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Most writers and fanciers in this breed claim the Akita's "ancient" background. One hears and reads that, as a breed, the Akita dates back four or five hundred years. Some sources even date the breed to the Bronze Age! There is tendency by fanciers in many pure breeds to fictionalize their breeds' histories so that they are more exciting, more ancient and, well, just "more." More often than not, hyperbole supercedes facts.

Factually, this is a breed developed entirely within the 20th century. The term "breed" is an important distinction.

Many in our breed hold the misconception that Akitas are (were) hunting dogs ("used to track and hold large game") and that the breed's physical features, somehow, reflect that "original purpose." These two assertions are not factual. The real history of the modern Akita breed is much more fascinating than these simple myths. It is also more complex.

Part of the myth (and much of the commonly told "history") of the "ancient Akita" arises from the confusion of Akitas (by even the most tenured fanciers) with a "type" of dog which existed between the 17th & 19th centuries. This "type," loosely called the matagi (hunting) inu (dog), wasn't a "breed" in any sense, but a group of dogs bred not for a particular conformation or "look" but to perform a competitive task--hunting. While the demands of "tracking and holding large game" required dogs that looked and acted certain ways (large, fast, courageous, strong, etc.), each feudal breeder selected dogs that suited his eye rather than those fitting any formal standard--written or oral. Such standards simply did not exist. Matagi dogs were a "type" not a "breed."

Some historians believe that "matagi dogs" persisted into the 20th century, but it is now consistently agreed to by Japanese breed scholars that such dogs were not purebred. Therefore, they were not Akitas. They were only one group of many hybridized dogs and other pure breeds that, together, make up the Akita breed's family tree.

A popular "sport" in Japan during the early 1900's was competitive dog fighting. During this period, various mixtures of Mastiffs, Tibetan Mastiffs, Oriental Pariah Dogs and numerous other breeds and hybrid dogs (including a long-coated type of dog called Karafuto dogs) were bred and selected for one function over any standardized type: to be ferocious, strong, and, thereby, victorious in fighting pits.

A small population of regional, naturally-selected dogs also figure prominently in the general "look" of modern Akitas. These were an early 20th century group of isolated dogs referred to as "Odate dogs" (named for the community in the Akita prefecture of theNorthern island, Honshu, where they were found). Each represented variations on a general theme of "large Japanese dogs." Some had the erect, pitched ears and curled tails that are still part of all worldwide Akita standards today. They were not hunting dogs but village dogs. It is known that these dogs were not uniform in conformation and that they were not subjected to any standardization, written or otherwise, until 1934. Prior to 1934 Odate dogs were were not "purebred." No records of Odate dogs exist prior to 1870. Interestingly, Odate was known as "dog town" in the late 1880's and was the epicenter for competitive dog fighting in Japan.

A Japanese publication, Akita, by the Japan Kennel Club, relates a "round table discussion" of Odate elders, reported in an article "Talking About the Dog Scene of the Dog Town Odate." It is this single "round-table" recount that is responsible for another frequently-repeated myth about Akitas: that they were "temple dogs." The elders discussed a specific Odate dog, Moku-Go, which was a long-coated pinto-marked dog of unknown lineage, which happened to have been raised in the Jououji Temple at Odate. Moku-Go was a fierce fighting dog of fabled strength and exaggerated size (35"+). Akita ancestors, except for Moku-Go, were never "temple dogs." Their ownership was never restricted to Japanese royalty.

While Odate dogs are probably the most direct contributors to the modern Akita (likely far more closely related genetically than the "matagi dogs"), they were not Akitas. As natural Japanese dogs, they became rough blueprints for what would eventually come to be purebred Akitas. However, none of these early Japanese dogs, alone, evolved into the pure Akita breed.

A "restoration" of the Japanese breeds was formalized in 1919, when the Japanese government passed legislation that would lead to several "reconstruction" breeds being declared "natural monuments" (this would not actually eventuate until 1931). A key phrase is "natural monument," not the common misnomer "national monument." This is an important distinction if one is to understand the goals of the restoration and the true "purpose" of the Akita breed.

