Hi,  I have a lovely 6 month old bitch akita bought from one of your breeders on champdogs, I am considering having a male puppy to have as a pet also and for company for my bitch.  Can you advise me whether this would be a suitable match to have a male and female together, obviously I will have to consider neutering and spaying for the future, but as a friend for my bitch is this advisable,  I wouldn't want any fighting or jealousy between them.  I can imagine 2 bitches or 2 males might not work, but if you could help in any way I would appreciate it. many thanks

I would certainly w3ait at least another year or two before getting a companion.  You ahven't even reached the most challenging time with your present puppy.

In my expereinces the bigger the age gap the less like4ly dogs rte to fall out over hierachy issues.   The Akita is a known dog dominanat breed, so anything that lessens this is good.

Also others may correct me, but I have been told, as is the case with some other dog dominant breeds, no matter how well the dogs get on they should nver be left alone unsupervised, as it a fight broke out when you are not there it could lead to serious injury or death for one of them.

Opposite sex pairs are least likely to fight, but it can still hapen.

Brainless has offered you very sensible advice (as usual :) ) I would only consider an Akita of the opposite sex as they are much more likely to get on. Same sex Akitas can get on together very well, but if they don't - well, it's a nightmare. As said, however well they do get on, never leave them together unsupervised. I would wait until your girl is at least 18 mths-2 yrs before getting another one. That way, you can have her spayed when she is more mature, but will have had a season or 2 before you get a dog.
Good Luck, they are a wonderful breed.

>never leave them together unsupervised<

I cant see how this would be possible

So what your saying is for the next 13 years or so,everytime you go out you have to seperate them? Isnt that kind of defeating the purpose of getting another dog as a companion,if every time you go out you cant leave them together as company for one another?

>So what your saying is for the next 13 years or so,everytime you go out you have to seperate them?

Yes. Some breeds can't safely be left unattended with another dog. If they're crated separately they'll still be company for each other, but they're both safe.

I had 2 male dogs, both older though, but never seperated them, they were the best of friends until one died. I will not leave the puppy (female) alone with the old boy  unsupervised as she is too naughty and he would probably go for her, but when she calms down, i would consider it, but do short spurts until I know they can both be trusted alone all day (if the staffie is around that long :( )

Hi,
All dogs and bitches, have very diffrent personalities!
Dogs and Bitches can fight.
Brainless, gives you good advise!
Regards
Denese 

Hi I've an 23 month old akita bitch.  When she was about six months I wanted a companion for her.  I'm glad I waited because akitas don't fully mature till they are approximately 2 1/2.  When they hit about 14 months old, even though we went to training every week socialised all the time they hit a adolecence were they try and dominate again.  With only having the one you go back to basics.  If you have two going through it the same time it would be hard.  My advice is wait till your bitch as been spayed and matured.  We hope to get a new addition next year sometime.  Our akita now is a pleasure to own and is well behaved.  Akitas prefer human companionship to than other dogs.

Hi Hoshibear
I am the guest that originally wrote the above question, but have now registered on the site.  I am interested to know what changes take place between  6 months old and present.  My bitch is now in season (which i didn't know much about being my first dog) however I have been advised to have her spayed in the next few months.  I can't beleive what a good temperament she has - she seems to love all children and nearly pulls me over when she sees one to get stroked and fussed by them, all visitors are welcomed, and I certainly did read all the books on Akitas before i bought her, but she seems so different... Not that thats a bad thing, but i am wondering by your comments if she will change, as you stated you wanted another one as a companion for yours, but glad you didn't.  i had two kittens when i had my Akita and they have been bought up together and all get on well - i hope this will always be the case.  Any info/advise from Akita owners would be welcomed. Thank you

Welcome AkitaGucci!
Glad to hear your Akita is people friendly - that's exactly how they should be! However, it's how she is with other dogs that you have to consider if you are thinking about another one. Most puppies are friendly towards other dogs when they are young but, being a very dominant breed, when they mature they tend to be Top Dog - no negotiation required! Your bitch won't be mature until she's 2-3 yrs old, so you won't know how well she will accept another dog until then. Our Akita male got on with our elderly cat, loves my other bitches but will  not tolerate other males. He's also wonderful with people & children. As Hoshibear says - Akitas love the company of their human family. Personally, I wouldn't have your bitch spayed until she's had her 2nd season.

Hi Anwen
Thank you for your reply - can I ask you why it is (in your opinion) best to have my Akita spayed after her second season, and not in a few months.

Because she isn't physically mature yet and probably won't be before then.

And you won't know how often she is likely to come into season - may be every 4 months or every 9 months. As the best time to have her done is midway between seasons, you'll have a better idea of when this is likely to be after 2 seasons.