Koda + Nala

Seven years ago, we bought our first house and could finally get the dog we always dreamed about. As I looked around for Huskies in our area, I came across a litter of Akitas that would be available for adoption soon. I googled the breed to see what they were and instantly fell in love. I understand that many people are not supportive of dog breeders and advocate purchasing rescue dogs or those from humane shelters. While I do aspire to provide a home for rehabilitated dogs in the future, special care must go into nurturing animals who have been abused or neglected. Our only child was almost one year old, and we planned to get a puppy that would be raised up along side him and our future children. I also made sure to research the breeder, who was just a local individual with a male and female Akita – not a puppy mill looking to profit greatly, with very clean and adequate conditions for his pets. Let me just say, our Akitas changed my life.

I am a dog person by nature, so keep that in mind – but I believe every family should experience the joy of canine companionship. There is truly no match for it, and I am forever grateful. To provide a little history on the Akita, there are two variations to the breed. Akita Inu bloodlines trace back to wolves, but the modern standard was developed in northern Japan, where they are now a national monument (the only dog in the world to receive this distinction). Bred in rugged, mountainous terrain, the Akita is equipped with versatile hunting abilities and heightened agility. Our Koda climbs the ladder to our backyard playset when he wants to get a view from up top and hops back down a few steps with ease. They are regal dogs, revered for their nobility and loyalty. The movie Hachiko, available on Netflix, documents the true story of an Akita’s unwavering commitment to their family. Hachi traveled to the train station daily with his owner and continued to make the trip every day for ten years after his owner died unexpectedly at work, never returning home. Inspired by this story, Helen Keller inquired of the breed and is credited with bringing the first Akita to the United States in the 1930’s. She later wrote, “If ever there was an angel in fur, it was Kamikaze. I know I shall never feel quite the same tenderness for any other pet. The Akita dog has all the qualities that appeal to me — he is gentle, companionable and trusty.” As their popularity grew, many men who served in World War II later brought the admired dogs home to their families.

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Side note – while Akita’s are amazing dogs, they are not the ideal choice for every family. They are extremely intelligent and strong willed. They are powerful and dominant by nature, so thorough training is required. A clear leader of your pack (family) should be established for the Akita to follow. I feed our dogs twice a day, walk them, groom them, cuddle with them, take them to the vet and generally nurture their every need. However, O’Bryan is their leader, and it is so obvious. When he walks in the room they lay down by his feet and eagerly await his commands. This sounds intense, but basically – they respect him and want to please him more than anything else in life. They still respond when I tell them to “sit” or “stay,” but they know mom is here to love on them and play. Akitas rarely bark; they communicate by whining and we often have full conversations this way. They can be standoffish with strangers, by choice, and reserve their goofiness for those close to them. As with any dog, it is important to socialize them from an early age. They are not overly energetic, but as working dogs they certainly require exercise and love to be outdoors. The breed in general has an affinity for children, but this must be cultivated to ensure effectiveness.

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I won’t hesitate to say, I trust Koda with my children’s life. There are unfortunate circumstances we hear about where a dog bites a child or injures a baby, and my heart aches for those families. However, Japanese history will tell stories of Akitas being left to guard the children in villages for extended periods of time while the men go hunting for food. This included protection from bears and wild boars that often inhabit mountainous regions and would try to steal food. The day we brought our youngest son home from the hospital, we put his car seat down on the floor and Koda sniffed him once then laid down next to him with his chin on his paws. He has always had young children around to pull on his tail, attempt to ride him, and squeeze his neck in an overly forceful display of affection. We purposely distracted him and let our kids interact with him during feeding times as a puppy. Now, he’s not food aggressive and is so patient with children. As with any breed perceived to be hostile or dangerous, the conditions they are raised in are so important and can outweigh instincts that are innate.

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Temperament should be the most imperative factor when selecting a companion. We just added another Akita to the family after YEARS of searching. We were much more informed this time around and had lots of experience living with one. Koda has been such a blessing that we needed a partner for him with a compatible spirit. We found a reputable family in Kansas with the same values and love for the breed as ours and knew right away she was the perfect fit. It’s been so beautiful to watch her bond with our pack, and we all have a deeper appreciation for the various puppy stages this time around. Dogs are a lot of work and take devoted effort, but the rewards are more than worth it. The loyal protection of our Akitas is a comfort to my soul. My dream is to grow old and retire on a big farm with lots of them to raise and love on. There’s a frequent quote seen from owners of this breed that simply says – Once You Own An Akita, You’ll Be Owned By One Forever. They take over your heart and will never leave your side.

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Also, they are incredibly cute puppies. Please enjoy the many pictures I have taken with love!

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