grovesy

Looking at getting an Akita puppy and would like some advice or names of breaders in the north east.

Also I am not upto date on fully pedigree and Kenal club etc etc. I have seen a pup, 5th gen pedigree but they are unable to register with kc as the father was not kc registered but mother was. Does this matter ? Will this affect the pup if I want to register or breed.

I would prefer a dog over a bitch


Any help is appreciated

ScoobyWon't

You won't be able to register that dog/bitch or any of it's offspring. The five generation pedigree won't be recognised, by the KC or anyone in the know, if the dad isn't registered.

Health wise, not having a registered not have any effect, unless the parents pass on any disease, mutation, health problem etc.

Look nationwide for the right pup. Talk to lots of breeders, Google for breed clubs and see what information they can provide.

I travelled from Nottingham to North Wales to get the right dog (though he's a Newfie) and made sure that I was happy with the breeder. Also expect to be vetted by the breeder to see if you are suitable to have the dog. I would steer clear of any breeder who isn't concerned about checking your background as this indicates they are only interested in money and not the health of the dog.

Breeding is very hard work. Make sure you have researched all of the lines that you are considering and make sure the pup does not have any endorsements on it's certificate. You will have weeks of looking after the bitch, followed by 8 sleepless weeks with the pups, plus endless phonecalls from the new owners asking for help.

And that's all before you hear the stories about Akitas being a vicious breed.

To be honest, if you're only thinking of having a dog to make money out of puppies, you are barking up the wrong tree.

The breeder who my pup came from, will drive across Europe to get the right dog, and she pays up to 10,000€ per stud dog, and I don't know how much for the right bitch.

Don't buy anything from pets4homes.co.uk, that is full of puppy farmers and the associated health risks. Champdogs.co.uk is a good place to start looking, as is the KC's puppy finder, combining both with the breed club's advice.

Personally, I'd visit a few dog shows to see which dogs you like the look of, then make contact with a breeder. Chances are if that breeder doesn't have a waiting list, there is a reason no-one else wants one of their pups.

All IMO, of course. Enjoy your pup and the many, many years you have her.

grovesy

Thanks for that some good advice there and I was looking at pets 4 homes but was not impressed.

Also I am not after the dog for breeding, but I did think If i got a dog a could use it for stud at least once. Wouldn't know where to start so wouldn't dream in trying to make money out of it. It's going to be a family pet, my daughter has been after a dog for years and I think I have finally gave in.

ScoobyWon't

If it's for your daughter, not knowing her age, I would take het to some dog shows, so she can see them fully grown. Talk to owners who will no doubt tell you from first hand experience what they are like to own. Ask if they will let your daughter walk the dog. Her response will tell you a lot.

Find out about grooming regimes, exercise requirements etc.

In the Newfoundland world, breeders or the re-homers, will often bring s fully grown dog round to your house. They will then let the dog loose and watch your, and your families, reaction. If anyo.e panics, gets scared, or complains about the mess, they won't be getting a pup or rehoming a dog.

Don't forget to look for a dog training club nearby, expect to go Thete for at least one night a week for a minimum of a year, possibly more with a big dog.

If you can find a working club, that will give the dog a purpose and helps prevent unwanted behaviour resulting from boredom.

Devildog

Have you had Akitas before?

Amazing dogs but need proper training and careful handling. Many are not good with other dogs or animals. He's also going to be stronger than you.

Simon K

Hi, I had a Japanese AKita. I had a male one for 11 years. Researched the breed, found a good breeder and enjoy 11 years with my boy until he died 2 years ago.

IS this your first dog ? Japanese Akita's are a unique breed and not one I would recommend for a young daughter, or for someone that's never had a dog before.

During my 11 years, I had various issues, my dog bit two people ( both drunk and grabbed him ), had a 48 hr distruction order from the police ( fought it and won ), dog wardens ( due to dogs fighting down the beach ), and Im a responible owner, not some chav. These dogs are pure dominance, and you will always need to remind him you are the leader of the pack and in control, which becomes tiring.

Akita's look like teddy bears, but are very territorial and are not `pat` dogs. Dont get me wrong, I loved my boy, jesus I spent over £8K on him trying to keep him going, but would I have another one, now that I have children, god no !!!

If you buy one, he or she will grow up with your daughter and protect her, but if friends come round and they much about, the dog will see that as a threat and react. They are the most loyal, loving dogs to thier owners, but anyone that comes near them, christ they will have them.

For example, when my dog was a youngster, if I was standing next to a mate, if I started to pretend cry and act that Iwas being threatened by my mate, my dog would go for him. Childish I know but hey I was 26 :-) and loved 5hitting my friend up. When I had girlfriends over, if I kissed them infront of him, he would circle around us, moaning / goaning and trying to jump at. On his hind legs, he was 6ft tall !!!

