Is this a good dog for kids?

Question

Is an Akita dog good with kids? I have a big family and was wondering if it would be good with a lot of kids running around the house

if not what dog would be

the kids ages are oldest is 12 and the youngest other than my pregnant cousin lol is 1 and a half but I don't see the 1 and a half year old that much so probibly 12-like 3

Answer 1

This website seems to suggest that an Akita is an excellent family dog - though it does warn that it is not really the best sort of dog for an inexperienced (with dogs) owner.
http://members.petfinder.org/~MD149/Spotlightakita.html

This site is quite a good one to suggests dogs that might fit in with you, your requirements, your family & your lifestyle (though none of the questions seem to deal with how much time you have to spend exercising, etc) - still it might give you a pointer to a few breeds to consider.
http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/

Traditionally though the best sort of dogs to have with kids seem to be Labradors & Golden Retrievers ... though I'd also include Irish Setters as mine have been wonderful family dogs.

|Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I've heard that Akitas are not a good breed for people with a lot of children. They were bred as protection dogs, and protection breeds aren't always the best choice to be around active children.

Also, I've read that the breed requires an experienced handler who's willing to dedicate a lot of time and training to the pet. If Akitas are like a lot of protection breeds, you sometimes have to "lean" on them a little more to make sure that they follow the rules and don't get aggressive. I've never owned an Akita to know this from experience, but that's what I've been told.

A golden retriever or a Lab is usually a great family dog. They "roll with the punches," so to speak, and have good solid dispositions. It's hard to go wrong with one of those breeds.

Answer 3

Having owned an Akita, I would be very hesitant to recommend them to a family with a lot of kids running around. They become very possessive of their family, and I have heard of cases where they bit the neighbor kids because they thought their own kids were being threatened.

If you are going to get an Akita... go to a very reputable breeder (one who shows their dogs in conformation aka show ring, as well as obedience) to insure that the temperment is stable. Backyard breeders (who don't show their dogs and aren't active in their breed club or local kennel club) should be avoided because of the potential for unstable temperment. If you do get an Akita... you must make sure you take him/her to obedience classes as early as you can (starting as soon as possible with a puppy kindergarten type class) and continue until the dog is 2-3 YEARS old so they are "socially mature". When people stop doing obedience classes with a 1 year old dog, they often wrongly assume there will be no future problems, but then the dog becomes socially mature at 2-3 and BINGO, new problems arise.

You could also check into Akita Rescue and see if there are any rescue dogs available that are good with children. Keep in mind, many rescues will have very strict placement policies to avoid future problems, these dogs have already been through a lot in their poor lives.

I loved my Akita dearly, but he was definitely a handful... and I wouldn't have trusted him around small kids that weren't my neices or nephews. Do your research on breed and breeder carefully and you won't be disappointed.

Answer 4

A family member had an Akita. They were told it was a good family dog. It became very aggressive to outsiders and bit one of the children's friends. They had to have it adopted by an older couple. Prior to the Akita they had raised Golden Retrievers but wanted to take a break. Two years later they went back to the Goldens.
I prefer Labradors. They are loyal, friendly, fairly easy to train BUT they do need space to run around outside. So you have to have a yard or a park nearby. You need to know that the dog will want to play if you get a lab, they are big babies. So don't get a Lab if you can't play with him/her or let it go outdoors.
Good Luck

Answer 5

Probably not my first choice is the short answer. Have YOU ever trained a dog? How old are the kids? Are they well behaved or wild? Dog from a hobby breeder breeding for conformation & stable temperament, or unknown background? These are big dogs, and if they get into a position of being in charge of the household, can be dangerous (as can even a small dog that bites or growls).
Depending on the age of the kids & 'statistical odds', a better choice: Bichons (need professional grooming & can be difficult to housebreak, Beagles (can eat everything & not dies), Whippets (you can't find a cuddlier dog, and generally easy going), Basenjis (tough, clean, & smart), and even some of the terriers.

Answer 6

Akitas can be wonderful dogs, for an experienced owner who can train them. An out of control Akita can be dominant and even aggressive. Don't do it if you don't know a lot about dogs.

For more kid-friendly large dogs, look into Labs, Golden Retrievers, Labradoodles, standard (giant) poodles, Huskies (a lot of energy, though!). Greyhounds are a wonderful, soft tempered choice, but are a bit fragile - your kids shouldn't be too rough. Some breeds who are not ideal would be herding breeds (border collie, collie, heeler, Aussie shepherd, German shepherd, etc.) because their instinct tells them to chase and nip a running child. As someone else mentioned, any guard breed is not good either without a lot of training knowledge - that includes Akitas.

Whatever dog you get, please please be the type of parent who makes the kids understand they must respect the dog. ANY dog can be dangerous to kids who are not taught boundaries. Parents think it's cute when kids pull ears, 'body-slam', chase, pull tails, etc. It isn't cute, and one day the dog will retaliate for being hurt again and again.

Ideally, kids should not poke, pull, lay on, fall on, hit, yell at, or otherwise behave abusively toward a dog. EVER. They should be taught to pet gently, and to leave the dog alone if it is tired or eating. (Children should never interfere with a dog's food.)

Just use common sense. Unless you are experienced in handling large dogs, choose a softer breed, such as those I named.

Answer 7

If you get this dog as a pup and train it the way you want then i would say yes but as for getting one from another family or shelter i personally would not. I have a lab and they are the kindest gentlest dog i have ever had i would recommend a lab. They are low maintenance no brushing or grooming needed as for an Akita i believe they need brushed and groomed every so often. Also labs a re quick learners mine was house trained with in 5 weeks!

Answer 8

It depends entirely on the individual dog. However, I have heard that Akitas are known for being rather aggressive. Here is some more information on Akitas. http://www.akitaclub.org/info/breedinfo.html
Personally, I would reccomend any of the Retrievers.

Answer 9

I don't know much about akitas, so i can't say.. the sweetest dog in the world, if you ask me, is a bichon frise. great with kids, great dogs, etc, but can't really live outside. also have a had coat to take care of as it has to be combed once every 2 days. other than that, they're just the best. ive heard lots of great things about golden retrievers and labs also..

Answer 10

My ex has an akita and it is wonderful with the kids. It would lay on the blanket next to our seven month old and if he started to go away Blake would nudge him back onto the blanket. They are very well tempered dogs.