The Akita Inu is a Japanese breed of large dog. Named for Akita Prefecture where it is thought to have originated it is sometimes called the Akita-ken based on the Sino-Japanese reading of the same kanji. In most countries (with the exception of the Australian American and Canadian Kennel Clubs) it is considered a separate breed from the American Akita and is also colloquially known as the Japanese Akita. Inu means dog.