The following resources may help you develop a greater understanding our animal companions. There is much to discover!

THE BREED OF AKITA INU

The Akita is a very complex breed. Owning an Akita should not be entered into lightly as they have unique qualities that set them apart from many other working dog breeds. They do have a hunting background and can be prey-driven toward small pets and other animals. Proper research is required as well as finding an ethical knowledgeable breeder to guide you through this breed’s complexities of needed socialization, setting of proper pack order, positive obedience training, and, primarily, allowing the Akita to become a trusted and loved member of the family.

Akitas are calm and reserved and not overly clingy to members of their family. They are extremely loyal and protective of their own. The Akita needs an owner that consistently and fairly lets the dog know the owner is in charge. The owner must be willing to put the necessary time and work into proper and consistent training and socialization.

No dog should be left unsupervised with children. That being said, the Akita that is raised with kids is usually good with and tolerant of its own children. Their protective instincts, however, may take over when visiting children engage in horseplay with its own children.
Although a large breed, the Akita does not necessarily require a very large home and yard providing they receive adequate walks throughout the day. They prefer to be in the house with the family not relegated to the back yard. They are clean dogs and don't generally have that typical "doggy odor". They do, however, shed profusely twice a year. Akitas should never be allowed to roam off lead when not in a fence enclosed area. An Akita is usually quiet, barking only when necessary and not a “hyper” breed. They make an excellent house dog.

Because of the complexities of this breed, it is essential that you locate a reputable breeder or Akita rescue who is devoted to educating owners, and who tells you that they will mentor and guide you for the lifetime of your dog. You are forming a relationship with someone who should say they are going to be available to you whenever you need to talk, for the life of your dog. You should expect this and confirm this. Additional things to look for in choosing a breeder are proof of genetic testing (hips, eyes, knees, elbows and free of autoimmune thyroid disease via full MSU blood panel results.) If your breeder simply says they don’t have those problems in their lines, or they don’t need to test because they have never had the problem, or they do NOT know what you are talking about, RUN do not walk, to the nearest exit. Seriously: ­do NOT buy.

You need a written contract with the guarantees for health stated clearly and distinctly. Ask questions. Review the contract before you sign, and BEFORE you take the dog home. The breeder should have no problem with this.. ­if they do ­then you should reconsider taking a puppy.

You must meet at least the mother, and the father too if available, of this litter and determine that the parent or parents have a temperament that you feel you can live with as an adult. Never leave a breeder’s home with a puppy on the first visit. IF the breeder tries to get you to take a dog with you on the first visit, this is an enormous sign that the breeder is NOT interested in the best interests of you OR the new puppy. Good breeders encourage multiple visits and will NOT send a puppy home on the first visit, and not until they AND you are absolutely sure this is a good placement. You must be told, verbally and in writing, that your breeder will always take back your puppy at any age, for any reason, for the life of the dog. If you hear these things from your breeder, and you hear their lifetime commitment to that puppy, you probably have found somebody you can get a puppy from.