From the 1500s into the 1800s, the Akita served as companions for samurai. During the early 20th century the Akita was in decline, as a result of being cross bred with the German Shepherd Dog, St. Bernard, Mastiff. During the occupation years following the war, the breed began to thrive again through the efforts of Sawataishi and others. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955, it was placed in the Miscellaneous class. During the occupation years following the war, the breed began to thrive again through the efforts of Sawataishi and others. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955, it was placed in the Miscellaneous class. It was not until the end of 1972 that the AKC approved the Akita standard and it was moved to the Working dog class, as such, the Akita is a rather new breed in the United States.