akitas

[phil04029]

is buying an akita dog in the uk illegal? and what are your views on having one as a family pet. im currently thinking of buying a new born pup kc registered. id be gratefull for all coments good or bad.

[lankeela]

It is not illegal. However, they are a very strong willed breed, and I would not recommend one for a first time or novice dog owner. Males tend to be very strong and difficult to handle. They go through a particularly hard to manage stage at about 14 -18 months, and I heard once that there are more male Akitas put down at 18 months than there are alive.

My sister has recently lost one who was eleven years old, and she had several other dogs before him. He was the most difficult dog she ever had and she used to take him out early morning so she did not meet any other dog owners as she had trouble holding him. He would go ballistic if he saw another dog, and if the postman came he nearly went through the front door glass if he was in the hallway. She had to take him to the vet to get his nails cut
as he would not let you do anything to him.

I would suggest you visit several breeders (not just the one who wants your dosh!) and get a feel for how they seem to take over your lives.

Bitches would be slightly easier to handle, although they are not that much smaller. Please think very carefully if such a dog would fit in with your lifestyle.

[snodhutch]

http://www.kumatomo-akitas.com/tips.htm
this site may help you decide.

[lankeela]

http://akitaclubofwales.bravehost.com/quest.ht ml

Some very good advice here for all dog buyers, but especially Akitas.

[888sally888]

Sorry to be blunt, but why choose a dog like this when there are so many gentler breeds available?

Often people (and I am not being critical of you) chose dogs as a status symbol and cant control them.

Why do it?

[curly lee]

i have an akita and i would not recommend them for first time dog owners or people who have children , as much as i love my dog and think of her as a member of my family i must say that these dogs ar very strong willed and if not raised properly they can become very very aggresive and anti social to all other animals and people so please please think very long and do as much research as you can and talk to responsible akita owners in your area before you purchase one , thanks