However, I could never let him off the lead, and being a male ( with his ***** still intacted, which on reflection was wrong ) he would try and dominant everything. This made walking him a right pain. I used to envy people that would go for a walk, dogs off the lead, following. It was like walking a lion !!

I moved out of my parents and left the dog behind as my father had a stroke. The dog knew his place and protected my father and mother very well. He was a tremendous dog, and I miss him awfully. But, would I have one now that IVe got kids ? no.

There are two types of Akita, Japanese versions / American versions. I have an American one. You need to check for hips, gland issues, skin problems. They only last 9/12 years. Always see the parents, and check the hip score. Mine was some ex-kruffs winner's son, and had stupid registered names etc. That stuff didnt interest me at all, I just wanted a good strong dog. I never bred him, although I know he nobbed a few dogs down the beach a few times :-) Infact, writing this has made me feel happy and sad, happy menories, but boy loosing him was a terrible terrible time. He was my world !

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...a/30052008.jpg


Also, the Government is now trying to change the dangerous dog acts, and Akita's, although not on the dangerous dog list, have been highlighted.

I would not suggest an Akita. !!!!! However, how about a shiba inu ??? Thats what I would now get, as I have two young kids, 4 and 2. They look like small version of the Akita, the tail, and face, but smaller, less agressive, better with children and easiler to live with, i.e. get into the car etc.

SBK

grovesy

Some really good advice Simon cheers.

I have found a breader from the KC and he is local to me. He has had dogs in crufts etc so not some puppy farm.

I have mailed him a few times, so i'm going to arrange a meet with the family. I'm sure if he has any issues he will not sell to us.

Lots to think about though, didnt realise they could be so demanding.

eelz

iTrader: (10)

If you want a big,loyal,intelligent,aloof dog, read up on the Rhodesian ridgeback instead mate.. fantastic breed

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

Sister has two Akitas and a toddler and all have managed to survive quite happily.

In temperament, they are more like cats, they come and say hello but they are not bothered about being fussed all the time.

They are not good with other dogs though. They have a very pack animal instinct and have to be top dog. You really need to impose yourself on them to make them behave and it is easy to get wrong!

5t

Simon K

How old is your daughter ?? Dangerous age is around 5/8 as this is when, statistically, chlidren look at dogs as toys and get bitten. They walk up, perhaps from behind and grab them, which shocks the dog and causes him to nip / bite. They need to learn to stick thier hand out, get a sniff of approval. Also need ot learn about eye level and dominance.

You will need to work out the tempiment of the puppy and there are highlevel checks that can indicate what a puppy is like. Looking at the litter, some dogs stick together, some are loners. Some dogs you push away and they keep coming back to you. Others are scared and dont come at all. Do a google search and look for methods of testing, to try and give an idea of behavior. Cant say its a dead cert, but it does help. I picked my Akita out for a literally of 8, and did various checks.

On reflection, I should of brought a roast chicken with me and chose the dog that didnt try and eat it, as during my dog's 11 years, the number of chicken dinners he nicked off me, and the table when no one was looking. :-) I still remember turning up to my mum;s house, and watching him leg it out into the garden with a leg of lamb ! :-)

Im not saying an Akita wont love and get on with your daughter, god no. But, he will be very dominant around her and will look after her which is cool. Its that during your day to day living, you will need to remember that he wont get on with other dogs, or try and dominant them. People coming into the house will be looked upon as strangers. You will always have to be top dog, even to the point when walking him ensuring he never leads, as this means he's the top dog and rules.

I had some tremendous play fights with my one. Literally rough and tumble with him. I only had one time when he tried to make me his bitch, so to speak. He was around 2yrs and went for me during a scrap. I wrapped him up in my quilt and open slapped his nose. He walked off but I never had any issues again. I could literally take the food from his mouth if I had to, which believe me for an Akita is rare :-)

If you do get one, well, you have a mate for life there :-)

SBK

David Lock

We have one in our village. Really handsome dog but always on a lead and muzzled which seems a shame for dog but probably necessary on the street.

From what's said above it seems about the most inappropriate breed to get, good looking or not.

dl

grovesy

I am going to arrange a visit with the local breader. I will take the both kids and the missus and just ask them questions. I will also make it clear its more for advice (if they dont let me see the pups so be it) but TBH i dont think an Akita is the dog for us. As much as I would love to have one.

Some good advice from all.

PS

some very dodgy breaders out there, i could have bought one last night. None of these issues were mentioned

Rex93

If theres ever an example of somebody who should not own an Akita!!!

