2 dogs to 3?Japanese Akita?

[Lochnessgiraffe]

We currently have 2 dogs and my dh has fallen in love with the Japanese Akita inu.
I have 2 questions
Does anyone have one what are they like?
What's the biggest challenge of going from 2 dogs to 3?

[Floralnomad]

Our neighbours have one , it can’t go off lead , it hates any other animal and it makes a fair amount of noise .

[TheBearBones]

Biggest issue with Akitas is the inherent dog aggression that is still very much present in the breed, if you have two other dogs. Would have a read of this www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/akitas.html , they are not easy dogs to own. Could be lucky and get one that isn't reactive to other dogs but consider this can always be a possibility, and obviously as they're such large, powerful dogs they have the ability to seriously injure or kill other animals.

[icedcoffees]

Japanese Akitas are known to be dog aggressive and reactive.

I would never own one if I had other dogs in the house. The risk is far, far too great.

[CasaBonita]

Why has he 'fallen in love' with this particular breed? Personally o cannot see the attraction whatsoever.

As others have said they are notoriously unreliable/aggressive with other dogs. Please don't put your other dogs in harms way. Get your husband to do some research!

[Hellocatshome]

Agree with PPs renowned for their dog aggression and unreliable around children. I would avoid.

[Wombat64]

See also a recent thread on going from 2 - 3 dogs. It's not as easy as 1-2 because of pack behaviour & other dynamics.

As for an Akita, just no, unless you live in a place where you can have your own fenced field. It's like Huskies, just unkind to keep them confined & not safe to let them loose.

[Figgygal]

Do you have aNy experience with the breed?
What breeds are your current dogs?
I’d be wary

[FloralJammies]

It’s a breed that you need experience of. Personally they’re not a breed I’d have especially with other dogs.

[30degreesandmeltinghere]

We have a Husky. Wouldn't have an Akita.
We researched hard for a year before we got her.
What does dh know about them?

[Lochnessgiraffe]

I'm worried about aggression too. We have 2 Shiba inu. They are very soft and daft but very stubborn and can't go off lead. We have a very large garden so run around a lot. I think he likes the Japanese akita as they are the bigger version of the Shiba.

[Aquamarine1029]

Your husband is clueless. I would never own an Akita.

[icedcoffees]

Please don't get an Akita.

You have two dogs already, why would you introduce another of a breed that's known for it's aggression and reactivity towards other dogs?

Akitas have been known to kill other dogs. A quick google brings up a fairly large number of articles where this happened. Why on earth would you even consider taking that kind of risk?

[ChardonnaysPetDragon]

I wouldn't.

I have two dogs and I would be very reluctant to bring a third one into the mix. It changes the dynamic, especially with an Akita. I'm an experienced dog owner, but I'm not going near them.

Sorry!

[Lochnessgiraffe]

Where is the 2-3 dog thread? I can't find it. If we're going to get another dog I think we should get another shiba

[PlatinumBrunette]

Japanese Akita Inus are very different from the American Akitas. Many people hear ‘akita’ and assume the American type.

As you already have shibas you’ll know roughly what you’re likely to get yourself into! I think (I may well be out of date with this, though) that there are only a couple of reliable breeders in the UK, so beware. I’ve met a couple who have some serious health issues so please do some serious research.

[Lochnessgiraffe]

Thanks. I wouldn't touch an American akita with a barge pole. I would only consider a Japanese one.

[PlatinumBrunette]

And in Japan they used to be known as nanny dogs, as they’d look after the kids while the mothers worked in the field ☺️

There’s one near me who is a long hair, which is weird (and gorgeous). I’d have one like a shot if I could.

[Lochnessgiraffe]

Imagine the floof! It's bad enough with the shibas

[PlatinumBrunette]

God yes, the shedding! And this one isn’t just ‘long’, it’s chow style long!

[RoseRedRoseBlue]

@Aquamarine1029

Your husband is clueless. I would never own an Akita.

No need to be so rude about it!

[WowIlikereallyhateyou]

I have always had American akitas and found Japanese akitas to be by far the more aggressive of the two breeds. As for an Akita with your shibas, I went to buy a shiba from a very well respected and crufts winning breeder. She had judged kitas at crufts, and told me to bring my dog along. And let us put it this way, my Akita was terrified of the Shibas! They were far to quick and busy for her liking, and could certainly look after themselves. The japanese akita is a far more aloof dog too.

[WowIlikereallyhateyou]

@Aquamarine1029

Your husband is clueless. I would never own an Akita.

You mean an Akita would never want to own you!

[icedcoffees]

Japanese Akita Inus are very different from the American Akitas. Many people hear ‘akita’ and assume the American type.

Both are known for their aggression and reactivity towards other dogs, though, and most research says they should really be kept as an only dog.

Personally it's really not a risk I would consider taking if I had existing animals in the house. If OP didn't have other dogs it may be a different story, but the welfare/safety of her existing pets should come first.

[NotJustfriends]

3 dogs is hell trust me... Mine are only small breeds, but I would never ever again own more than two dogs. The constant pack mentality, dominance asserting, obsession with eachother is wearing. Two was perfect, three is awful. My friend also has three dogs and has the same issues. Just completely changes the dynamics, and you're permanently outnumbered by dogs.

[Evenstar]

Here is the previous thread www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/4261162-third-dog

Seriously don’t do it even with an easier breed 3 is not a good idea.