Should we get an Akita?

Question

My mom wants an akita puppy. It isn't going to be a family dog, hers to keep for herself. We have 2 other dogs, and 3 cats. Will this suit our lifestyle? We have a huge house and yard with plently of space. We won't give him a run because we have a fenced-in yard with the gate at the end of the driveway. Will this work out for him? Our other dogs are chihuahua and brittany. Our cats are mixes except for one maine coon. Is this okay?

Answer 1

Sounds like you have too many animals already

Answer 2

Akitas are beautiful dogs, BUT they shed a lot and can be very aggressive - especially with small animals like cats and Chihuahuas. They can be extrememly independent and difficult to train. I would recommend that she choose another breed. If she likes the way an Akita looks, she ought to consider a Keeshond - very nice dogs and much better with kids and other animals.

Find a good breeder referral by going to www.akc.org or talking to people at dog shows. This is a breed that can have hip and aggression problems - you should get the best one you can!
http://www.akc.org/breeds/keeshond/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breederinfo/breeder_search.cfm

You can also find info about the breed clubs on the akc site - they probably have a rescue group where you can get an older dog for less money.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm

The best breeders will be members of their breed club, promoting healthy dogs with great temperaments. They should ask you a bunch of questions to make sure their puppy will be getting a good home. If all a "breeder" seems to care about is whether your check will clear, you can be sure he won't care a week later when the pup is dying from distemper or parvo and you want your money back.

Whatever you do, DON'T go to a pet shop, a flea market or buy one sight-unseen off the Internet!!!! You'll pay top dollar for what is usually a poor quality puppy mill dog that is often sick and may have falsified registration papers. And you'll be supporting one of the cruelest industries in the country. http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_puppymills

Answer 3

I would do some research on the Akita before you get one. Know that they are a high energy dog, and if you don't do a good job of establishing humans as the boss, an Akita can be one of the more aggressive breeds, especially towards other dogs. It might end up bullying your other animals.

Having a fenced-in yard is good, but if this is all the exercise that you plan on giving the dog (letting them run free), I wouldn't get one - because this unfocused exercise will not tired out an Akita.

The dog breed info site is good for seeing the temperament and characteristics of different dogs; it can help you find a dog that matches your lifestyle and energy level.

Answer 4

Akitas are naturally agressive dogs, that bond to an individual, and not to a family. They also do not like other animals, especially animals smaller than themselves. They are known to be stubborn and require a strong owner who is willing and able to set themselves in the position of the alpha. Now, a pup can be trained and reared to be a good dog, but it will still have some of these natural instincts that will be difficult to control. I am confused as to why a dog would be just your mom's dog, as that would make it very difficult for this animal to become socialized and a good pet, when there are other family members around. From the situation you have described, I personally, do not believe that an Akita is a good breed to bring into the household.

Answer 5

Akita's are beautiful dogs and do well in homes with people who have lots of dog experience. They are quite aggressive by nature, especially with other dogs.

Seeing as you have 2 small dogs and some cats, I don't think an Akita would be a good choice. Big dogs and small dogs already have issues about living together, but when you have a big dog that does not get along with other dogs, its a real problem.

Answer 6

hi there, we own a male akita that is my husbands dog mostly but of course is around the whole family.He is a year and a half old non-neutered malewe also have a 5 year old female pomeranianand a 5 month old chinese pug both small dogs, a long haired cat and 2 parrots. needless to say our akita is around a lot of animals.He has not shown any aggressive tendencies towards any of the other animals but both his parents were very calm laid back dogs and since dogs are pack animals we have let him know since he was a pup that he was not alpha male. My husband has always been very dominant around him as have I. My children have always rough housed with him and any type of aggressive behavior was not accepted. I could gone on but not eough room.haha!! with work i think it would be okay!

Answer 7

NO an Akita would be a very poor chioce for your situation.
You have small dogs and Akitas are not good with small animals.
They can be but not always.
Your mom is going to have to put in time and effort and training with this breed of dog. And you already have two in the house and three cats. Sounds like you have your hands full now.

Answer 8

My daughter has one, they DO NOT get alone with cats, they will kill them, most Akita's, will want to be the one and only dog in the house, call your vet and ask, but I know no cats. try a different breed. Go to a shelter and find a homeless dog.

Answer 9

err they are more dominant so you might end up with

no cats, half a brittany, and a beautiful dog thats agressive and not family oriented because he stays outside.

Answer 10

this sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. Why get a dog that won't fit in with the family. STUPID IDEA!!!!!!!

Answer 11

yes it should be ok as long as the dog has enough space to run around and play.