Hi,

A friend wants a Japanese Akita, and would like to know:-

a) any good books on the breed to learn from
b) how much they cost (pet only, will not show or breed)
c) what to ask, and where to go, to get a puppy of good temperament
d) what genetic disorders could they suffer from (breed specific), and what tests if any he should ask if the
parents have been tested for (i.e. eyes, hips, hearts)
e) what other considerations should he be thinking about if he wants to own this breed? i.e. any specific
idiosyncrasies to Akita's that he should know about.

The friend is a novice dog owner, having had dogs when he lived at home with parents but this would be his first since he now owns his own home. Any advice would be useful. Please reply to me on:-

Kris.Kingsley@honeywell.co.uk

Hi, can give you a little help - Good book by Dave & Jenny Killalea ( hope names spelt right) contains good info about the breed and really helpful. Parents should be hip scored and eye tested. Akitas are lovely breed but quite willful and can be aggressive with other dogs so need lots of socialising early on. Temperament is paramount when choosing puppy . They can also be destructive in the home. The Killalea book also gives all health problems Akitas are susceptable to.

Good Luck

Lorraine