SO YOU WANT AN AKITA?
The Akita is the largest of the Japanese breeds and is considered a National Treasure. It has a long and distinguished history but was introduced into the United States after WWII. Many American service members discovered the breed and brought an Akita home; however, the first official Akita to enter the country was presented to Helen Keller by the Emperor of Japan after she met an Akita while on an official visit.
The Akita standard calls for the dogs to be large, powerful, dominant and often animal aggressive. Akitas were bred for hunting and guarding the family home in Japan, so they have a high prey drive which can sometimes be easily triggered by other animals or small children. On the other hand, Akitas are extremely loyal and devoted to their family. They often need to be close to their family members and need homes where they can be inside/outside dogs.
NM Akita Rescue Group recommends anyone considering an Akita research the Breed thoroughly before adopting a rescue Akita or buying a puppy to insure this breed will fit their lifestyle. There are numerous excellent sources of information available (please check out the links below). If considering buying a puppy please do not consider a pet store since the puppies there often develop health problems due to poor breeding. If buying a puppy from a breeder, please insist on having health (eye and joint certifications) and a contract that allows you to return the puppy to the breeder for any reason.
The Akita is the largest of the Japanese breeds and is considered a National Treasure. It has a long and distinguished history but was introduced into the United States after WWII. Many American service members discovered the breed and brought an Akita home; however, the first official Akita to enter the country was presented to Helen Keller by the Emperor of Japan after she met an Akita while on an official visit.
The Akita standard calls for the dogs to be large, powerful, dominant and often animal aggressive. Akitas were bred for hunting and guarding the family home in Japan, so they have a high prey drive which can sometimes be easily triggered by other animals or small children. On the other hand, Akitas are extremely loyal and devoted to their family. They often need to be close to their family members and need homes where they can be inside/outside dogs.
NM Akita Rescue Group recommends anyone considering an Akita research the Breed thoroughly before adopting a rescue Akita or buying a puppy to insure this breed will fit their lifestyle. There are numerous excellent sources of information available (please check out the links below). If considering buying a puppy please do not consider a pet store since the puppies there often develop health problems due to poor breeding. If buying a puppy from a breeder, please insist on having health (eye and joint certifications) and a contract that allows you to return the puppy to the breeder for any reason.
Please remember all Akita puppies are adorable, but all grow up to be large, powerful dogs!
USEFUL LINKS
The following links will provide useful information about the Akita and several recognized Akita rescues around the country. If you are unfamiliar with the breed or have never been owned by an Akita, please check out the Akita Club of America site (akitaclub.org), Barbara Bouyet's site (akitas4u) and the akita rescue site. All have information for current owners who are considering placing their dogs with a rescue and provide information and tips that might enable you to keep your Akita. The additional links will take you to other rescue sites around the country. Please remember that all rescues are over-full and stretched to their limits, particularly in these tough economic times. We urge you to consider a rescue Akita if you plan to add an Akita to your family.
http://www.akitarescue.com/
One Heart, One Mind
New Mexico Akita Rescue Group
New Mexico Akita Rescue Group
Chrisan Smith, Coordinator
New Mexico Akita Rescue Group
