Expert: Maliya Clark - 4/7/2010

Question
I have a female Australian cattle dog. Shes a medium size dog of only 35 pounds. Shes very nice, smart and a really loving dog. Ive been wanting to get an Akita for a while now and I have done some research on them, but not to sure if I should get a Male or Female Akita. Which one would get along better with my dog?



Sincerely,


Christopher

Answer
Hi Christopher,

Sad to say that the bigger question is "Is it safe to bring home an  Akita when I've already another dog?".
However, I'll answer your question and throw in a little extra info, if that's okay!


Unfortunately, it happens to be that Akitas can be so aggressive with other dogs of the same sex that two males or two females should never be left alone together so it would be best to bring home a male and have both dogs spayed/neutered asap.

Bringing home an Akita is a huge thing, especially when you've another dog.
Most Akitas will not tolerate another dog of the same sex, and some won't tolerate the opposite sex either. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.

Akitas are best kept without other dogs. However, if introduced as a puppy and properly socialized immediately with other dogs as well as your own, such temperament can fade and your dog will quickly learn what's acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. But remember that every dog has a different personality. Some can grow to be placid and some can grow to be very aggressive - even when socialized early.



Another problem is that this breed can be difficult to read and often does not display obvious signs of aggression, but instead, an Akita may co-exist peacefully with another dog until suddenly, apparently out of the blue, a minor disagreement occurs, or perhaps the other dog pushes the Akita too far or approaches the Akita's food bowl or favorite toy, and then the Akita may attack with unsuspected ferocity.
They are powerful dogs and as lovely as the Australian Cattle Dog is, it will not stand a chance.

Akitas can be very possessive of their food and toys. Keep dogs and children away from them during mealtime.

The other week my female Akita growled at me when I went to move her bone from the doorstep. Such behaviour is absolutely unacceptable and she was punished immediately and severely, and lost her bone.

She's never done it before and she's not done it since.

If your new Akita does that to you or your other dog, IMMEDIATELY punish and separate. This will help with training in regards to behaviour.

So in conclusion, it's better off to bring home a male Akita that will be neutered asap. Always get a puppy. Immediately start socializing and training so that you will end up with a safer and more friendly dog.


I hope I've answered to your satisfaction. Feel free to ask anything you'd like to know and if you do bring home  a puppy, do send in updates and photos!


Kindest regards and good luck!