Helen Keller's Dog Akita: A Faithful Companion to a Trailblazer

Helen Keller's Dog Akita was a loyal companion to the trailblazing author and disability rights advocate.

Helen Keller's Akita was a constant presence in her life, providing comfort and emotional support during challenging times.

The Akita was a large breed dog, known for its loyalty and protective nature, making it a perfect companion for Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind.

Helen Keller's relationship with her Akita was deeply personal and significant, offering her a sense of connection and belonging in a world that often presented obstacles.

A fresh viewpoint: Why Did Helen Keller's Dog Run Away?

Helen Keller was a remarkable woman who had a special connection with Akita dogs. She visited Akita Prefecture in Japan in 1937 and inquired about Hachikō, the famous Akita dog that had passed away in 1935.

Keller was given an Akita dog named Kamikaze-go, who became a beloved companion. She wrote in the Akita Journal that Kamikaze was an angel in fur, and she felt a deep tenderness for him.

Kamikaze's gentle and companionable nature appealed to Keller. She also appreciated his trustworthiness, which was a quality she valued highly.

Keller's love for Kamikaze helped introduce the Akita breed to the United States. Two Akita dogs, Kamikaze and his brother Kenzan-go, were presented to her as official gifts from the Japanese government.

By 1939, a breed standard had been established for the Akita, and dog shows were being held. This was largely due to Keller's efforts in promoting the breed.

Helen Keller was a dog owner and an activist for people with disabilities. She grew up with a Cocker Spaniel thanks to her parents.

In 1902, Keller was gifted a Boston Bull Terrier, later known as the Boston Terrier, named Sir Thomas. He had a calm demeanor and a sweet temperament.

Sir Thomas was often at Keller's side in classes, and his calmness helped him to act as a companion. Keller shared her interest in getting an Akita, which led to her being gifted a puppy named Kamikaze-Go.

Unfortunately, Kamikaze-Go died at just 7.5 months old due to distemper. Keller was gifted another Akita puppy, Kenzan-Go, who was the brother of Kamikaze-Go.

Keller's love for the Akita breed helped to get the breed noticed in the United States. She was the first person to bring two Akita dogs into the country.

Additional reading: Japanese Akita Dog

Miss Helen Keller was a remarkable woman who had a special connection with the Akita breed. She visited Akita Prefecture in Japan in July 1937, where she inquired about Hachikō, the famed Akita dog that had died in 1935.

Keller was given an Akita dog named Kamikaze-go within a month of her visit, which she later wrote about in the Akita Journal. She credited Kamikaze with being an angel in fur, and described him as gentle, companionable, and trusty.

Kamikaze-go sadly died of canine distemper, but his legacy lived on. His older brother, Kenzan-go, was presented to Keller as an official gift from the Japanese government in July 1938.

Keller's introduction of the Akita breed to the United States was a significant milestone. By 1939, a breed standard had been established and dog shows had been held, but these activities stopped after World War II began.