One year after the passage of the "restoration" legislation, Dr. Watuse, who had drafted the legislation, traveled to Odate to search for dogs that could be used in the creation of the Akita breed. He found no dogs of sufficient excellence to be named "natural monuments." No dogs would be so designated for another decade.

Based upon a desire to preserve the physical characteristics of the Odate dog "type," Mr. Shigeie Izumi, Mayor of Odate, established the Akitainu Hozonkai or AKIHO (the Akita-Inu Preservation Society) in 1927. Included in this restoration plan were dogs of unknown but varied lineage from the dying and out-of-favor pit fighting activities; they were chosen for certain physical traits desired by restoration breeders. Again, these dogs were not "Akitas."

The name "Akita" was not officially given until 1931 (and then, to several variations of size). The first Japanese dog standard was not written until 1934. This was not an exclusively-Akita standard,though, and did not cover all sizes of Akitas.

The first Japanese Akita standard was not adopted until 1938. Prior to these dates, Akitas represented a concept and goal rather than an existent "breed."

One must understand (and this can be a bit confusing) that the goals of the "restoration" of the Akita were never to recreate a dog that had ever previously existed. Restoration goals were much more creative.

The original (and continuing) goals of the restoration were to create (not recreate) a large breed of dog, standardized in type, that reflected the general traits of other primitive "native" Japanese dogs, and to reflect also the general "look" of other natural Japanese fauna and of Japanese cultural, artistic ideals. These are the cultural ideals that have led to the contemporary Japanese preference for the white or "open face" markings ("purity") and rich, brilliant "natural" coat colors. (Have you ever seen Japanese snow monkeys or weasels that are indigenous to Japan?) In fact, the urajiro marking patterns (white mask, silhouette outlined in white...see "Willie," and his mother Ch. Japan, on the "Photo" page) popular in Japanese dogs mimic the makeup of apprentice Geisha!

Modern Akitas have no natural function or purpose.
They are expressions of art in Japanese animal breeding.

To summarize: the Akita was not "originally" bred to hunt bears, deer or anything else (except other dogs, perhaps). That history, again, belongs to the impure, feudal "matagi dogs." Akitas were not "temple" dogs. The modern Akita, again, descends exclusively from large crossbreeds that existed in Japan at the turn of the century. In 1931, a few of these (only 9 or so original dogs) were selected not for pedigree (genotype) but only for physical characteristics (phenotype) and were designated "Akitas." These were the world's first Akitas, if not the first purebred Akitas.

Since the early Japanese breeders were working with an enormously varied gene pool, several trends arose in Japan during which certain colors or marking patterns went in and out of fashion. During this developmental period, variations in body type and general body shape also occurred--each having dedicated followers. Two general pre-World War II types became somewhat fixed, although other "lines" also existed. These two predominant lines are generally referenced as the Dewa line and the Ichinoseki line. These were the lines that were popular in Japan during post-war occupation. Akitas predominantly of these lines that were brought home by U.S. servicemen. The Dewa Akitas were heavy-bodied dogs, often with loose skin (particularly under the neck). The Ichinoseki type had a more refined look, tighter skin, and, proportionately, more length of leg. Both lines contributed significantly to the American foundation gene pool.

Upon acceptance by the AKC as a recognized breed, further importation of Japanese-born Akitas for registration in the United States was disallowed. For several decades, the Akita developed here from a small gene pool of around 300 individual "American foundation" Akitas--isolated from their Japanese relatives. During these decades, the "American" Akitas' appearance deviated from the Japanese restoration goals, and, in this writer's opinion, from their own written standard. Instead, the breed was bent to the much different American cultural ideals. Bigger and "tougher" dogs became desirable. Type slowly eroded.

Many type deviations also occurred and were "set" into the gene pool because of "fads" in the show ring and due to the influence of a single dominant stud dog during the "popularization" and heavy marketing of Akitas that occurred during the 1970's & 1980's.

Many breeders of Akitas in the US and abroad have failed to ever understand the original goals of Japanese breed restoration or, they have chosen to ignore them. They have therefore ended up with Akitas that often do not fit closely any Akita standard.

Are there two breeds of Akita in the US? No, only one. A poll of the membership of the Akita Club of America, the Parent Breed Club, in July 1999 resulted in a significant majority vote to maintain one Akita breed in the US.

