 Barked: Sat Feb 18, '12 8:19pm PST |
 | |  | | Oh, one thing I should also put in...
While I wouldn't necessarily say this is - common - in the breed, it is something to watch out for: Pemphigus Foliaceus. It is an immune disorder where the skin attacks itself. If it goes untreated, it can be fatal. Unfortunately, Lobo has this. We have a holistic vet, and the meds are actually pretty cheap, but it's constant upkeep and takes serious dedication. It didn't show up until he was about four years old, either, so watch for that.
Honestly, naming off /every/ health issue in Akitas would take too long. They are a generally hardy breed, but they have a lot of problems that /can/ show up. Definitely get an Akita from very reputable, respectable, trustworthy lines and watch for popular sires/dams, inbreeding(too closely or too often), and the usual things you want to look for.
And about Akitas getting aggressive with same-sex: Yes. Before Lobo was three, he was wonderful with all dogs. He used to pretty much ignore dogs at dog parks. After two-three, though, I can only have him with dogs he already knows - and even then I need to be watchful and careful. He's never been in a true-blue dog fight (the one time he came close, he didn't use his teeth at all) but obviously you can never be too sure.
Chrissy,
Like Mika&Kai said, nomming is an affectionate gesture. Lobo is very mouthy, but has ASTOUNDING bite inhibition. The only time he doesn't pay attention to the strength of his teeth is when we're rough-housing. But take note that when I say rough-housing... think of two college boys throwing each other around for fun. It looks scary, but it's all fun. It also helps that Lobo and I worked on forming a close bond before I tried to do any training.
Oh! I have a funny story about Lobo. So, I'm reading a training book (The Thinking Dog: Crossover to Clicker Training by Gail Fisher if anyone's interested - personally, I think clicker training is absolutely astounding for stubborn breeds such as Akitas, but that's another story) and in it, it talks about how laughter can be reinforcing for a dog. I was thinking about it, and I can totally see it! For the years we've had Lobo, I never got on that ground and rolled on my back (I was into dominance before I found clicker training) but once I stared doing that, Lobo started feeling more comfortable "tickling" me. He uses the front of his teeth to nip at my sides and my legs. At first, it was a rare occurrence, but I always laugh (it tickles!) and now, any time we play, he does that same thing whether I'm standing or laying. He's absolutely adorable. 
Hmm... I think one major question I would have is: What makes a good quality Akita breeder? |  |  | |  |
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I still take him for walks, but I have to make sure I tell the person with a dog coming towards us that mine does not get along with other dogs (course, it proves a bit difficult when the other dog is off leash GRRRR!). Breaks my heart, but otherwise he's the best dog I've ever been owned by. LOL Training is essential with this breed, but like others have said, it needs to be gentle but firm. They are loyal dogs and fiercely protective of their family. But, they are also silly and very entertaining dogs. When he was younger, he was also very destructive and had bad 
