What Breed Of Dog Is Hachi From A Dog’s Tale Movie?

There are a lot of uplifting tales out there that help people learn more about particular breeds of dog and their special qualities. We’ll be discussing Hachi, but what sort of dog was he?

Originally from Japan, Hachi was an Akita Inu. Having lived for more than 12 years, he was born on November 10th, 1923, and died on March 8th, 1935. Despite being in black and white, a photo from 2015 that surfaced shows this particular Akita to have a peach white coat, which is somewhat recognizable.

We’ll discuss the Akita breed, and which benefits from the fame that Hachiko left on its shoulders. Let’s first examine what made Hachiko such an important part of Japanese culture.

The Story of Hachi

Hachi, also known as Hachiko, was raised by a University of Tokyo agriculture professor after being born on a farm in 1923.

The owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, created a daily routine with the Akita Inu puppy over the course of several years as it grew.

They would walk down to the train station in Shibuya, and Hidesaburo would sadly bid Hachiko farewell before boarding a train and going to University. Hachiko would then rest at the station for a while until his owner returned from work.

Hidesaburo and his dog engaged in this routine over a long period of time. Hachiko became beloved by the station staff, who took care of him because he was so established there.

All of a sudden, Hachiko’s life was turned upside down when his devoted owner suddenly passed away from a brain hemorrhage and never returned from work. For more than nine years after his owner’s death, Hachiko patiently awaited him till the day of his passing in March of 1935, unaware of his owner’s passing.

According to legend, Hachi passed away naturally. The Japanese people were moved by his loyalty and patience as he waited for his loved one to return, and this dog’s popularity grew in legend.

Due to the dog’s significant impact on the neighborhood, his remains were preserved, stuffed, and shown at the Tokyo Museum of Japan. Since then, the family has made several photos of Hachiko available.

The story about Hachi: A Dog’s Tale movie

This tale was made into a film in 2009, titled Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. Because the movie is based on the true story of Hachi, some people have cautioned that it won’t make you feel cheerful in the least; instead, it will make you feel sad and broken-hearted.

It is simple to understand why parents would try to prevent their young children from watching the movie once you are aware of the backstory.

Despite this, the film’s primary subject matter explains the heart, love, affection, and dedication that a dog shares with its people as well as the harsh truth of when things abruptly shift between them.

Highlights of Hachiko’s Fame

As noted, many people in Japan were affected by this relationship. So much so that sculptures and mementos were created and displayed in public.

Hachi statues built before and following World War II

Before Hachiko died, Teru Ando sculpted a bronze statue of him near the Shibuya Train Station. In 1934, this statue was built.

Unfortunately, the need for resources during World War II led to the recycling of this statue for military use. The 1948 creation of another statue by the original artist’s son, Takeshi Ando, is still visible at the station today. Other statues of Hachi have been built, one near the dog’s village and the other in front of the Akita Dog Museum. In 2014, to mark the 80th anniversary of Hachiko’s passing, a statue depicting Hachi being welcomed by Hidesaburo was constructed at the University of Tokyo.

Differences between the Japanese Akita and American Akita

There is the tale, the history, and the legacy of Hachiko, the Akita Inu who won so many hearts. Let’s now discuss the Akita breed a little bit.

The Japanese Akita and the American Akita are the two main varieties of Akita dogs that are most sought out throughout Asia and the rest of the world. Despite having the same name, they do differ slightly in terms of their physical characteristics and temperament because of various breeding techniques.

American Akita features

Compared to its Japanese relatives, the American Akita is a little bit bigger. They typically weigh up to 130 pounds and stand at a shoulder height of roughly 26 inches.

The American Akita’s head looks more like that of a bear than a fox, unlike its Japanese cousins. Compared to the Japanese, they look bulkier and have skin that hangs more loosely off their frames.

Japanese Akita features

The Japanese Akita is generally a little smaller than the American Akita. They can weigh up to 120 pounds and often stand up to 25 inches tall at the shoulders.

The Japanese Akita Inu has a more sleek appearance and a head shape that is nearly foxlike. Their ears are positioned further forward than those of the American Akita, continuing the theme of the head.

The cost of an Akita in the United States

Many people who are willing to take on the job of raising one of these lovely puppies may be surprised by the price of a full-bred Akita Pup. This is due to the significant pricing variations across breeders, which begs the question of why there are such differences.

Some can sell for about $600.00, while others can cost up to $2,000. It all depends on the breed’s genetic makeup and the goals of the dog’s owner. If you’re ready to sign a contract promising to have the dog spayed as soon as it’s feasibly possible, some breeders will sell you a pup for less money.

This is done to stop further reproduction (eliminating any future breeding competition). Some breeders give pups without papers as a way of preventing a new owner from breeding them in the future. Papers add to the price, as is true for all breeds.

There are many more reasons why prices could change in addition to these two. If you want to find the best dog at the best price, you’ll need to do some research.

Additionally: Prior to making a purchase like this, be sure an Akita Inu is the perfect dog for you!

Additional Thoughts

The Hachi narrative elicits a range of feelings. For those of us who have lost wonderfully devoted dogs, it is both heartbreaking and admirable. It really rings home for us.

Putting all of that aside, Hachi’s narrative demonstrates that there is a side of this breed to adore, as it is a great example of the breed’s unwavering devotion to its family.

Not just a tribute to the breed, but also a symbol of the canine species that has been honored by countless numbers of people over the years in honor of just one, individual dog.