In January, 2008, the Board of Directors of the American Kennel Club made the following decision:

In the meantime, Japanese breeders have been patiently and progressively achieving the goals of restoration while holding a tight lead on "breed type characteristics" so important to achieving a beautiful, artistic Akita.

Art! If the Akita breed serves any true "purpose," it is as a mode of artistic expression. This "purpose" derives from and is in harmony with long-established Japanese cultural perspectives. Akitas, to the Japanese, are the canine equivalents to Koi carp, and their breeding is analogous to the art of horticultural bonsai. They exist to be artistic, yet to conform, again, to consistent historical and cultural ideals. That is how it is in the breed's native country, where consistent progress has been made toward the original goal of restoration -- the Akita as "natural art."

For additional Akita historical information from a Japanese perspective, go here

History adapted from Pit Bulls For Dummies
The history of Pit Bulls starts with the history of all dogs. Our own ancestors used dogs for protection, hunting and companionship. The Pit Bulls ancestors were valued by the Romans and the English alike for their tireless ability to hunt and bring down large animals. Men used these dogs for bloody sports such as bull baiting. They would release one or two dogs in a ring with one bull and the dogs would be expected to grab the bull by the nose to bring it down. This and other atrociously bloody and cruel sports tested the dogs "gameness" or willingness to please it's owner even when faced with horrible pain. The counterpart of this sport was originally the use of "bull dogs" to help butchers control cattle on the way to market.

However, people soon succumed more to the entertainment value of vicious sports. These earlier dogs weren't exactly like the Pit Bull of today. However they are the beginnings from which they were molded. These "pit bulldogs" were more like the Pit Bull of today than they are like the English Bulldog or Bulldog. Interest in the sporting aspect of these dogs led to eventual dog fights. Here they pitted one " Pit Bulldog" against another as they fought to the death, usually. Men who wanted the best fighting dog began selective breeding their best fighters together. Eventually these different charactered dogs became the different breeds we know today. The dog most recognized for it's ties to illegal dog fighting is of course, the Pit Bull. Given it's name for it's performance in the Pit, these dogs were specially trained to be aggressive towards other dogs and animals. Another aspect of their training was that any dog to show aggression towards humans would be eliminated from the gene pool. This created a loyal dog for the handlers to work with.

Pit Bulls have historically used their loyalty to humans for many other jobs, however. They make great farm and cattle dogs. Tirelessly defending their owners land and livelyhood. Also they were many times used as hunting dogs, able to defend against bears, wolves and even buffalo.

In the late 1800's, early 1900's Europe and America was swept with "purebred dog mania." Anything that looked like a purebred and could be strutted around a show ring would qualify. The Pit Bull however wasn't assosciate with the upperclass of society, and was therefore an unlikely candidate. The AKC formed in 1884 to promote interest in purebred dogs. It began maintaining a pedigree registry and sponsoring conformation and performance competitions. The AKC wanted no part in the Pit Bull because of the purpose for which it was bred, dog fighting. They refuse to include it in the accepted breeds which it registered and showed.

Thus, the UKC was born. Founded by Pit Bull owner Chauncey Bennett, it emphasize function and included dog fighting as a legitimate function of the breed. However, today the UKC no longer condones dog fighting in any fashion. The UKC gave the dog the name American Bull Terrier, later adding the "Pitt." The UKC has since added other breeds to it's registry.

In 1909 the American Dog Breeders Assosciation was formed to register Pit Bulls. Traditionally it was the registry of fighting Pit Bulls. Today they do not condone fighting, focusing on conformation and weight pulling events. This registry is exclusive only for Pit Bulls.

Originally neither Pit Bull registry sponsored conformation shows, so many owners who wanted to show their dogs made a sacrifice to do so. They dropped the unnacceptable name and called their dogs American Staffordshire Terriers. This allowed them admittance into AKC shows. Since that decision in 1936 the two owner classes have separated themselves into two factions, those with Pit Bulls and those with AmStaffs. Thus breeding has been separate. The AmStaff of today is larger and looks more muscular. While the Pit Bull is smaller, however it is said that the AmStaff may look tougher while the Pit Bull is tougher.

