KNOWLEDGE LIBRARY

THE AKITA INU

HISTORY AND IDENTITY

The Akita Inu is a distinguished and powerful dog breed originating from Akita Prefecture, located in northern Japan. Its birthplace is the city of Odate, surrounded by an area long associated with traditional hunting practices. The breed traces its roots to the Matagi Inu, a chuugata ken (medium-sized dog) historically used by the Matagi—traditional hunters of the Touhoku region—for tracking and subduing large game such as tsukinowaguma (Japanese black bear), inoshishi (wild boar) and kamoshika (Japanese serow) in snow-covered mountain terrain.

During Japan’s modernization and the post-war reconstruction period, the Akita Inu underwent significant changes due to crossbreeding with larger foreign dogs. In response to concerns over the loss of original traits, the Akita Inu Hozonkai (AKIHO) was established in 1927 to preserve and restore the breed’s native characteristics. In 1931, the Akita Inu was officially designated as a Tennen Kinenbutsu (Natural Monument) of Japan, underscoring its cultural and historical importance.

Today, the Akita Inu is admired for its dignified bearing, erect ears, curled tail, and calm, reserved temperament—particularly toward strangers. While the breed historically appeared in a wider range of coat colors, the AKIHO breed standard nowadays recognizes aka (red), tora (brindle)—including subtypes akatora, kurotora, and shimofuri—shiro (white), and goma (sesame).*

The breed remains a national symbol of loyalty and devotion, exemplified by the story of chuuken Hachikou, who faithfully awaited his owner’s return each day at Shibuya Station in Tokyo. Although the Akita Inu has gained international recognition, efforts to uphold traditional type and temperament continue to be a shared mission among organizations and individuals dedicated to its preservation.

To further explore the world of the Akita Inu, watch the video below—created in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan—and explore the additional resources available on this website.

*: While goma (sesame) is officially still included in AKIHO’s breed standard, it is a color variation that has become virtually extinct.