Originally, Japanese dogs were small to medium in size and no large breeds existed. Since 1603 in the Akita region, Akita Matagis (medium-sized bear-hunting dogs) were used as fighting dogs. From 1868 Akita Matagis were crossed with Tosas and Mastiffs. Consequently, the size of this breed increased but characteristics associated with the Spitz type were lost.

In 1908 dog fighting was prohibited, but this breed was nevertheless preserved and improved as a large Japanese breed. As a result, nine exceptional specimens of this breed were designated as «Natural Monuments » in 1931.

During World War II (1939-1945), it was common practice to use dogs as a source of fur for military garments. The police ordered the capture and confiscation of all dogs with the exception of German Shepherd Dogs, which were used for military purposes. Some dog enthusiasts tried to circumvent the order by crossbreeding their dogs with German Shepherd Dogs.

When World War II ended, Akitas had been drastically reduced in number and existed as three distinct types: 1) Matagi Akitas, 2) fighting Akitas, and 3) Shepherd Akitas. This created a very confusing situation in the breed.

After the war, during the restoration process of the pure breed, Kongo-go – a dog of the Dewa line – gained a brief but huge popularity. However, he exhibited characteristics of the Mastiff and German Shepherd, and dog experts did not approve of this type as a proper Japanese breed. They made efforts to eliminate external, foreign strains by crossbreeding with Matagi Akitas for the purpose of restoring the original pure breed. They succeeded in stabilizing the pure strain of the large sized breed we know today.