AKITAS

[Rod Hagen]

I've been bouncing around the idea of buying an Akita puppy. I know I know, there independent as hell and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs, even strangers if not properly trained during puppydom. But I think my being an escort will actually be beneficial to him in his youth, as he will be routinely exposed to the presence of others who quickly become intimate, and therefore pose a threat, to me. He'll be forced to learn to deal. I don't particularly appreciate "smart" dogs like Labs and Collies, as I don't necessarily consider a dog doing what it's been bred to do, "smart". I prefer the fickleness and independent nature of Akitas. Plus they're adorable, so there's that.

 

Anyway, anybody here have an Akita? Are they affectionate? I hate dogs that are even aloof with their owners; in such instances what's the fucking point? I like dogs that aren't terrified of water; will they swim for fun? Do they behave aggressively toward every damn dog they meet?

 

This is VERY IMPORTANT: how much do they bark as puppies? As adults?

 

Tell me as much about your baby as you can. This is a big decision. I've owned and trained many dogs, but it's been nearly 8 years now, and I want to make the right decision. THANK YOU

 

(A little background: about 1.5 years ago I was all set to buy a Rhodesian Ridgeback, but my BF is much more partial to dogs that are fluffy and cute, and I knew that because RRs are, well, kinda ugly, he'd never really get close to it. So I've been looking for dogs that are independent and interesting, i.e. not a Golden Retriever or Jack Russell Terrier, but still very attractive in a traditional "puffy head"-as my Monkey likes to say-way.)

[Guest Thunderbuns]

I have owned two Akitas, both died prematurely of cancer. They are great pets, so long as you don't expect them to be lap dogs. They are friendly to their owners but also aloof. After they have greeted you and had their chin scratched - so to speak - they tend to have the attitude "well we've done that, it's over for now!" They respect you and expect the same in return. If you're looking for "couchie couchie coo" - forget it.

 

I never had a problem with aggression to other dogs. The problem was more the aggression other dogs showed towards them.

 

They are NOT barkers, even as puppies - very silent companions.

 

I don't know your living arrangements but would caution that they are not the dogs for apartment dwellers, the main reason being that they are constantly hot while in-doors. They will pant & pant, especially in the winter when artificial heat is on and become restless. If you have a balcony, they would probably prefer to be out there, if they can be shielded from the wind.

 

And don't forget - they shed like CRAZY. Lots of hair = constent brushing and lots of work for your cleaning lady.

 

They are great dogs, but not without their problems. My gut feeling is that they are not the best breed for you.

 

Thunderbuns

[+ deej]

No specific experience with Akitas, but aren't they supposed to be a little schizophrenic? (That's just what I've heard...)

 

A friend has a half-Akita/half-Husky mix. He's FIERCELY protective of her, which she likes just fine. It took me the longest time to get over nervousness when I'd visit and hear the dog growling when I kissed her on the cheek. Her ex-BF told me the dog used to lay at the foot of the bed and growl every time they had sex.

 

If you want distinctive, independent, affectionate, a water dog, and a really unique personality take a look at Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Several friends have them and they're a hoot. They get along with people and with other dogs. They're kinda unfriendly towards water fowl because they're powerful swimmers and ... err ... retrievers. (They have webbed paws ... watching them in the water is awe-inspiring.) They've got the whole loyal-protective thing going, but not overboard.

 

Not as puffy-head as Akita, but certainly distinctive.

[OneFinger]

I've never owned an Akita but dated someone that had one. I'm a dog lover and had two of my own at the time. Maybe it was the scent of my dogs on me but that Akita didn't like me at all. My friend and I couldn't kiss, hold hands, or even hug without the Akita going crazy. Talk about being protective!!

 

I stayed over night a couple of times. The first night the damn dog chewed my shoes. The second time I hid the shoes. But, the dog still showed his displeasure by taking a dump on the floor next to my side of the bed. x(

 

My BF suggested I pet him to try and make friends. I tried that twice and got bit both times. (We're not talking about gentle nips. Both times the dog seriously tried to take off my hand and drew blood.)

 

I got the impression that these are one person dogs with a mind of their own!

[CT Dick]

I was at a dinner party once where the pet akita was lying on the floor between the host and a guest. Well into the evening, the guest reached down to pet the dog and it lunged up and bit him in the face.

 

Nuff said? x(

 

Dick

[+ Lucky]

An Akita sounds like a good match for Rod.