Dog bites people, fights with other dogs on the beach, owner pretends to be hurt so the dog becomes defensive and aggressive! and thinks its a joke!! allowed it to freely '****' countless other dogs! and let it steal food from a table!!! terrific example of the characteristics of good dog ownership! crikey!!......

Contact http://www.akitarescue.org.uk/ and http://www.jawt.co.uk/

They will tell you everything you need to know about the breed. You will also get all the information as to why people give them up....... They shed constantly, being one of them..

Socialisation and training from as early as possible is one of the most important things with these dogs.... get the right dog and the right attitude towards looking after one and they are one of the best dogs you will ever own. Puppy classes, walks with other dogs etc etc is a must.

If you are interested in getting one then try and arrange a visit to a fully grown dog and see exactly what the nice fluffy puppy becomes.

I own both a Japanese and American, have children who have grown up with them. The girls were 6 & 8 when we got our first and can honestly say that our previous dogs Bichons, were more of a handful.........

We always walk our dogs on a lead, the halti head type, which can often be mistaken for a muzzle........

As with the purchase of any animal, get as much information as you can to help you with your choice and be prepared to have a huge commitment for a long time.

LSherratt

iTrader: (1)

I'm reading this thread with interest. Also done a quick google on the Shiba Inu which was mentioned and that looks a fantastic dog too.

I'm looking to get a dog in the near future of my very own, and would like a medium to large dog who is a very loyal, protective/guard dog. The Doberman is catching my attention along with the Akita and GSD.

Simon K

Nope, Im an example of someone who learnt on the job, so to speak. I didnt know much about the animal and was my first dog, so learnt the hard way. I researched the breed and although reading about dominance and control, didnt fully appriecate it. I just loved the looks, and loved the fact it was incredibly loyal, never barked unless issues.

Im 40 now, and have a more mature way of looking at things. SO, yes, I would do things differently, but doesnt make me a poor example of an owner, just uninformed. The two bites were with drunks coming up to him and suddenly grabbing him at night, as nightime was walk time due to it being cooler and less public around. So, yes they got bit, and to add more fuel to your ` he's a poor owner` fire, I also whacked both of them aswell.

Knobbing dogs down the beach, yep, such is life. Those were the days I had him off the lead. Walks down the beach like like me going clubbing, and on the pull :-) One of the biggest mistakes I made was keeping him intact with his *****. I should of had his ***** removed very early on, to cool his character, and would of meant that the cancer tumour on his nut which spread and killed him, not happening. But, being a youngchap, I wouldnt like my ***** removed, so kept them. Big mistake !!!!!

Nicking chicken, yep, guilty. I liked the cheeky character but I admit that this doesnt promote control. But my dog was a pet / friend, not just an animal that sit / walk / run when I said. I liked his character, I liked how he was full of life and not just some animal machine. It just meant that I had to be aware of this and foresee situations where this might be an issue and prevent them.

Regardless of my dog owning skills, I learnt the hard way and feel I can realistically describe the good / bad things of owning an Akita. I havent even mentioned how the general public instantly see it as a dangerous dog, and whatever the situation, whether its started upon by other dogs, or grabbed by stupid members of the public, is always seen as the guilty party.

The reality of it is, is that types of dogs are guilty before they even do anything, so need to be muzzled, held on a lead and a fair amount of control / awareness is required if walked. This type of dog, although rewarding, is on the hard end of the dog owning scale, so if your looking for a pet, for the kids, then perhaps not the best choice. This is what I learnt, doesnt mean I would change anything, but feel it needs to be hit home before anyone thinks about buying one.

At the end of the day, I dont want to see an Akita being purchased, then discarded later on, which I saw often. I was often offered other akitas to home, as I kept in contacted with the breeder and has a member of a small Akita club in my area. I love the breed, the tails, proud way they stand, face, character and loyality. Hence way I like the Shiba Inu as its a little Akita without the issues.


Anyone that buys a dog, as a gaurd dog, you need to find out the legal position. Even to the point of the correct style of sign you can put outside your house. IF you have a sign with a picture of a dog, biting, say "Come in and make my day", well legal is stating your dog is violent. I learnt the legal side of this when I had a 48hr destruction order. £5K of legal bills and I proved my dog wasnt dangerous and was protecting himself. I wont even go into what is technically a bite and what is a nip :-), what the dangerous dog act is all about and how it doesnt comply in private homes, but does if side gates are open. Owning one of these types of dogs, in today's world, you need to be fully aware of what your undertaking.

Jesus, Im boring myself now :-) Anyway, I love Akitas, but be fully aware of what having one means. At the end of te day, we all love dogs, and just want the best.

SBK

Devildog

If you want a guard dog, get a Jack Russell.

If you want a much maligned yet loyal and loving addition to your family and are prepare to put in the graft then get the likes of a Doberman, Rottie or a GSD or an Akita and you'll be rewarded 100 times over.

