Akita Hunting Dog: Japan's Ancient Tradition

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From above of anonymous African American male sitting in armchair and writing in notepad while stroking Akita Inu dog in living room
Credit: pexels.com, From above of anonymous African American male sitting in armchair and writing in notepad while stroking Akita Inu dog in living room

The Akita hunting dog is a majestic breed with a rich history in Japan. They were originally bred to hunt large game such as bears and deer.

Their origins date back to the 17th century, when they were used by the Matsumae clan in northern Japan to hunt and protect their territories.

The Akita's distinctive white coat and powerful build made them well-suited for hunting in Japan's rugged terrain.

Akitas as Hunting Dogs

Akitas have a long history of being used for hunting in Japan, with predecessors of the modern Akita used to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer as late as 1957.

Today, while Akitas are primarily used as companion dogs, they can still be used for hunting with proper training. In fact, one commenter mentioned taking their brother's untrained Akita pheasant hunting, where it was very attentive and energetic but had no clue what they were doing.

Akitas are intelligent dogs and can be trained for various tasks, including hunting. However, it's essential to note that each individual dog's instincts and trainability play a significant role in their success as a hunting buddy.

Credit: youtube.com, The History of the Akita: From Hunting Dog to Family Pet

To give you a better idea, here are some possible hunting activities Akitas can be trained for:

  • Tracking trials
  • Weight pulling
  • Hunting
  • Schutzhund (personal protection dogs)

It's also worth noting that Akitas can be used for hunting in pairs, with the male distracting the bear while the female runs around and bites at its hocks until the hunter arrives to kill it. However, this requires proper training and handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Were Akitas used for fighting?

Yes, Akitas were used for dog fighting in the 1600s, with breeding programs aimed at improving their fighting ability. This dark history is a notable part of the breed's origins.

Jenna Koch

Senior Writer

Jenna Koch is a versatile and passionate writer with a keen interest in exploring various topics. Her writing career has taken off with a focus on informative and engaging content, covering a range of subjects that spark curiosity and interest in readers. Jenna's expertise lies in crafting well-researched and accessible articles that cater to diverse audiences.

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