Akitas

[Elfëa]

We have just few weeks ago got our first Akita. Well, my first - bf's father breeds them, so they aren't new to the other half.

He's nearly two years old, well bred and behaved. Unfortunaly his previous owner went bit on the loopy side with his 30 dogs (22 of them pups) and was jailed for beating someone up. Thus the breeder (in this case, bf's dad) fetched their 'own' dogs back. And we had him for keeps.

Here's some pictures

http/community.webshots.com/album/286818379YKOkpa

He still needs to gain a lot of weight, it might not show from the pictures but you can feel and see all his ribs and spine.

We are so proud of him

Any one else here owns an akita? Just wondering. They're gorgeous dogs, but dangerous in wrong hands due size and over-protectiveness.

 

[lady_tanksalot]

he really is cute

the guy at my local pet shop has one, his name is ice and spends all his time laid out asleep on the floor people have to step over him to get to the counter.
he's just soooooooo gentle even the little kids go and cuddle him and he's usuallty twice their size.

 

[Earthgirl]

OH IS HE EVER LOVELY!
I wish I had one!
I just have this throw pillow on the couch called a basset....

 

[canyon_rayne]

Oh, my god!! How precious!! My son't old babysitter had two of them and they were the sweetest dogs in the world..Just very, very big..LOL

 

[thrdwatchfan]

I have a blonde colored one and he is soooo handsome... His name is Kato. He's just a big teddy bear and very lovey... He thinks he's a lap dog... He is very good with my kids..I just love him to pieces

 

[boozybears]

OOOOhhhh.. I just love Akitas!

We came soo close to getting one few years ago but in the end decided we needed to wait until we move out of the apartment into a house. Have you had any troubles with the dominance thing? That's the only part that concerns me a little bit about this breed.

Beautiful pics!!!

 

[Elfëa]

Have you had any troubles with the dominance thing? That's the only part that concerns me a little bit about this breed.

In this case, I say - we haven't. However, I know the breeder - bf's dad has. It greatly depends on the dog's own personality, breeder and the lot. I definately recommend talking to a good breeder and get their help in choosing the pup etc. Females are always easier than males over dominace. However, protection is still the same with akitas. You do need to school your dog well, and get is used to people from pup. Other dogs - depending on the nature of the dog.
Sherman won't be let near other dogs due the fact he has had a big fight in past (of which the scars are still healing) - however strangely enough he doesn't show ANY aggression towards other dogs.
Sherman has no problem with dominance nor protection. He's still a pup in behavior tho, so this can change, but I don't believe so - he is 2 now, and the change generally comes around 18 months.

This all said, talking to good breeder - (I can recommend http/www.dantiakitas.co.uk who've bred Sherman, and they're really helpful ) about any concerns would be the best thing. After all they see much more dogs than just a single dog owner Every dog is different.

Here's Sherman having some fun:

http/www.dj-rowley.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk