I wonder how hard it is to find homes for Akitas? They are not my type of dog either - I would imagine they really only appeal to the minority?

Hi Lee i'm from Liverpool, they also do shows in Kirby sports centre

I heard the jacobs factory Longmore lane too??

That is what I would have thougth too, amd was shocked to see that the registrations very quickly got to be in four figures,a dn I was told by one of their rescue workers that there are as many bred without the benefit of KC registration. 

It is very strange to me at least, owning a breed that is often mistaken for baby Akita's, which has never reached the 400 mark in registrations per year in the 135 year history if the breed in this country, with the first examples being noted in the 1870's.

My own breed tends to be a lot more easy going with it's own kind, and is a smaller more manageable size, but it seems anything large and macho seems to gain popularity far to quickly for a breeds good.

Many young men are attracted to the street cred these dogs earn them. I have seen far too many being walked muzzled as the owners, once they have grown up a bit and have reached the 25 mark, have realised that maby this was a breed that required a bit more than they gave.
The number of phone calls i get from gormless sounding men "you gor any pups redie? a wont a big dog, sumfin vat wont be scared ov awt, naat a mean?" ive had them all! Its makes me so mad!
These people think nothing of how the animal has been bred, what though has been put into health screening (i include thyroid in this routine screening, i do it myself) and no thought as to the temperament of the dam and the influence she will have on her litter.

The problem with Akitas is that people underestimate them. They think because their dog will not do as they tell it that it is stupid. They then think bacause the animal is "stupid" that its harmless and then when it does turn, all in a matter for 5 seconds, they have part of your anatomy missing!!!!!
Now don't get me wrong, this breed is my love, i would do nothing to damage its reputation (although for some people to be put off would be no unfortunate thing) but i know that without the proper care, training and breeding this breed can be a potential danger!
And now i have upset myself again, so im going to have a lager!

This is what is upsetting the fact that they are so often in the wrong hands.  the rescue chap I was talkking to had gone out of the breed as he was sickene4d at the amount of dogs in rescue that were poorly bred and in some cases dangerous. 

He is seriously worried about a high profile incident having dire consequences for the breed.

There was talk of them being put on the DDR, how much thruth there was in it i have no idea.

Now i know i come accross as a bit of a cow with A.L but i really see no need for him having a dog and bitch both with behavioural problems and insisting he breeds from them some time in the future. I recieved a letter the other day from a friend i hadnt seen for a while and the tale she told in this letter had me in tears. The way people treat their Akitas, the way they fail to put the time and research into the pup they go and buy because "its sooo cute" or "yeah good guard dogs these"! its sickening.
After reading this ive booked two more of my bitches in for spaying. Ive had enough. That leaves me with one bitch to breed from and thats only if i decide i want to next year. Despite all of my puppies being in secure hmes (for now) and there is always the promise that ill have them back here if need be. I know mine are safe. But thinking of all those others in rescue that have been saved from the cruelty of their owners, from the way they have been treated makes me feel ill.

Some people may want a dog for protection, loyalty and companionship

Some want fluffy white ones to put in their handbags - everyone's different ......

Sorry - DARK & BRAINLESS - The above post was not meant for u it was for CHLOE - hah :-)

Dark - I know exactly what u mean and the exact type of people u mean! - whether u may think that I'm one of them or not :-(

I have poeple asking me to 'let it off the lead an see what it does' in the park when there are other dogs around - although this type of person is a major obstacle they're always going to be there and eventually - maybe they'll be tackled - but I'd urge u not to get your two bitches spayed - as u don't sound like that's what u want to do!!! - and tho we've had heated 'discussions' on here - I for one think that u are exactly the type of person I need to be getting advice off - and u are one of the people we need producing good examples of the breed, before major problems do arise....

"Some want fluffy white ones to put in their handbags - everyone's different "

I would like to see Chloeh put Willis in a handbag that would be funny, but I think it more likely that he would wear it as a hat. :D

Hehehehehe

I actually wanted a Bichon Frise before i got into Akitas.
Bit of a contrast lol But i like both small and fluffy and big and dopey.
My asthma doesnt really like all the dog hair, but, since i have a spare £15 a month i'll carry on with the ventolin lol.

would your user name been "the light" then?

Not unless the book was written by someone else and the title were different.

What does thedark actually mean anyway?,is there an abbreviation we could use for you?,as it is too long to write,i'm soo lazy :o

When i first saw your username,the first thought that came in my head,was this poster is a "dark person" :D

Hi just a quick ?
if the breeders you know are reputable why do they not show their dogs secondly how on earth do these breeders find a suitable stud dog for their girls.

So Akita-Lee - did you take your bitch to the vet yesterday? What was the outcome?