Akita or Malinois Questions

Yep the main thing is that the dog fits into my lifestyle. After further research with the husky I have decided not to go with getting one. Mainly due to the digging trait they have. I am starting to like Akitas slightly more than the malinois due to the fact that Akitas aren’t as intense as malinois. But still it is a very hard decision. I am already looking at finding some breeders for both breeds.

What are some of the negative traits of Akitas?

I am slightly confused. In your OP you say

and now you ask

If you had done "extensive research" did that research not mention any negative traits of Akitas?

I know the typical negative traits such as the stubbornness, shedding, potential aggresion etc but I wanted to know a bit more from someone who’s actually owned an Akita that’s all.

To be honest, with pre-teen children I wouldn't go for either of the breeds you are looking at.

While the dog may be fine with your own kids, visiting kids may just tip the balance - it's usually where the problems begin.

Most dogs will protect their owners when push comes to shove, but some more so than others.

I see. I have heard a lot about some dog breeds being OVER protective. I guess it all comes down to the tempermant of the specific puppy.

I’m don’t think that’s the case, it’s one of Akita’s “ natural “ traits & many people like the idea of them protecting the family that can come with many problems
If they are encouraged to protect they will struggle to understand the good guys from the bad
Most of Akita traits that you will see when you research are really embedded & to enable them to become part of a family you almost have to work at calming the traits down
They are a handful & not for everyone
I’m a member of a few Akita rescue sites & there are soooooo many waiting to be re homed .... not because they have been naughty, it’s simple because they are Akitas & people see the fluffy cuddly puppy and don’t understand how & what they need
Akita rescues have really strict rules when re homing
....
Single animal house
6ft fence around your property
Children over 12
No full time workers
....the list is endless & for good reason
I’m sure when you read what I have put it may sound as if I don’t like the breed, well, we got our Japanese from a really good breeder, he actually shows and wins with our dogs grandparents ( I’m not sure dogs have grandparents, but, you will understand what I’m saying)
He is now 2 1\2 and we have have so many tears along the way, we wouldn’t change him now, but, we are fortunate to have been able to retire early, we are in our 50’s at home all day and it’s just us 3 in the house, it’s calm & we have a routine, it works well, it’s taken all this time to be a calm, well mannered, happy pooch.....it’s not been easy !
I’m so glad you are chatting to people in this group and not taking your decision lightly because if you get an Akita and it doesn’t work out for you & your lifestyle it will be heartbreaking for you and it will cause your Akita ever worse problems it gets passed on
Philippa

Wow thanks for the in depth response. I have also heard that Akitas should never be encouraged to guard as it can cause some issues especially in public. Also if I buy any dog, it has to fit with my lifestyle, how the dog looks doesn’t really matter to me.