Akita Pit

The hybrid called the Akita Pit is a new breed of dog that does not have a detailed history. However, the two breeds that combine to make the Akita Pit, have centuries of history. The ancestors of the Akita were called matagi-inu which means “hunting dog”. Dogs of the breed were often used as fighting dogs in the late 1800’s and crossed with other breeds in order to improve fighting ability. In 1927, the Akita Inu Hozonkai Society of Japan was formed with a goal of preserving the original Akita and in 1931 the breed was given the designation of a national treasure of Japan. The breed became more common in the United States after WW II when soldiers returned from serving in Japan with the dogs in tow. Dogs of the breed often work as guard dogs or as a part of law enforcement. As for the Pit Bull, the original “bulldog” that was used for boar hunting and as a guard, is seen in paintings that go as far back as the 1500’s. These dogs look a lot like the Pit Bull we see today. They were called bull dogs as a result of being the dog best suited to the sport of bull baiting. In 1835 bull baiting was outlawed in England and its promoters sought a new way to profit, turning to ratting and dog fighting. It is thought that at this time, one or more types of Terriers were mixed with the dog so that it would have a higher drive to seek prey and be more aggressive as well as reduce its size and increase its agility. The American Pit Bull Terrier is the product of English and Irish stock that arrived in the US during the 19th century. These dogs did well as cattle dogs and dogs that could catch pigs. While some were still used in fights, the majority of them worked as hunters, herders, guardians and friends, even earning the nickname of nanny dog.