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like a liability really, especially with kids involved, sure they are lovely but they sound like too much dog with kids around.

Adrian F

Simon K we all learn with every dog and i have meet other Akita owners on deserted beaches who go there as the only place they can run their dogs free as they can see people far enough away to get their dogs on lead and muzzled

i would say they are not a beginers breed and would be a gamble in a house with children, not maybe for you children but what about when they want friends round in the next 10 years?

Luan Pra bang

Any big dog breed can be a handful. I am lucky in that I have a 50 acre field to walk my dogs they are too much of a handful and pain in the **** to walk anywhere else as if they see something off they go. EVERY dog needs to be able to run off the lead and if mine don't get that they become and absolute pain in the ****. Having two big dogs also means holidays cost an extra £40-50 per night for kennels. I love mine and I feel better that when I am not at home there are 2 big Rottweilers there to protect the family but they are not in anyway easy to look after and they are guard dogs which means they will attack anyone stranger who walks through the door which can become tiresome.

David Lock

So if two kids stray into the field to kick a soccer ball about they are in trouble?

dl

sciboy

don't do it

billythekid

Its all about the owners with dogs. Some dogs dont need much work, a gentle walk once a day plus some play time with basic training and you will be fine. However other dogs are a real handful and a J/A is that type! You WILL need to put a lot effort into training and keep the alpha role all the time. Even years down the line the dog will try and become the alpha. Its a lot of work - if you are a "dog person" then great. If not, look at something not quite as full on.

ScoobyWon't

You can go on to the KC website, which has a tool to recommend which breeds suit your lifestyle. That may point you in the direction of a suitable dog.

David Lock

Spot on.

There are so many "big dog" owners who post here saying that GSDs, Rotties, Dobermans, etc have an unjustified reputation but that is simply because most owners just don't realise the work that must be put in to train them properly and so they cause problems.

An Akita was bred as a fighting dog and that means a lot of work to control its natural spirit. But very rewarding if you do.

dl

Simon K

If your prepared to do the work, and accept the characterlistics, then an Akita is a lovely dog ! My dog was a tremendous friend, buddy, pal and I loved his company. Yes, life wasnt easily at times but I wouldnt change it. I know the hard / strict dog owners will be pulling their hair out by my comments referring to him as a buddy / pal, and see me as a terrible owner but he was.

I didnt see him as a pet, just a silient hairy lion that lived with me. He never argued, he didnt suffer fools, wouldn't nag me and was always happy to see me Jesus, I wish my lady was more like him !

Eventually I will get an Shiba Inu.

SBK

Adrian F

why do people keep talking about Alpha positions dogs dont think like that

all dogs need consistant training and need to be socialised some breeds are predisposed to guard and be nervous around strangers these are known as guarding breeds they might never accept strangers in their houses and you would need to accept that this in a family setting could be a problem

Luan Pra bang

Nope the ball will be, the dogs will run up to them bark and wait for me to arrive. They only attack people entering the house and in general only adult males women and kids they do not see as a threat.

grovesy

Listened to all the advice and it has all been very helpfull. We would love to get one and have still been looking at pics of them on the internet tonight. But I don't think we would make good owners at this point in time.

Gutted but I think it's the correct decision.

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

[QUOTE=Devildog;10701563]If you want a guard dog, get a Jack Russell.

Yes and no, jack russell's ARE one of the most difficult dogs to train and require a hell of a lot of walking, they will dissapear for hours if you are not in total control of them when off the lead.

They may look cute but they were bread to be totally independent and fight wild animals, as well as being able to hold their own within a pack of hounds, which are twice the size of them.

Unless you have double the patiance and time/ strenth of character of an akita owner i suggest you don't pick a jack russell, they also top the list of dogs that bite and fight other dogs, big or small, they are totally fearless and extreemly resiliant and impervious to pain.

I have two and you really do need to be firm and know dog mentality to own one never mind two.

but i love them, best dogs i have ever had, but not for a beginner.

ScoobyWon't

I'm sure you will find a suitable breed if you really do want a dog. I absolutely love Newfoundlands, but I understand that a giant breed isn't for everyone.

My missus is a short ****, 5' tall, and weighs less than our boy will when he's fully grown. But we've prepared for it. He has a 1 hour obedience class every week, plus every Sunday we spend a whole day water rescue training. On hos days off, he just practices obedience. Hence, the big dog, can be walked on one finger. But it does take a lot of work to get to this stage. In fact, my missus has been asked to train as a dog trainer by the local dog school, as they think she is so good.

Try the KC breed finder tool to see what breed it recommends to tour lifestyle. It may suggest something you hadn't considered.