Beloved Akita dogs / Long haired Akitas finally win recognition

The Yomiuri ShimbunAKITA — Akita dogs are like a mirror that reflects the times.

Once called “Odate dogs,” Akitas were fighting dogs in the Meiji era (1868-1912). But following crossbreeding with Sakhalin huskies and Tosa fighting dogs, the Akita breed lost features such as its erect ears and curled tail and became known as the “Shin Akita” (New Akita) in the Taisho era (1912-1926).

Hachiko, a famous Akita dog born in Odate, Akita Prefecture, has become a symbol of loyalty as he kept waiting for his owner at Shibuya Station in Tokyo even many years after the owner’s death. Hachiko’s statue was erected in his lifetime, and the dog was mentioned in the prewar textbook for moral education.

Since the end of World War II, the role of Akitas has changed from one of watchdogs to pets. The breed’s popularity has now grown overseas.

Recently, long-haired Akitas, once viewed as taboo, have gained the spotlight among Akita dog enthusiasts. Fluffy long hair is considered to be the result of crossbreeding with Sakhalin huskies in the Meiji era and thereafter. Long coat Akitas had been excluded, considered an impediment to efforts to protect the Akita breed that has been designated a national natural treasure.