In the beginning, the history of the great Japanese Dog (formerly American Akita) is similar to the history of Japanese Akita. Since 1603. in Akita area, Akita Matagi (medium sized dogs for bear hunting) were used for dog fighting. Since 1868., Akita Matagi was crossed with tosa and mastiff. As a result, the size of akita has increased, but characteristics associated with the Pinschers disappeared. Year 1908. dog fighting is prohibited, but akitas are still  preserved and enhanced as a large Japanese breed. As a result, nine best akita specimen in 1931. was declared "national treasure".
 
During World War II (1939th - 1945th) was usual for the dogs to be used to make military clothing. Police had been ordered to seize and confiscate all dogs, except the German shepherds which were used for military purposes. Some fans have tried to work around this command, so that they crossed their dogs with German shepherd. Upon completion of the Second World War the number of akitas is drastically reduced and there are three different types: 1.) Matagi akita, 2.) Akitas for fights and 3.) Akita shepherds. This has resulted in a very confusing situation in this breed.
 
During the process of reconstruction of pure breed after the war, Congo - go from the Dewa line enjoyed great popularity. Many akitas from Dewa line, which showed characteristics influence of mastiff and German shepherd, soldiers brought back to the United States. Akitas from Dewa line, intelligent and able to adapt to the environment, fascinated the breeders in the U.S. - and this line is being developed further. The number of breeders has increased, as well as the popularity of these dogs.
 

American Akita Club was founded in 1956. year, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the breed (to enroll in the registry and the regular show status) in October 1972. However, at that time AKC and JKC (Japanese Kennel Club) did not have reciprocal agreements on mutual recognition of pedigree, and therefore the door was closed to the introduction of new bloodlines in Japan. Therefore akitas in the U.S. - became significantly different from those in Japan, their country of origin. They were developed as a type unique in the U.S., and characteristics and the type remained unchanged since 1955. This is in contrast to the akitas in Japan, which were crossed with Matagi akitas, to update the original pure breed.