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Akita Dog |
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The Akita
breed differences lie in the sizes, colors, uses and backgrounds, and
a few other minor features. In fact, they are so much alike that in
Japan, these native breeds are shown in one classification, divided
into sub-groups: large (Akita), medium (Kai, Kishu, Ainu, Shikoku) and
small (Shiba). Both the
terms inu and ken translate into the word dog. Many of
the Japanese breeds originally carried one of these terms after their
names, but modern usage tends to drop the superfluous suffix.
In the late
19th century, when the National Isolation Policy was repealed, other
breeds were brought into the country and, naturally, some crossbreeding
occurred. The Japanese government became concerned over the impending
loss of their native breeds and formed the Society for Preservation
of Japanese Dogs, declaring all native breeds as national monuments. The largest
of these breeds is the well-known Akita from the Akita prefecture
in northern Japan. The breed traces back many centuries to the polar
regions when the spitz group found its way to the northern mountains
in Honshu. The largest and most powerful Akita dogs were selected
and bred with the type appearing about 300 years ago. Akitas were
originally developed as fighting dogs, as popular in the Far East
as they were in Europe. As that sport lost favor, the nobility found
new uses for this brave breed in their hunts for deer, wild boar or
even black bear. The Akita Dog has achieved praise as a bold hunter
of large game, a guard and a loyal companion.
A huge statue
of an Akita dog stands in the busy Shibuya Station in Tokyo, erected
in the 1920s as a tribute to a dog who appeared daily to greet his
master as he returned to the station from work, continuing ten years
after the master died. The statue is named Chuken Hachi-ko>
or Loyal Dog Hachi.
The Akita
dig is a tough, robust fellow, needing firm, loving discipline.
He can be obstinate and reacts against harsh methods. The breed
cannot be forced but, once shown what is desired, he is quite cooperative.
The Akita is aggressive with other animals and will defend its territory
against all intruders, human or otherwise. Yet he is an affectionate
companion to his family. The Japanese say he is "tender in
heart and strong in strength."
To preclude
boredom and mischief, sufficient exercise is necessary. The Japanese
spitz dogs are hardy and can endure extremes of climate.
The breed's popularity continues
as a companion and guardian. He is sometimes called Shishi Inu,
meaning large dog. The Akita dog is a favorite in Japan, and
is fairly well known in the USA as well as in England and the European
continent. As noted by Fujino Junko, "the characters of these
dogs suggest ancient Japanese people austere, valiant, faithful,
good-natured and gentle, highly affectionate and sensitive to the
kindness of their masters."
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