It was really cool to see an Akita Inu. I have only seen about two since coming here, outside of those on pictures and balloons around the city. They are not good with strangers or other animals (especially of the same sex) unless trained very well, so most of the time they are in a cage or on a leash when displayed for people’s benefit, and not allowed to be pet by people unfamiliar to them. When they were used for hunting, it was often in male-female pairs. They make a very good guard dog, but only if trained by the person they are supposed to protect. I have heard great things about them and they look very unique. The Akita Inu are extremely dignified and protective and apparently they act a lot like cats, too.
It originated in the Akita prefecture of northern Japan, and go back at least 1000 years. It is recorded in literature (domesticated) as early as 712 A.D. It comes up later in history when they were originally developed as fighting dogs in the Tokugawa (or Edo) period of Japan (1603-1925), but lost its popularity when bigger breeds could be made by crossbreeding with Western breeds. They are still big, so they were then known for hunting bears, deer, and wild boars as late as 1957.
It survives best in a cold environment and does not tolerate heat well. As it is domesticated, it just needs a cool place to stay, and the correct amount of exercise and attention everyday. They are said to be cat-like. They are low maintenance; they shed their thick coat twice a year, lick themselves to keep clean, and do not like being teased.
