Akita Hunting Dog: Japan's Ancient Tradition

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 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.

Discover more: Akitas Good Service Dogs

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

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.