[Guest DCeBOY]

akitas are notorious for shitting to show displeasure with their owners.

[OneFinger]

Forgot to mention another potential "problem". Be sure to check with your insurance agent. I recently upgraded my homeowners policy and had to verify the age and breed of my dog.

 

I asked the agent about this. He said that his company (one of the "big three" insurance companies) would not write policies for people that owned certain breeds. I don't know if Akitas are one of the "banned" breeds but you may want to check.

[Rod Hagen]

THUNDER, you're a fucker, but I'm very sorry to hear about the deaths of your dogs. Those dumb things start to mean way too much to us. After all, aren't they supposed to exist to make US happy? I've mourned many times for dogs of mine that have gone to dust (some of whom didn't even die at my own hands, just kidding; but on the farm dog-death was too common of an occurence for my tender heart). Anyway, really sorry you lost your 2 babies THUNDER. That sucks.

 

Everyone else, keep the Akita stories coming (Ethan, how can a 100lb dog be considered "little"?) really appreciate the help. This is a significant purchase, and I want to make the right one. Thank you.

[Guest DCeBOY]

anything that weighs less than i do is considered little, rod :-)

[+ deej]

So are cats.

[+ Charlie]

Although I love dogs and can't live happily without one, I don't particularly like visiting an escort whose dog is part of the scene. (I'm fine with socializing with the dog after his owner and I have done the deed and are relaxing.) Akitas are notoriously protective of their owners and may interfere if they are present during energetic sex, and may be very unhappy and howl or become destructive if they are excluded from the room where they can hear activity. Since they are heavy shedders, they can also present a problem for clients who have allergies. If you decide to get one, check carefully for temperament (note: a neutered male is often more relaxed), and train it rigorously to obey commands. like "Go to your bed!" Also, you should warn new clients that there is a dog on the premises, since some do have psychological aversions or allergies to animals.

[Rick Munroe and Derek Ross]

>Although I love dogs and can't live happily without one, I

>don't particularly like visiting an escort whose dog is part

>of the scene.

 

We love dogs too but that's the same reason that we don't get one. Aside from a client possibly being allergic, we just don't want to have anything around that would be a distraction when we work/play. This is why we have few things in our apartment; no family photos on the walls...actually, we have nothing on the walls except mirrors. Lots of 'em.

[Rick Munroe]

Rod, I hope/recommend that if/when you do get a dog, you'll consider adopting from a shelter rather than going to a breeder. That's the humane thing to do...and I would think that even you have some humanity in you, no? :*

[Guest DCeBOY]

for $1500, i have a beautiful baby female french bulldog i could allow you to adopt. she has a brindle coat with a white star on her chest. she's fully AKC registered & an adorable little thing (you know, just like me!). :-)

her mother is the absolute BEST dog in the whole world (who i'm trying to wrest from the clutches of my former roommates).

[Justice]

>Rod, I hope/recommend that if/when you do get a dog, you'll

>consider adopting from a shelter rather than going to a

>breeder.

 

I agree that adopting a dog (or a cat) from a shelter is usually the way to go. (That's where my last dog -- a mutt who died of old age -- came from.) However, I would think long and hard about adopting a breed, such as an Akita, from a shelter. I would wonder what that dog was doing there. Was he hard to control? Was he agressive? Was he a biter? There are so many reasons why an animal winds up in a shelter and I would want know something about an agressive breeds ancestors' temperament before I brought him home.

[+ deej]

I agree about wanting to know why the dog is in the shelter, but it's not always because the dog was bad. Sometimes, people get these pups and only later find out they live in too small an apartment or for some other reason made the wrong choice.

 

Don't condemn the dog just because he's in a shelter. It could be because of human stupidity.

 

But these are questions you should ask.

[+ Charlie]

Rather than get a breed like an Akita from a shelter, I would suggest contacting an Akita rescue group--all purebreeds have official breedclubs that usually include a rescue committee (you can find one easily online or through the AKC). The people who do this work tend to be dedicated dog fanciers who are committed to finding the best home for a dog of their favorite breed that needs one. They are much more likely to know the dog's history and the reason it has been given up for adoption--or even legally seized from its former owners--than the workers in a shelter, however well meaning they may be. Many dogs in shelters are strays or have been given up by irresponsible owners, so it is hard to tell just what kind of problems you're inheriting until after you have the animal. Don't let me discourage you from adopting from a shelter, because those dogs are as deserving of a loving home as any other, and you may get lucky and find a wonderful pet this way; I did--once. By the way, puppies in shelters are almost always mixed breeds, so it's hard to predict what they will be like when grown; you're better off taking a young adult.

