| > | | | | not fully resemble the early Akita dog breed . |
| The Akita, or Akita Inu, dog breed originates from | | | | Gradually, the breed fell out of favor as a fighter as |
| the mountainous northern region of Japan, in an area | | | | newer, larger breeds Accidents and Illness coverage |
| called the Akita Prefecture. A favorite breed of the | | | | for your dog or cat. Financial protection for you. |
| Japanese people the dog is valued there as a national | | | | became more successful and the Akita was used |
| treasure and statues of the dog are common | | | | more for hunting or as guard dogs. |
| throughout the country. The Akita dog origin and | | | | Akita Dog Breed History |
| history is complex but stems from similar northern | | | | Although the Akita dog breed fell out of favor in |
| breed dogs of the Spitz group and shares its origins | | | | Japan through the 1800s, in the 20th century many |
| with a breed many centuries old. | | | | efforts were made to restore the dog to its once |
| The dog was used early for hunting and work dog | | | | vaunted status. As national pride surged in the early |
| but primarily as a fighting dog. The Akita was | | | | 1900s, the Japanese government began programs to |
| originally owned by the imperial leaders of the | | | | preserve native dog breeds such as the Akita. The |
| country, the Shogun, and used to fight other breeds | | | | breed became famous as a sign of loyalty and trust |
| like the Tosa. Many attempts to change the breed | | | | and became a National Monument in 1931 and clubs |
| into a more efficient fighter throughout the years | | | | were started to preserve the breed using careful |
| have altered the dog so that the modern Akita does | | | | breeding standards. |