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7 Facts About Akitas You Probably Didn’t Know

Written by: Arlene D.
| Published on May 18, 2023

Known for their dignified beauty and courageous spirit, the Akita breed has long held a special place in the canine world. Whether you recognize them from the famous story of Hachiko or their striking bear-like faces, there’s much more to these dogs than meets the eye. Let’s discover seven lesser-known facts about Akitas.

  1. Two Distinct Breeds

Many may not realize that there are actually two distinct breeds of Akita: the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita) and the Akita (American Akita). They were originally one breed, but diverged during World War II when American servicemen brought Akitas back to the U.S. American Akitas are generally larger and have a broader range of colors than Akita Inus.

  1. A Symbol of Good Health

In Japan, it is a tradition to send a statue of an Akita to someone who is ill. The statue represents health and is thought to bring the receiver a speedy recovery. This cultural practice emphasizes the deep-rooted symbolism and significance of Akitas in Japanese culture.

  1. They Have Webbed Toes

A physical feature that often goes unnoticed about Akitas is their webbed toes. The webbing between their toes helps them to distribute their weight more evenly, aiding them to walk on snow more effectively – a feature that’s particularly useful given their snowy native habitat in Akita Prefecture, Japan.

  1. Helen Keller’s Influence

Helen Keller, the renowned American author, and activist, is credited with bringing the first Akita to the United States. After hearing the story of Hachiko, she expressed a desire to have an Akita of her own during a visit to Japan in 1937. In response, the Japanese government gifted her with a puppy named Kamikaze-go.

  1. Samurais’ Companions

Historically, Akitas were owned by the imperial family and the ruling aristocracy in Japan. They were used for hunting large game such as boar, deer, and the Yezo bear. Their courageous nature and strong hunting instincts made them excellent companions for samurais.

  1. Vocal Expression

Akitas are known to be fairly quiet dogs, but they have a unique form of vocal expression known as ‘talking.’ This ‘talking’ doesn’t involve barking, but rather a series of grunts groans, and mumbles that Akitas use to communicate their feelings.

  1. They’re a Tough Breed

Akitas are known for their robustness and have fewer health problems compared to many other breeds. However, like all breeds, they do have some predispositions. Careful breeding practices are crucial to maintaining the overall health and longevity of these dogs.

In summary, the Akita, celebrated for its boldness and regality, possesses a host of intriguing qualities beyond the commonly known. From the existence of two distinct breeds, their symbolic representation in Japanese culture, their unique physical features, the influence of Helen Keller, their historical ties with samurais, their distinctive ‘talking’, to their robustness, these lesser-known facts uncover a fascinating new perspective on this noble breed. Whether you’re an Akita owner or simply an admirer, these facts provide a deeper appreciation of the multifaceted charm of the Akita.

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