The museum displays a range of artifacts and materials relating to the history of Akita dogs. It was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Akita Dog Preservation Society and is the only musuem in the world dedicated to Japanese dogs. A stature of Hachiko, an Akita who gained fame through loyalty to his master, stands outstide the museuem. The statue faces Hachiko’s birthplace in southern Odate.