The exact origin of the Akita is still unknown. Through skeletal remains and carbon dating, it has been traced back to 500 BC, although the exact date of the Akita breed has only been recorded over the past 350 years. The Akita was also known as the Odate dog - named after the rugged, mountainous region of Odate in Akita Prefecture on the island of Honshu in Japan.
Since fishing has always been a major Japanese industry, the Akita, with its webbed feet and thick, waterproof coat, easily became a workmate for fishermen. Akitas were then used as cattle dogs, vision dogs for the blind, sled pullers and police dogs. They were also used as "babysitters" who looked after the children while their mothers worked in the rice fields. They first arrived in Australia in 1982.