The early 20th century brought about the first World War and a sudden affinity for Pit Bulls by America at large. People thought the strong dog made the perfect symbol for this country. A popular war poster depicted a Pit Bull wearing an American bandana with the phrase "I'm neutral, but not afraid of any of them." There was even a real life Pit Bull war hero named Stubby in World War I. He was smuggled onboard a departing ship with soldiers going overseas. Without any training to do so, he warned the 102nd infantry of incoming mortar shells and mustard gas attacks. He comforted wounded soldiers. He even stopped a spy from escaping. He participated in 18 major battles. While wounded he cheered up soldiers in the hospital and while recuperating in Paris he was credited with saving a child from being run over. Stubby was decorated by General Pershing and awarded rank of Honorary Sergeant. He was received by 3 presidents and led more parades than any dog in history.

The next Pit Bull to capture Americans hearts was Petey from The Little Rascals and Our Gang movies.His portrayal as the lovable family pet gave new meaning to Pit Bull around the country. They were more readily accepted as safe and patient pets for little children and adults alike.

After World War II the Pit Bull faded from American eyes. Loyal breed devotees however carried it on. Many owners kept their dogs strictly as loyal pets, others strictly as pit fighting dogs. Some were successful at playing both roles for their owners. Until the 1970's illegal dog fighting was hardly interfered with by law enforcement. At this junction the ADBA stepped up to put a squeeze on illegal dog fighting operations. they successfully brought attention to the issue, condemning all who participated. This brought a greater interest by the public that these dogs not be exploited, leading to greater interference by law enforcement and punishement for those involved. As with all laws there were unforseen consequences of this crack down on dog fighting. The fighting continued as it has to this day, only it went underground. Fewer men were in it to promote thier dogs and the breed and more were there to make money. The experienced Dogmen (the name for breeders of fighting Pit Bulls) could no longer distribute information on proper training methods leaving newcomers to experiment with cruel practices. They often trained dogs with stolen puppies, fed them gunpowder, and hired strangers to beat them with clubs. These methods produced dogs who seldom succeeded in matches and were often discarded. The harm done to them made them difficult to place as pets, often leading to euthenisation. And the harm to the breeds reputation is immeasurable.

In the 1980's the Pit Bull was the "tough guy" poster dog. Many people simply trying to put up a macho bravado would own them. However, these people do not truly understand the nature of the Pit Bull. Nor do they understand the training they require. Their irresposibility led to breeding with bigger more aggressive dogs, and even allowances of indiscriminate aggression. The actions these uniformed people took have led to attacks, even human killings by Pit Bulls and crosses of such. Although it is always the humans actions that cause such horrible results the media has painted the Pit Bull as the vicious villian. Ignoring the true problem is what has led people to beleive all Pit Bulls are evil, and that aggression is inbourne completely and cannot be controlled.

All of those assumptions are wrong. This didn't stop citizens from thinking them though. And because of the public outcry in many communities that Pit Bulls are a danger that cannot be controlled and must be removed from society as a whole. Many areas have turned to breed specific legislation. These are bans on Pit Bulls in many communities. Although they have failed to show results and been repealed in many instances. The struggle continues today. The struggle to educate people on the true nature of this beatuiful breed. And to put pressure on communities to focus on cracking down on cruelty, neglect and animal abuse.

Although illegal dog fighting still exists many Pit Bulls have found a calling in obedience, conformation, agility sports and weight pulling competitions. Others are used as boar hunters. Others still as search and rescue, therapy and even drug and bomb detecting dogs. When it comes right down to it, the nature of the Pit Bull is to be a loyal companion, intelligent, strong willed and able to excel at whatever it's owner chooses. With proper training and socialization they can live in a loving family with children, cats, even other dogs.

The Olde English Bulldogge originated in England between 1600 and 1700. They were bred to participate in blood sports like bull baiting. A dog of great courage, agility and medium size was needed for these sports.

Around 1835, laws were passed in England prohibiting bull baiting and the Olde English Bulldogges main purpose of existence vanished. Within a decade the numbers of bulldogs declined drastically almost to extinction. Dog show fanciers eventually decided to reconstruct the breed, but without the aggressive temperament of the original Olde English Bulldogge. They crossed the remnants of the existing stock with the pug and over the years that followed they developed the modern English Bulldog. Unfortunately though, this modern dog is wrought with all kinds of genetic health problems.

