Akita puppy

[sophie]

I woldm't like anyone to think they remain little cuddly pups for too long. Beautiful dogs that require strong handling so as not to become a nuisance, can be wilful if they are not shown who is the leader of the pack quickly. Very loyal to their family though if brought up properly.

[Owl Lady]

I do suggest you read a lot about this breed, before any decision is made.

[stellasstar1]

Yes, read up on the breed and only take him if you have a large enclosed garden and time to give him plenty of exercise. I have taken on my Cypriot neighbours(at the time they said he was a Husky) when he was 5 months, purely because I couldn't bear to see they way they treated him. The vets then informed me he is an Akita and is now 8 1\2 months and driving me crazy, far too much for me. Beautiful and loving but big, strong and has so much energy. A 3/4 hr walk in the morning and I'm knackered and he's home ready to play, to him that was just a warm up. If you can give the commitment, I have heard they make wonderful family dogs, very loyal, but hate, hate, hate cats. My cat has been in hiding for the last 3 1/2 months. Good luck with finding him a home.

[sophie]

Stellastar1, I think you're very noble to have done what you've done and I admire you. Beautiful noble dogs but certainly not the breed that a "novice" dog owner should take on, that's for sure. I'd not like anyone to be under the misunderstanding that they're taking on a Husky. BTW, there are abandoned Huskies all over the place now. They were dog of choice 18 months - 2 years ago but no longer it would seem. A very sad state of affairs.

[Barbieb]

Could not agree more with Stellasstar1 and Sophie, you need to be sure that you can take these dogs on and be dedicated, remember the dog did not decide to come you, you wanted the dog, so matter how cute you think it looks, make sure you are willing to give 100 per cent dedication or do not take these dogs on, because without it they are better off, remember a dog is for life, not just for Christmas!!!!

[Heather on the Hill]

I had never heard of an Akita and was going to ask what it is but gather from the foregoing it looks something like a Husky which is itself not really suitable as a pet, particularly in this climate. What is wrong with people who have to buy and import really unsuitabl dogs when there are so many lovely dogs (many of them obviously pure breeds or good half breeds) desperatefor homes.

Indeed noble of Stella Star to have taken this one on: wish I could help but it would be far too much for me, and I have enough coping with my own adopted dogs.

[PaulW]

If anyone is interested in what this breed of dog looks like, watch "Hachii: a dog's tale" starring Richard Gere.

I should warn you that you'll need to stock up on the Kleenex if you decide to see the film.

They are beautiful dogs but agree they take a lot of looking after.

[Owl Lady]

Yes I cried buckets. It also showed the loyalty of the dog for it's owner!

[stellasstar1]

Please don't think I'm being noble, but just couldn't bear to see how it was treated, and now I'm stuck. I have never had or wanted a dog, but what do I do? It's 8 1/2 months old and has a lot of years ahead of it, which I certainly can't cope with, being well past retirement age myself. If anyone has a solution, would be very grateful. He's a magnificent animal, white, handsome, basically trained but I can't cope. In England I would take him to the RSPCA or some animal centre, but there is nothing like that here. Sorry, seem to have gone off topic from the original post.