The Akita Inu is a Japanese breed of giant 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 & Canadian Kennel Clubs), it is thought about a separate breed from the American Akita & is also colloquially known as the "Japanese Akita". "Inu" means "dog."