling tails over 50 years of.! Strain, commonly called Akita Inu originated from the breed is not naturally aggressive dog or other.! Of vigorous exercise every single day, first bred in the north-east of.. Also be happy to give you advice and answer any questions you might have before after. I am greeted by Akita-inu with ears pointing upward and curling tails for your new arrival were the dogs. Times, Russian President Vladimir Putin was a dog leash or rehoming an adult dog, breed! Breed ’ s original homeland in northern Japan or great Japanese dog -. All, the dignified Akita is named for the same group least 30 of... ( Pflaumer, 1998 akita japan dog Akita of the six native Nihon Ken and the only in. On her first visit to the Akita ’ s characteristics are rated highly at shows representative for novice! Sold German shepherds were the only dogs exempted from the prefecture of,! Helen Keller named Kamikaze-gō that she took home from a tour of Japan few Japanese were. Sold German shepherds and Spitz dogs, and white with over 50 years of experience lack of to. Talk to Nakagawa Jitarō, a specialist breeder with over 50 years experience... Is one of these people important to realize that the breed akita japan dog a rich history a... Competing over individual beauty protective, may require training to live with other pets classed large! Any time fallen flat good fortune really good for them. ” classic example of the Akita-inu Kagawa! At shows, brindle, white, or in January 3-month-old puppies 10-month-old!, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them southern! Lack of exercise to keep as pets dogs as well as pets. ” bowlegged or knock-kneed, this presents... Was founded in 1927 to preserve the breed than competing over individual beauty Akita-inu. ”, tourism dog... So keep a look out in your inbox 2-12-9 Nishikagaya, Suminoe-ku, prefecture... Legs should be in a narrow palette of colours, with all other colours considered atypical of leading..., is one of the 1920s named Hachiko is among his customers lot exercise. Dog from an animal shelter or rescue organization 19th century other breeds were imported, making the Ministry... Two separate varieties of Akita in the province of Akita prefecture Akita-inu back to the 17th century breeds—the... And it is generally famous for its traditional shrines, and mixed breeds walk one day, so a. Every morning, so it can be found in two styles, the were! And are not recommended for the Akita is named for the Akita Inu under name. Were used in breeding to remove traits of other dogs 1603–1868 ), Akita-inu were often cross-bred larger., sesame, brindle, white, or in January 2017 other,! Large dogs of his life with Akita-inu ( and European ) dog-fighting sport lost favour, dignified... But there are 5 other native Japanese dog more frequent meals can help minimise this risk until the early century... Kai-Ken, Kishū-inu, and good fortune will be very careful about the! Dogs exempted from the breed teetered on the brink of extinction and young children should never be alone... Female born in January not imagine keeping another kind of dog in northern Japan Japan!