Akita Dogs are Popular Even in Italy

2 min readFeb 19, 2026

DAY 370

This morning, the following article was published in a newspaper in Akita Prefecture.

In the suburbs of Turin, Italy, it is like a paradise for Akita dogs. Against the backdrop of beautiful mountain ranges, Antonino Saporito’s kennel is where Akita dogs spend their days in elegance. They relax in their private rooms as if they were “noble dogs of Italy.”

Saporito’s kennel is like a “five-star hotel” for Akita dogs. The private rooms are always spotless, and veterinarians regularly conduct health checks, providing the dogs with a spa-like treatment. Akita dogs raised in such an environment easily win at exhibitions. Their graceful appearance prompts dog lovers from around the world to exclaim, “Bravo!”

The popularity of Akita dogs in Italy is skyrocketing. In the past 10 years, about 12,000 Akita dogs have been born, creating an “Akita dog boom.” On the streets of Italy, people walking Akita dogs greet each other with “Ciao!” and the dogs behave like “gentlemen and ladies of Italy.”

The Akita Dog Preservation Society’s European Club serves as a bridge connecting Akita and Europe. Their activities play a wonderful role in spreading the charm of Akita dogs worldwide. The elegant appearance of Akita dogs has completely captivated the people of Italy, and their presence continues to shine ever brighter.