Introduction...

Welcome to the tips section of our site. Listed below are tips and recommendations when looking to buy an Akita, along with articles on temperament and health issues.

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What to expect...

Akitas are large and powerful dogs that don't fit into every family. They have distinct character traits that we love but can cause difficulties for inexperienced owners who don't know what to expect.

They are courageous, loyal and devoted to their families - but often aloof with strangers.
They are great watchdogs - because they are very territorial - which can cause problems. They are quick to learn - good habits or bad! It is important to establish early on just who is boss. Consistent, fair discipline makes for a happy confident Akita. No one wants to own an uncontrollable bully, so early obedience training is essential.

Akitas can be 'dog' aggressive as they struggle to be 'top dog', so it is important that the owner spends time to socialise them as pups so they learn to tolerate other animals.

Choosing a puppy...

Because of their background as a hunting dog, there are some breeders deliberately producing Akitas with poor temperament. Be careful to avoid these breeders when picking out your puppy. While many Akitas are dog aggressive, especially when adult, they should not be vicious nor aggressive with people, and puppies should not exhibit these behaviours. If the breeder brags about what great protection dogs the puppies will make, your alarm should go off. Also, examine any adult Akita owned by the breeder. Do they offer the temperament you want your puppy to have when grown?

A little care helps you avoid these breeders. Look for someone who took considerable care in socializing the puppies and who has adults that would be a joy to own.

Health & special medical problems...

Overall Akitas are quite hardy, but care must be taken to avoid these problem areas:

1. Canine Hip Dysplasia

   The incidence of hip and elbow dysplasia in Akitas (as in many large breeds) can be a problem. However, any Akita used for breeding should be x-rayed at 2 years of age, and only dogs certified as normal should be bred.

   Conscientious efforts of breeders have kept the incidence of this condition moderate in the Akita.

2. Hypothyroidism

   Akitas are subject to hypothyroidism and allergic skin diseases, both of which can be treated. Incidence of hypothyroidism seems to be increasing, and sometimes, skin diseases are a result of thyroid dysfunction.

3. Eye problems

   Possible congenital eye defects. Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy have appeared in a number of breeds, including Akitas. These problems are an inherited disease and can cause sudden or gradual blindness.
   
   Careful screening of potential breeding pairs has helped reduce the incidence of these problems in the breed. Congenital ocular defects include - micropthalmia (small eyes), congenital cataracts (present at birth), posterior lenticonous (lens abnormally shaped), retinal dysplasia (retina developed abnormally).
   
   Entropion (eyelids rolling inward) and ectropion (eyelids rolling outward) can also be problems. VKH is becoming another problem in Akitas and is one to watch out for. The first signs are weepy eyes which vets tend to diagnose as Conjunctivitis. The weepy eyes soon change to huge staring blue milky eyes which requires prompt treatment if there is any hope of stopping blindness. Other signs are loss of pigmentation. The precise nature of the cause of the disease is unknown and treatment can be difficult. There is a lot to learn about this disease, and once the cause is established an improvement in treatment will be possible. The literature indicates a breed disposition but the mechanism of inheritance, if any, remains unknown.

Conclusion

We have now found the time to show our Akitas - we breed them so that other people can enjoy Akitas as pets or as show dogs if you have the time and dedication.

Our dogs share our life, home, garden and even our bed on a Sunday morning. They are part of our family.

We think temperament is as important as looks and our Akitas get on well with children and visitors alike - that isn't to say they aren't great looking dogs because they are!!

Choosing an Akita is a major event! We hope we have made it a little easier.

Questions? Email me. I'm here to help!
mary at kumatomo.com