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GLOSSARY
Akita dog (Akitaken)
The Akita dog (Akitaken) is sometimes called the Odate dog. It is a large dog weighing up to 40kg; the height of the male to the shoulder is about 67cm, the female being slightly smaller. Its body is stocky and muscular and the head is broad with small, upright ears and a pointed nose. The tail is curled. The hair, generally white, black or brown, is thick.In disposition, the Akitaken is obedient and mild-tempered and its movements are slow and deliberate. The dog was designated a special natural monument in 1931 and the breed was classified by the Kennel Clubs of Great Britain and the United States in 1954. The nature of the breed is typified by the dog "Chuken Hachiko"; this dog waited outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo for ten years, unaware that his master had died. A statue to this faithful dog now stands outside Shibuya Station.