Hello. I have always heard Akitas are not good with children and other dogs. I'm starting to wonder if this is true given the posts in this forum. Also, in your experience are they one-person dogs? Any advice or insight would be appreciated! Thanks.
Any dog can be good/hate children it all depends on how they have been bought up. I wouldn't leave any dog/puppy alone with any child under 15 years old regardless, even if they are good with children, as it only takes a second for a child to hurt a dog & for the dog to turn on the child.
I agree with this totally. I feel a bit embarrassed by thinking certain breeds are not good with children after being a "dog person" for so many years. I do believe that certain breeds are more likely to be a one person dog and not good with other dogs though. Thanks for the answer!
Zara my previous GSD loved children, however Kula the GSD we have now hate children. Zara was everyone's dog but Kula is definitely one person dog (my brother) look at my 6 JRT's all related yet Dottie don't like other dogs, the other 5 get along with all other dogs.
Speaking from my own experience, one of my Akita’s was not happy around small children except for my son with whom he was fine. The other didn’t fawn over them, but was ok There is always the exception, but Akitas are not generally good with strange dogs, mine were fine till they reached 10/11 months from then on I couldn’t let them off lead as they were not good with strange dogs and although well trained their recall could be unreliable’ if something runs they will chase, if its a small dog its still prey. I wouldn’t say that mine was one person dogs but they are defiantly family dogs.
Ok. Thanks for the insight @GsdSlave. I was just curious and as I don't have a specific breed in mind for our next dog I am researching extensively. I really want to get the "perfect dog" for our family. I know nothing is perfect but as close as possible would be nice.
I've had many breeds of dog from Yorkshire terriers to Rotteweilers. I agree with the above that any dog can be dangerous if not raised right. Miko (our Akita) has been raised with my own child as well as children in our family. She's great with kids but we've taught the children to be kind and respect the dog, she's patient and caring. Follows my son everywhere and she isn't jumpy so she doesn't knock him over. Akita's are also very clean, she was so easy to house train I was amazed. My friend has a chihuahua and I would never trust it alone with my child, that being said he hasn't been raised around children. Akita's are wonderful dogs but do a lot of research and I hope you find your perfect dog soon
My dog is picky who he likes dogs and people wise if he doesn't like them he will ignore them but I've found if he keeps getting pushed by either he doesnt like then he tends to react and for being a one person dog they will love everyone in the family but they will not listen to anyone but thier master most of the time I seen this with my friends akita and I start to see it in my akita
She's fine with everyone in our household and she knows her place but I've found she will listen to me more where as the other half might need to ask her twice lol. In terms of her prey drive, if she's out and she's off the lead she will have to go to sniff it out before coming back to us. She's fine with cats but with birds she almost hunts them like a lion (crouches down and waits). Akita's are quick learners but very stubborn and socialisation is the key! Oh and with strangers she'll bark at the door, approach them cautiously, sniff then go about her business. Akita's are natural guard dogs and don't need to be taught Sorry for such a long reply!
Thanks for the replies! And @Yazmin I like the long replies. They give more info. Thanks for taking the time everyone! I am learning a lot.
It really does depend on the Akita and the child/children. Akitas are strong-willed dogs by nature and pitted against a strong-willed child a battle will ensue. Some dogs just naturally put up with a lot more than others. In my opinion, Akitas don't fill this bill. However, Akitas brought up with kids that know the rules will do fine
My daughter has grown up with dogs and knows to respect them. I would be concerned about other children who may come to visit. Thanks!
I've got to think they've got some kind of questionable temperament. Therapy programs and stuff won't allow them oftentimes. Nigredo was accused of being an Akita mix and was immediately disqualified. He's an excellent dog and he's not stubborn, mean, or headstrong like I read Akitas can be. He's also extremely patient and will NEVER lash out in frustration. In addition, most importantly, neither I nor most people I speak to can see ANY Akita in him at all. They're often called "Japanese fighting dog" so I see why a therapy program might not trust their temperament.
I think it stems from the notion about them once being used as babysitters while the mothers went into the rice fields to work. This has translated to some people as "Safe to leave alone with infants and toddlers". What it really means is that they are territorial and can be possessive of their space and things, including their family.
