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Any AKita owners?

52 replies

karen01 · 11/04/2005 09:01

We have an American Akita called Storm she is 6 months old, black and white. She is extermely playful with DH and DD (8 yrs) but really gentle with DS (10 months) and myself.

I just wondered if there were any other Akita owners on here.

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triceratops · 11/04/2005 10:06

Not an owner but one of the mums at our playgroup has an akita puppy. Her older child goes to school and the puppy has been banned from entering the playground there. This mum told us in great indignation. I would really prefer that she did not bring the dog into the playgroup hall. I am sure that the dog is very loving towards its family but an animal bred as a fighting dog cannot be trusted around small shrieking children it does not know in my opinion.

Have you had akitas before? I just wonder what made you choose this particular breed when you have a young family. I do think they look beautiful by the way.

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Mothernature · 11/04/2005 10:20

Hi Karen01 I don't have an 'American Akita' which I beleive is now called a Great Japanes Dog

"FCI has officially split the Akita into two breeds. The two are now known as the Japanese Akita and the Great Japanese Dog(formerly American Akita) and compete in two separate groups. The name "Great Japanese Dog" for the American type was politically motivated and has not made breeders of American Akitas happy. Second, a straw poll to consider a split of the breed in the US was not passed by the membership of the Akita Club of America. This means that we will have to live with this dilemma for a few more years. In the meantime the Japanese Akita Club of America has been formed and is in the process of seeking recognition through the United Kennel Club."

But I do have a Siberian Husky, why did you decide to go for the bigger of the two (Akita)dogs? what was it that attracted you to them?, sorry just very nosey..

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karen01 · 11/04/2005 10:33

Hi That is OK. I did know that they are now known as the Great Japanese Dog but I prefer the name American Akita as do breeders.

I have always loved Akitas, I used to look after one when I was 18-19 years old, it belonged to a cousin and they had two young children so I used to walk him for them and take him to the vets etc and helped train him.
I have always preffered big dogs rather than small yappy ones. To be honest we were thinking about getting a boxer as they are so doscile but after looking into the Akita breed a bit more and speaking to a local breeder out here (who we bought the dog of) and some breeders in the Uk we decided that the Akita is definatly the dog for us.
As for the breeding to fight thing this was in years gone by ad as the breed is mailnly used as family pets and show dogs now there temperments reflect this. I think as with any dog as long as you respect and know the breed then the risks are the same as with any other animal. The thing with Akitas is to introduce them to as many people as possible as puppies and get as many people to stroke and make a fuss of them. Storm is a very sociable dog now. She even runs to the fence for a cuddle of the other dog walkers as they walk past our garden.

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huskygirl · 11/04/2005 10:35

Hi Karen01,

I dont have an Akita but i have 3 Siberian Huskies. Pickles all 3 of them!

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karen01 · 11/04/2005 10:35

Mohternature as to why did I go for the bigger of the two breeds, the answer is i don't really know? We just fell in love with the American breed more when we started really looking into things 2-3 years ago.

This was a desicion that we have made over a few years, it just coincided with DS being Very young, but i decided that it would be better tohave the pup and baby growing up together. ( As i did with our lab)

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karen01 · 11/04/2005 10:37

Hi husky Girls, siberian Huskies- correct me if I am wrong but aren't they similar to the Akita.

Must go, got to pick DD up from school they finish at 1 here.

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Mothernature · 11/04/2005 10:39

I'm glad to hear your such a responsible owner, its sad to see so many going through the system, people just done know what they are taking on, I've seen alot of Akitas and Sibes that are needlessly in dogs homes be it R.S.P.C.A rescue due to neglect or not being trained or other horrible reasons, I would love to see a piccie of her if you have one...

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huskygirl · 11/04/2005 10:40

Yep, pretty similar i think. We know a woman who owns Akita's in Derby and they are just a bit bigger than our huskies really. Ours are great with my DD (8 weeks) and love her to bits. Just need lots and lots and lots and lots of walking!!

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noddyholder · 11/04/2005 10:40

what is the temperament like?we have been thinking of getting a dog but it must like kids and cats!They are beautiful btw

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Mothernature · 11/04/2005 10:43

Siberian Husky Description:

Siberian Huskies are a medium sized, strong, graceful, and tenacious sled dog. They are a handsome dog, energetic and dignified. While they are a medium sized dog, they are extremely strong, able to pull light loads at moderate speeds for long distances.

The Siberian Husky has a delightful temperament, affectionate but not fawning. This gentle and friendly disposition may be a heritage from the past, since the Chukchi people held their dogs in great esteem, housed them in the family shelters, and encouraged their children to play with them. The Siberian Husky is alert, eager to please, and adaptable. An aggressive dog is not a team dog, and therefore a lousy sled dog. Siberians are an extremely intelligent and independent breed. They can be very stubborn, owing to their original purpose, and they are easily bored. This independent and stubborn nature may at times challenge your ingenuity. His versatility makes him an agreeable companion to people of all ages and varying interests. However, this is not a breed that is typically recommended for first-time dog owners, as mistakes are easy to make and sometimes difficult to fix with this remarkably intelligent and opportunistic breed.

