Because the Boxita is such a new hybrid breed, there is little history so the histories of the parent breeds are used to create one. The Akita was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1972 and they are the 46th most favorite breed in the United States. The breed originated in Japan in the 1600s and was primarily bred for hunting although many were used for fighting. They hunted large animals such as bear, deer, and wild boar. When dog-fighting started losing popularity in 1927, the Hozankai Society of Japan was started to help preserve the Akita and by 1931 this breed was one of Japan’s natural treasures. The breed became popular due to the loyalty of an Akita named Haichiko that met his owner at the train station daily after work and continued to do so for almost 10 years after his owner died. The first Akita in the United States was a gift to Helen Keller from the Japanese government. The Boxer was recognized in 1904 and is the 10th most popular dog in the United States. It is thought that the Boxer was originally one of the descendants of the Tibetan fighting dogs, although others say the breed originated in Germany in the 1800s as a livestock dog and to bait bulls. The breed was created from mixing two mastiff type dogs who, similar to the Akita, were also used to hunt large animals such as bear and wild boar. In the 19th century, it is thought that this breed was then crossed with the Bulldog to create the modern Boxer, now popular all over the world.