[+ deej]

That's a FABULOUS suggestion! You'd involve people who are committed to placing an animal in need in a proper home. They'd probably screen YOU as much as you normally would screen the dog.

 

My aunt "inherited" (adopted, whatever) an abandoned miniature poodle once. They're normally a docile breed (too dumb to be hostile). But that dog would attack anyone that jingled keys on a key ring. Not just challenge, he'd attack with teeth bared. Out of nowhere. He would seriously try to draw blood.

 

All we could ever guess was that he was a kennel dog and the kennel keeper wasn't the kindest of persons.

 

Sweet dog, otherwise, but it would have been nice to know the history. He had a good life, but we were all very careful about handling our car keys.

 

Your suggestion would be a great middle ground to avoid that situation.

[Rod Hagen]

You guys are really coming through. Thanks.

 

As far as a dog making me a bad escort:

1. I'm only considering the purchase.

2. I have a housekeeper to clear the hair.

3. Everyone would know before coming over.

4. The dog can be brought outside for an hour or two if he's upset, otherwise if he'll be quiet enough in the kennel that's fine too.

5. I have not been with too many new clients in the last 8 months or so, and all my regulars would not have a problem with it. Like I said, the rest I will inform and work around. If they have allergies, they better not come.

6. If it comes down to retiring or getting rid of the Akita, I'd retire. Dogs are not pieces of furniture to be exchanged or shrugged off just because they're inconvenient.

 

In my experience, I prefer pure breeds. That's ONLY my experience, but I don't wish to perform an experiment with another life by "Trying out" a mixed breed.

 

Further, I have no interest in pulling a new, pure bred, dog out of shelters or pounds or kennels, or rescue club. I MUST meet the parents. I INSIST on meeting the parents and seeing how the puppy interacts with the siblings. I need to talk to the owners about the parents personalities (and their parents and their parents...). I also want to investigate how much socialization the puppy has received so far. It better be lots.

 

Dogs are a very serious purchase. If people invested more time in making the right decision than just picking something cute, or needy, the pounds would not be so full (the mass drives to the Humane Society post-"101 Dalmations" comes to mind; dalmations being much more ).

 

For those who have, or have had, Akitas: I do travel, and so I want to know how they feel about cars? About airplanes (some dogs don't seem to mind planes, believe it or not)? I have a greind with big dogs whom I will leave the Akita with when he can't come along. I plan to introduce him to my friend and his dogs at a very young age, and repeatedly. I hope that helps.

 

I do live in an apartment but not only can I commit to at least 45 minutes of outdoor play a day, I would bring him along several times a week to the mountains and (dog) beaches. That should be fine, right, as long as he gets out for an hour or so every day?

 

Everbody, thank you so much for all the stories and encouragement. Please keep the stories rolling, this is very important to me. I really appreciate it. Thanks again.

[Will]

Well, you've hit on one of my favorite subjects. I have owned, bred, and shown pure-bred dogs for forty years. In that time, I have had dogs in the following breeds: Afghan Hounds; Whippets; English Cocker Spaniels; Norfolk Terriers; and Standard Schnauzers. That means that I'm pretty familiar with the general characteristics of hounds, sporting dogs, terriers, and working dogs. What's more, because I've been in it so long, I've known countless dogs of countless breeds; I have close friends who are breeders (I mean of dogs!) and exhibitors of many other breeds. One of my English Cockers was the top-winner in the USA for 1976 (Because it was the bicentennial year, I have millions of red-white-and-blue trophies in the basement.) I have bred both Afghan Hounds and, especially, Standard Schnauzers who have been big winners both in this country and in Europe. So I feel pretty familiar with the whole business of deciding on buying a dog. Finally, I happen to be a total nut for Akitas. If it weren't for the size, the amount of exercise they need, and -- most of all -- those huge coats that not only shed but have to be groomed all the time, I'd love to have one.

 

From what you say, you and I share exactly the same tastes in dog-temperament. I like dogs that are intensely affectionate, but not fawning; who are well-mannered, but not so dependent that they are afraid to make a mistake; who are playful, lively, and fun, but not hysterical; who are goodlooking, even stylish, but not impossible to take care of. Most of all, I like a dog who has sort of a "bad" side, a side so independent of what it means to be human that I'm constantly baffled.

