Ancient Akita in Japan - 10

Akita ancestor

Ancient Akita Champions in Japan

Akitas of the Emperor

 Babagoma - red bitch

 

Fighting Akita The dog-fightings resulted in cross-breeding with other breeds, generally the Tosa breed.   During the Dog Fighting Era of the Meiji Period (1868-1912),there was a dog fighting club called Enyukai. The Aiken Kyokai was another dog fighting club formed during the Taisho Period (1912-1925).

 Hunting Akita

Akita hunting the Yezo Bear
 

Ancient Akita in Japan

Ancient Famous Akita in Japan

KONGO-GO born in 1947 and his son KINCHO-GO Immediately following World War II, Dewa-Go's great-grandson Kongo-Go began a show and breeding career which was said to have dominated the dog scene. The Dewa line went from Dewa-Go to Dewawaka-Go to Taishu-Go to Kongo-Go to Kincho-Go. The owner of Kongo-Go labeled his picture with the words: "Kongo-Go, the National Treasure." Although high awards were given Kongo and Kincho during the time breeders were trying to restore the Akita dog to what it had been in the past, the Dewa line declined by degrees. It would be hard to find its phenotype in Japan today.

GOROMARU-GO born in 1948 and TAMAGUMO-GO born in 1950 Goromaru-Go of the Ichinoseki line was regarded as the most important dog in the effort to bring the breed up to the Akita Standard after the ravages of World War II. The excellent quality of Goromaru offspring down through the years brought fame to this dog. Tamugumo-Go (Ichinoseki line/Dewa line) was a Meiyosho Winner - those dogs who receive the highest award in Japan.

A tale about a famous meeting Some of the Akita fanciers in America are drawn to the Goromaru Line and others to the Kongo line. Goromaru-Go and Kongo-Go met at an Akikyo show held in Tokyo. Goromaru-Go having produced many famous Akitas was invited to many shows throughout Japan. Kongo-Go was then one of the top Akitas in the country. He was a silvery Goma (sesame) colored dog, a sleek city prince. Goromaru was a pinto and a country product. The show was judged by Mr Ryonosuke Hiraizumi and Mrs Joan M Linderman. The two dogs were shown at the center of the ring which is the way they always are shown in Japan. (The face-off position >>) Mr Hashimoto, the handler of Kongo, threw his hat in the air several times and each time Kongo would stand on his hind legs. Mr Funakoshi, the handler of Goromaru, advanced him one step towards Kongo, then another. Both Akitas squared off, each staring each other in the eyes. Then suddenly, Kongo backed off and the match was decided.