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Mothernature · 11/04/2005 10:49

Akita Descpription:

The modern Akita
The Akita today is a unique combination of dignity, courage, alertness, and devotion to its family. It is extraordinarily affectionate and loyal with family and friends, territorial about its property, and aloof with strangers. It is feline in its actions; it is not unusual for an Akita to clean its face after eating, to preen its kennel mate, and to be fastidious in the house.

Because it is a large dog, the Akita is certainly not a breed for everyone. Its personality is that of a survivor. Even though centuries have passed since the Shogun warrior owned Akitas, the breed still exhibits keen hunting prowess, extraordinary strength and endurance, and the ability to survive on its own. Akita owners must channel these attributes into early obedience training so that their dogs become good canine citizens rather than neighborhood bullies.

The Akita learns quickly and can become bored easily. Those who don't understand the breed often describe it as stubborn, when in fact, the dog is exhibiting improper training. The Akita thrives on the love and respect of its master and, with constant reinforcement training and a little creativity, can be a very good worker.

The Akita was never bred to live or work in groups like many hound and sporting breeds. Instead, they lived and worked singly or in pairs, a preference reflected today. The individual Akita is happy being an only dog or one of two dogs in a household, but can be very aggressive towards animals not part of his family group, particularly strange dogs. A properly trained Akita will learn to tolerate other animals and not go looking for trouble, but the owner must never forget his dog's inherent drive to be top dog at almost any cost.

There are many pluses to owning an Akita. They are affectionate to their owners and are excellent watchdogs, although they do not bark unless something is amiss. They require only moderate exercise, adjust well to apartment living as long as they receive daily walks, do not eat large quantities of food, and are long-lived. Negatives to ownership include a twice-a-year shedding of the thick, downy undercoat; the size and strength of the breed which, if not properly managed, can become a nightmare; and the predisposition to be aggressive to other dogs.

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noddyholder · 11/04/2005 10:51

they both sound fab is the husky smaller?

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Mothernature · 11/04/2005 10:56

Yes, as sibes are used for pulling over long distances, were as Akita were bred for Guarding.

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swiperfox · 11/04/2005 11:12

Just looked them up and come across a rescue site for them - has got me thinking about getting a dog again!

They look gorgeous.

We would love to have a pair of Alaskan Malamutes. They're our dream dog but may have to settle for a lab as we want something that dd/ds can easily handle and walk, and as dd is only 3 she's got no chance of handling a malamute!

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jodee · 11/04/2005 11:16

SIL has an Akita, I was wary of such a big dog at first, but she is an absolute softy and brilliant around their small baby.

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huskygirl · 11/04/2005 11:50

Mothernature - huskies stubborn! Thats an understatement !!!!!! They are an intelligent breed and need lots of stimulation. So so so affectionate though. We love them to bits. I think Akita's are a bit more fluffy too.

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Mothernature · 11/04/2005 11:51

Where are you Husky girl and do you go to any of the Rallies?

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huskygirl · 11/04/2005 11:56

We are in Newbury, Berkshire until next week then moving to Castle Donington, Derby. We haven't been to any rallies yet but are going to the wag and bone show in August. We bred one of ours last September so most of our time was taken rearing the little ones!! Hope to go to some soon! Our little boys great grandad got Best in Breed at crufts this year! Do you have huskies?

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swiperfox · 11/04/2005 11:58

Huskygirl - if you get the chance, you should go over to one of the husky days at Wellington Country Park - it's fantastic!! They race as well

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Mothernature · 11/04/2005 12:00

Yes we have just the one, are yours from Forstals then?

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Mothernature · 11/04/2005 12:03

here's the next show/ralley due Saturay 18th June in Cumbria if your interested.

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huskygirl · 11/04/2005 12:08

Forstals Kaliznik is Kai's great grandad. Bred with Linsea Christmas Angel!! We got ours from a breeder in Bedfordshire. Our girls are 2 and a half and our boy is just 2. Swiperfox - i've heard of that, just past Wokingham isn't it? DH is very keen on getting a buggy to be pulled along by them at a trizillion miles an hour!! where abouts are you mothernature? swiperfox are you local?

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huskygirl · 11/04/2005 12:10

damnit! have a wedding in Kent on the 18th, not till 4pm though - hmmmmm maybe could make it!!

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swiperfox · 11/04/2005 12:12

We used to live in Reading but are now on the other side of you, near Andover. Wellington country Park is on the road between B'stoke and Reading I think - we went to one of their husky days about 2 years ago and it was fantastic. We got talking to a breeder who we were all arranged to go and see and have one of their puppies but when we moved the garden wasnt suitable

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swiperfox · 11/04/2005 12:15

this is where we were going to get ours from. They are soooooo gorgeous!!

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