Hey all, I'll just take this opportunity to introduce myself as a new member and novice owner here.
A friend offered me one of his akita's latest litter of pups. Right now they're a month old and all healthy. Btw, technically they're 3/4 akita (the mother was pure, father has a mixed ancestry of akita/german shepherd) I've been doing a little research on akitas and since this is my first I have a few questions about what I should look for in choosing one.
I keep hearing that males dont do so well with young children, and tend to be aggressive, so as its my first 'Northern' type dog should I defintely look for a female?
Would it be safe to assume that they'll all basically have Akita traits (dominance etc) and vulnerabilities (hip problems, etc), or are the GS genes likely to have a significant effect on this?
I read about Puppy evaluation tests on another site, does anyone have any experience with this? Basically, I'm looking for a calm, tolerant temperment. In my experience with akitas they're either fiercely aggressive or mellow bordering on apathetic. Is it safe to assume that a puppy with these traits will keep them in later life?
I've got a pic of the litter in my email, and I'll post it if I can find somewhere to host it, is anyone wants to have a look.
Thanks in advance for any help offered.
A friend offered me one of his akita's latest litter of pups. Right now they're a month old and all healthy. Btw, technically they're 3/4 akita (the mother was pure, father has a mixed ancestry of akita/german shepherd) I've been doing a little research on akitas and since this is my first I have a few questions about what I should look for in choosing one.
I keep hearing that males dont do so well with young children, and tend to be aggressive, so as its my first 'Northern' type dog should I defintely look for a female?
Would it be safe to assume that they'll all basically have Akita traits (dominance etc) and vulnerabilities (hip problems, etc), or are the GS genes likely to have a significant effect on this?
I read about Puppy evaluation tests on another site, does anyone have any experience with this? Basically, I'm looking for a calm, tolerant temperment. In my experience with akitas they're either fiercely aggressive or mellow bordering on apathetic. Is it safe to assume that a puppy with these traits will keep them in later life?
I've got a pic of the litter in my email, and I'll post it if I can find somewhere to host it, is anyone wants to have a look.
Thanks in advance for any help offered.