Akita Network

Puppy Mills and Pet Shots sell puppies for the SOLE purpose of mass production and income. These litters are not well planned Thus leaving you many chances of purchasing a puppy that may arise with genetic health issues in the future. All breeds carry genetic health problems and there is no way to avoid some of these issues, but a good breeder is going to study their pedigrees to the best of their knowledge, as to lower the chances of producing some of these issues. Puppy Mills breed what they have on their premises to provide the general public and Pet Shops with puppies, regardless of their health conditions.

Look for a breeder that asks many questions of their puppy buyers....this is an indication they care about their pups and not so much in the money... if they care, you will have a better chance of buying a healthy animal. Look for a "Hobby Breeder." They breed more so for the betterment of the breed...which in the long run will have a good long lasting affect on the breed.

Look for a breeder that OFA's, Annually CERF's, and checks the thyroid of their breeding dogs.

A back yard breeder (BYB) is one who acquired a male and a female and decided they had the combination to provide the public with puppies for a price. They may not know much about the breed, they do not show in any AKC competitions and they wont belong to any breed clubs. 99% of of BYB's do not perform any health certifications, nor do they have any indication of the health situations of their pedigrees.

Look for a breeder involved in dog clubs. Breed Clubs offer breeders the resources of education they may otherwise not have. The club can bring many breeders together to share information on pedigrees where some problems may arise. Thus leaving everyone a little more knowledgeable as to breeding programs.

A breeder that shows in AKC functions, is attempting to breed along the standard of their breed. Thus, trying to keep akitas looking like akitas.

Look for a breeder that guarantees their puppies with a written contract.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN AKITA BREEDER

1. What are the negative issues of the breed you are inquiring about? (All breeds have them, regardless of how minimum, and you should always be aware of future issues.

2. What health certifications do you perform on your breeding dogs, to ensure the health of your puppies (as much as possible)?

3. Will the breeder provide you with health certifications verification before you purchase the puppy?

4. Will a breeder provide you with references or referrals of previous puppy buyers?

5. How often do you breed? How many litters a year?

6. How many champions/titled dogs has the breeder produced? Weigh this number against the amount of breedings produced. (Some breeders will have a smaller number of champions because they don't breed quite as often.)

7. What are the health concerns of the breed you are currently looking into? i.e. Hip Dysplasia, Eye Diseases, Bone Problems (elbows, knees), Thyroid Disease, Skin Diseases...etc.

8. Is the breeder a Hobby Breeder, Puppy Mill, Pet Shop, Back Yard Breeder?

9. Does the breeder show in AKC Competitions?

10. Is the breeder involved in any breed or parent clubs?

11. Will the breeder provide a WRITTEN contract at the time of sale?

12. What types of guarantees will the breed provide on your new puppy?

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