The akita originates from the northern parts of the japanese island Honshu, and has been close to extinction several times. It was originally a medium-sized hunting dog ('akita matagi' - 'good hunter') that was also kept as a fighting dog. Around 1868 it was crossed with tosa inus and similar breeds, which made the breed larger and heavier and therefore better adapted to fighting. The dogs were so highly valued that it was illegal to not bow when one passed by!
When dog fighting was made illegal in 1908 the akita gradually became mixed up with other breeds, and in 1931 the breed was proclaimed a national symbol to ensure that it was preserved for the afterworld. However, during the second World War only german shepherds used by the military were allowed to be kept in the country, and as a result many akita owners crossed their dogs with this breed. The few surviving akitas after the war had been divided into three distinctive types; akita matagi, fighting dog akita and german shepherd akita. The heavier german shepherd-type is the one that was exported to the USA and is found there today, while the lighter and more shiba-like akita matagi is preferred in Japan.

The japanese akita should apppear impressive, with an almost square body, tall and very powerful, the head carried high despite the powerful neck.
The head is massive with a marked stop. The muzzle grows gradually thinner towards the tip without being snipey. The body is well developed with a visible tuck-up.