Land of Enchantment Akita Club, Inc.

all family members on a regular basis, inside the house too! They are generally devoted to their family and standoffish with strangers. They will usually be fine with the children in "their family", but not as tolerant with other children, since they are often overly protective of "their" children.

Because of their dominant natures and wanting to be Number One in the family, Akitas usually do not do well with other pets and can be very aggressive with neighborhood animals. As with all dogs, they require a fenced yard or enclosure that is high and strong enough to contain them. You should be aware that this Breed becomes easily bored and frustrated when left alone in the backyard or house, especially for long periods of time. This can lead to destructive behavior: like tearing things up, digging, chewing, escaping, etc. No dog should EVER be tied or chained out. Generally it causes the dog to become more aggressive and protective of its territory. A dangerous combination!

IT IS IMPERATIVE that Akitas have access to shade and plenty of clean, cool water. The Breed is a northern type breed, and New Mexican summers can be "tough" on them, they can die from inadequate protection from the heat and the intense sun. However, while they definitely prefer cool even cold weather, they must have shelter from the wind, rain and other elements.

WALKING AND EXERCISE...Akitas are a working breed, but they do not require extensive exercise. All dogs love a walk, but Akitas should always be on a leash when off of your premises. There are activities an Akita can participate in and things he can be taught, but remember, he tends to be aggressive with other animals, and can be stubborn, and will not want to please all of the time!

Obedience training will help the Akita bond to you, and provide the necessary skills to maintain control. There are many skilled trainers to help you. Akitas have a strong sense of FAIR, so you must never be cruel or abusive; for best results, be loving, but not indulgent and always firm and consistent.

AKITAS AND CHILDREN...Some Akitas are quite happy and loving around children, but they tend to be less tolerant than many breeds. Because of their strong sense of dignity, they will not accept being mistreated. Also teasing, screaming, running, and hitting can all lead to serious trouble between a child and a dog of any Breed. INFANTS AND SMALL CHILDREN SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT UNSUPERVISED WITH A DOG.

All dogs are "pack" animals by nature, and, as such, establish a pecking order. An owner must make sure that he/she is TOP DOG, and that ALL family members outrank the dog as well. Until your dog's role as the lowest member of the pack is established and understood, the dog may believe it necessary to put the child/person in his/her place when he/she behaves in a manner the dog deems out-of- line. Akitas require a well-established pecking order.

Typically reserved in manner, an Akita will stand to the defense of "his" person or family whenever a threatening stranger or animal arouses his protective instincts. This protectiveness extends to the house, backyard, and car as well. THE AKITA IS TERRITORIAL.

GENETICS…Akitas are prone to following health conditions:

Hip dysphasia - a malformation or remodeling of a joint, which can be painful and crippling.

Bloat - a gaseous buildup in the stomach that leads to stomach torsion.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy - an eye disease that results in impaired or loss of vision.

Thyroid imbalances - an abnormal thyroid level can manifest in skin, temperament or general health changes, requires daily medication.