Akita. Barbara J. Andrews

       The Akita was a known dog as early as 500 BC. It appeared as a distinct type in written records more than 300 years ago. One peek at a litter of Akita puppies and the world’s fascination with this ancient Japanese breed becomes evident.

       ORIGINS OF THE AKITA OF JAPAN

      As is so with many of the old wolf-spitz breeds, the origin of the Akita is a puzzle. Drawings and other artifacts dating back more than 3,000 years document the existence of a wolf-spitz dog throughout Asia. This early domesticated dog evolved into the breeds that we now call the Chow Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, husky (generic term) and, quite likely, the Akita. Actually, the Akita’s remote ancestors became identifiable by about 500 BC, and we can trace the Akita-inu as a distinct type back through over 300 years of written records.

      The ancestors of the Akita may even have come to Japan before the European continent was separated by the Sea of Japan. Such ancient dogs were excellent bear hunters and served man in many ways. Dogs with big, double- or triple-layered, weather-resistant coats are usually referred to as Arctic-type dogs and have always had a history of working for their keep. The Akita might be said to fit into that category as well. It is a very complex breed and, like a colorful painting that has been converted into an intricate jigsaw puzzle, there are hundreds of pieces which, when fitted properly, become the masterpiece we call the Akita.

      To further complicate accurate research, the Akita’s beginnings are obscured by a very old culture that is in itself still a mystery to most of the rest of the world. There is so much that we do not understand but that made perfectly good sense to the Japanese dog lover of the last century. For example, we are positively squeamish about skinning one of our beloved dogs, but the Japanese did so with the dogs they most revered. The skins were tanned and thus the favorite dog was preserved. The famous companion Akita, Hachi-Ko, is not only remembered as an awe-inspiring statue but also was preserved and is on display in one of Japan’s national museums.

      The Akita’s importance in the daily life of the Japanese family is obvious in that he is considered a symbol of health and prosperity. In most countries, one presents a new mother or sick friend with flowers. In Japan, an Akita is still given as a token of the bearer’s wishes for a speedy recovery and all things good.

      We are enchanted by Oriental customs related to the Akita, but we do indeed find it difficult to understand why dogs are still eaten in many Asian countries or why the Japanese were once so fond of appalling sporting events involving dogs. Although dogs have been and are still perceived as food in other parts of the world, it is a puzzling contradiction in Japan, where the Akita has long been so highly regarded. Equally puzzling, long ago it was considered entertaining to turn a hundred dogs loose in an arena as targets for men with bows and arrows. Thankfully, this is no longer done.

      Along the same lines, dog fighting is another inhumane practise that once thrived in Japan. Probably as old as is the semi-domesticated canine, it has also been practiced in many other countries, including Britain and the US. The pastime of pitting dogs against one another evolved in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) under the reign of Shogun Hojo Takatoki. The Satake Clan of Odate City (a.k.a. “Dog Fighting Capital”) crossed the Akita-Matagi-inu with the mastiff-like Tosa-inu for precisely that purpose. During the relatively recent Meiji period (1866–1912), the Enyukai Club, formed in Odate in 1897, was still in vogue. Several such clubs hosted fighting tournaments, where eager fans would gather for a full day of entertainment. In 1908 Japan passed ordinances that officially outlawed the fighting of dogs. Shocking as that may be, it is in stark contrast to the fact that it wasn’t until the 1980s that the US officially forbid dog fighting in every state and began to prosecute offenders.

       THE EMPEROR’S DOGSPEAK

      Akitas were once owned only by royalty and a special language was used to talk to them.

      The Akita is still a dominant dog, but thankfully the influence of the Tosa and other such fighting breeds has waned and the Akita is rarely quarrelsome. Very sure of his superiority over other dogs, he is quite the gentleman and can be surprisingly tolerant.

      Despite the rather sketchy history of the Akita in Japan, we know he served a variety of useful purposes at different levels of society. As the peasant’s dog, he was a hunter. As the sporting partner of royalty, he is said to have hunted with falcons. Although he is reputed to have been a good water retriever, we personally refute that as we’ve never known an adult Akita to swim without strong encouragement! Wade? Lay down in cool water? Of course. Swim for the fun of it or to retrieve anything? Never.

      As a hunter of big game such as mountain bear and boar, he was (and in parts of America, still is) quite adept. His courage is well documented and his fighting ability is legendary. Although he does not “give tongue,” as do the hound breeds, hunters will be able to follow the direction of the chase as the mighty bear and even the wild boar will not run as far as other game. They will be brought to bay by the dogs, and the tenacity and courage of the Akita will hold the quarry until the hunters arrive.