Nekita

The Akita Inu is a Japanese dog that originated in the 1600s used for hunting bear and other large animals in the snowy mountains. They were also used in dog fighting until they made it illegal. The Akita Inu was bred from the Northern Spitz but it was originally known as the Snow Country Dog before their name was changed to Akita. According to the United States and Canada, there is only one breed of Akita Inu that has two types, the American and Japanese. However, the rest of the world considers these two separate breeds. The Akita Inu is considered to be a national treasure in Japan due to the loyalty of a dog, Hachiko, who would meet his owner at the train station every day. Unfortunately, one day his owner passed away while at work but Hachiko was so loyal he would wait at the train station every day at the same time for several years. A statue was set up in the train station named after this brave dog. The Akita was also popular with Helen Keller, who received one as a gift from the Japanese government when she visited there. The American Kennel Club did not acknowledge the Akita Inu until many years later, in 1972. Now, they are considered the 46^th most popular breed of dog in the United States. The Neapolitan Mastiff came from Naples, Italy during ancient times from the British Mastiff and Roman War Dog. They were used mostly as guard dogs due to their imposing size and bravery. The Neapolitan Mastiff was known as the “big dog for little men” because they protected everyone in the family. This giant, wrinkly dog may not be beautiful on the outside but they are lovable family pets and have been part of the American Kennel Club since 2004. They are now the 99^th most popular dog breed in America.