Release Decision!

2 min readFeb 17, 2026

DAY 368

The Akita Inu was designated as a national natural monument in July 1931 (Showa 6). Its recognition extends beyond Japan, and it is one of the first Japanese dog breeds to gain international fame.

The Akita Inu has its origins in the Matagi dogs used for hunting in the Ouu mountain range and the dogs from the Odate region.

There was a period when they were bred to be larger and stronger for dog fighting. As a result, their physique became larger, but some dogs began to lack the typical characteristics of Japanese dogs. Later, in the Showa era, efforts to preserve Japanese dogs increased, and attempts were made to artificially create purebred Akita Inus. Just as these efforts were gaining traction, the Pacific War began. After the war, Americans took Akita Inus back to the United States and began breeding them independently. Perhaps due to their impressive and dignified appearance, the number of Akita Inus born in the U.S. now far exceeds that in Japan, and their appearance has significantly evolved from the Japanese Akita Inu.

The Akita Inu Preservation Society (Akiho), established in 1927, is responsible for managing pedigrees and protection. In recent years, to prevent forgery issues arising from the breed’s increasing popularity overseas, they introduced “digital pedigrees” using blockchain technology in 2024.

Number of Akita Inus Born:

2025: 72

2024: 113

2023: 103

Akita Inus registered with the Akita Inu Preservation Society are issued pedigrees and are eligible to participate in exhibitions and other events.