 

With all those things in mind, the breed that best fulfills my ideals is the Standard Schnauzer. (I am not speaking of the diminutive Miniature Schnauzer or the big Giant Schnauzer, both of which one sees more commonly than the Standard; they are entirely separate breeds and do not share the characteristics I'm about to enumerate in the Standard Schnauzer.) They are medium-sized (males should be just under 20" at the shoulder and weigh about 45 lbs); they have harsh, handsome coats that are easily maintained and DO NOT SHED; they are full of life and fun; they are wonderfully intelligent -- as smart as poodles, actually, which is saying a lot; they are independent but intensely affectionate and loyal with those whom they know. With strangers, they are almost always aloof -- polite, but not at all forthcoming until they get to know the new person. (That also means that only a fool would walk uninvited into a house guarded by a Standard Schnauzer.)

 

Second on my list for all of the above would be a Norfolk Terrier or his first cousin, the Norwich Terrier. These are the smallest of all terrier breeds; they have coats that must be maintained, but not absolutely manicured; both Norfolks and Norwiches are less "on" than Standard Schnauzers, thus quieter and easier to manage. Norfolks, in fact, are famously the quietest and calmest of all terrier breeds. They will also watch television (I kid you not) BY THE HOUR as long as it's an animal show. (Standard Schnauzers are emotionally intensive and absolutely cannot be ignored; Norfolk Terriers are more independent emotionally. They are also so outrageously cute, even as adults, that there ought to be a law.)

 

The most independent dogs are the hounds and the terriers; the working and herding dogs are extremely intelligent, but they like to have A Project, which means that they're sort of dependent on you to give them tasks; sporting dogs and toys are bred to please, and that is what they do. There are of course exceptions to all of these, but I would NOT rely on the anecdotal evidence of casual observers, friends, or one-pet owners.

 

I would consider, above all, a Standard Poodle. They have everything, and all you need to do is to take them to the groomer once every six weeks. The only reason I don't have them is because I am not going to maintain a show coat on a Standard Poodle. Otherwise, I'd probably live with a dozen of them.

 

Send me a private e-mail if you want more!

[+ Charlie]

Will,

 

Like you I have owned all sorts of breeds over the years and been involved in the world of serious dog fanciers (I was showing Greyhounds when you were winning with Cocker Spaniels). I agree with everything you have said above about different breeds, and I agree that the Standard Poodle is probably the ideal for Hagen, except for one thing: image. Like it or not, the Poodle carries all sorts of stereotyped baggage which is immediately dumped on the escort by an observer. It's a shame that the silly haircuts have done so much damage to the popular reputation of a wonderful dog, because it probably does have the ideal character for an escort's companion.

[Guest DCeBOY]

FRENCH BULLDOGS KICK ASS!

 

(caps intentional)

[Will]

Well, how about this: a greyhound? There is no more beautiful creature on the face of the earth. There is no quieter, more affectionate, more mind-their-own business dog. AND you can adopt them through your local greyhound-rescue agency. I love the way Akitas look, but in a hot climate that coat is going to blow like a blizzard in Alaska. True, they are over-the-top butch, if that's what Hagen's BF is worried about. It hadn't occured to me, because I never think of a dog as somehow an image of me. But I do know that a lot of people pick a dog that they think will sort of enhance their self-image, or the way they want to appear, or whatever. Weird.

[Guest]

This discussion seems rather bizarre to me. When I got a dog, I read about the various breeds to find out which were the friendliest, not the most agressive and hostile to strangers. And I'm not even an escort. Why would an escort who does in-calls in Los Angeles of all things be considering a dog known for its agressive and "protective" behavior, and for its shedding in warm weather?

When I visit someone with a dog which behaves agressively, I tell them to lock the dog up or I'll leave. What is the attraction of these hostile breeds? Do their owners find it amusing to see discomfort in their houseguests? Is the dog acting out for them behavior which they wouldn't dare do themselves ("but it's just the dog and I can't help it")?

I recently visited a cousin I hadn't seen in a while. She said that one of her dogs recently died. The dog was so agressive, they could never have guests, nor could they take trips when they wanted because no kennel would take the dog, and only one relative of theirs was "accepted" by the dog. Talk about a dog running your life!

Why not get a dog in which everybody says "God, how I love your dog!," or "I'd love to see your dog again!". Walking with a nice dog is even a good way to meet guys, and break the ice with strangers. Why chose a dog that hinders your social life instead of enhancing it?