National Treasure

Japanese Akita (Akita Inu)

A dignified, elegant breed with a fox-like appearance and a reserved, loyal temperament.

Origin

Akita Prefecture, northern Honshu, Japan.

Size

Large — 58–70 cm at the shoulder, 32–45 kg.

Temperament

Dignified, quiet, and deeply bonded to one family. Aloof with strangers, gentle with their own.

History

Declared a national treasure of Japan in 1931. The story of Hachikō — the Akita who waited nine years for his owner at Shibuya Station — cemented the breed's reputation for devotion. The Japanese Akita, also called the Akita Inu, originated in the Akita Prefecture of northern Japan over 400 years ago. It was originally bred to hunt large game such as wild boar, deer, and bears. In the early 1900s, the breed's numbers declined due to crossbreeding and war. Dedicated breeders worked to restore the original Japanese type after World War II.

Care

Prefers cool climates, moderate exercise, and calm households. The plush double coat blows twice a year and needs consistent grooming.