The modern Olde English Bulldogge is a reconstruction of the original Olde Bulldogge of the 17th and 18th century. Various genetic crosses have been used in carefully and thoughtfully planned breeding programs to obtain this goal. The foundation of most of today's Olde English Bulldogges can be traced to English Bulldog, American Bulldog, APBT and Mastiff.

These dogs were used very selectively in various combinations to obtain the desired physical and mental traits of the original Olde English Bulldogge. The result has been a good looking Bulldogge of great athletic ability that is much healthier and physically fit without most or all of the problems that plague today's modern English Bulldogs. The goal of all Olde English Bulldogge breeders should be to produce genetically healthier Bulldogges that are free breathers, free breeders, and free whelpers.

The origin of the Rottweiler is not a documented record. Once this is recognized, actual history tempered by reasonable supposition indicates the likelihood he is descended from one of the drover dogs indigenous to ancient Rome. This drover dog has been described by various accredited sources as having been of the Mastiff-type-a dependable, rugged, willing worker, possessed of great intelligence, and a strong guarding instinct.

The transition from Roman herding dog to the dog we know today as the Rottweiler can be attributed to the ambitions of the Roman Emperors to conquer Europe. Very large armies were required for these expeditions and the logistics of feeding that number of men became a major consideration. No means of refrigeration existed which meant that the meat for the soldiers had to accompany the troops "on the hoof." The services of a dog capable of keeping the herd intact during the long march were needed. The above-described "Mastiff-type" was admirably suited to both that job and the additional responsibility of guarding the supply dumps at night.

Campaigns of the Roman army varied in scope, but the one of concern to us took place approximately A.D. 74. Its route was across the Alps terminating in what is now southern Germany. Arae Flaviae, as the new territory was called, had natural advantages of climate, soil, and central location. There is much evidence pointing to the vital role of the fearless Roman drover dog on this trek from Rome to the banks of the Neckar River.

We have no reason to doubt that descendants of the original Roman drover dogs continued to guard the herds through the next two centuries. Circa A.D. 260 the Swabians ousted the Romans from Arae Flaviae, taking over the city. Agriculture and the trading of cattle remained their prime occupations, insuring the further need for the dogs.

About A.D. 700 the local Duke ordered a Christian church built on the site of the former Roman baths. Excavations unearthed the red tiles of Roman villas. To distinguish the town from others, it was then named das Rote Wil (the red tile), which of course is recognizable as the derivation of the present Rottweil.

Rottweil's dominance as a cultural and trade center increased unabated, and in the middle of the 12th century further fame and fortune came to it. An all-new town with elaborate fortifications was built on the heights above the river. The security thus provided increased commerce in cattle. Butchers concentrated in the area and inevitably more dogs were needed to drive the cattle to and from the markets.

The descendants of the Roman drover dog plied their trade without interruption until the middle of the 19th century, at which time the driving of cattle was outlawed; in addition, the donkey and the railroad replaced the dog cart.

The Rottweiler Metzgerhund (butcher dog), as he came to be called, then fell on hard times. His function had been severely curtailed and in those days, dogs earned their keep or there was no reason for their existence. The number of Rottweilers declined so radically that in 1882 the dog show in Heilbronn, Germany reported just one poor example of the breed present.

The annals of cynology make no further mention of the breed until 1901 when a combined Rottweiler and Leonberger Club was formed. This Club was shortlived but notable because the first Rottweiler standard appeared under its auspices. It is of value for us to know that the general type advocated has not changed substantially and the character called for, not at all.

In these years (1901-07) the Rottweiler again found favor as a police dog. Several clubs were organized as dissension was most common until 1921 when it was agreed to form the Allegmeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK). By that time, 3,400 Rottweilers had been registered by three or four clubs. Duplications and confusion ended when the ADRK published its first stud book in 1924.

Since its inception, despite the difficulties encountered during and in the aftermath of World War II, the ADRK has remained intact and through its leadership enlightened, purposeful breeding programs have been promoted both in Germany and abroad.