1. Be sure the pups come from American Kennel Club registered parents, and insist on seeing the registration papers.

2. Ask for proof that both the sire and dam have been x-rayed for hip dysplasia and cleared of eye diseases. Make sure the sire and dam are x-rayed normal, and their eye exam showed no abnormalities. It's one thing to say, "Oh yes, they've both been x-rayed" or “A vet checked their eyes”. Let's see if they're both normal. Ask to see the OFA and CERF certificates; if the parents are not OFA'd or CERF’d, ask to call the vets for x-ray information and eye information.

3. Be sure the pups have been wormed for ascarids, and have been given the necessary vaccinations (Parvo, Distemper, Lepto, Hepatitis, etc., according to the age of the puppy). This should be in writing.

4. Be sure the breeder provides you with a health record and directions for feeding the pup. Information on supplements and how often to feed are quite important.

5. Read a copy of the A.K.C. Standard for the Akita so that you will know something about the requirements for the breed. There are size limitations, for instance. A puppy from parents barely making the breed standard in height will not likely grow comfortably to the 25" height required for Akita males, or the 23" height required for the Akita females.

6. Observe the parents. Is the dam friendly? If she panics and hides under a table, how many of the pups will take after her? If you want a personable, outgoing puppy you had better buy one produced by a personable, outgoing dam. Same goes for the sire of the litter.

7. If you are buying a male pup for show or breeding make sure the testicles have dropped into the scrotum. If a testicle is retained and the seller still wants you to take the pup, make sure the seller puts it in writing . . . dated . . . that he guarantees the other testicle to drop within a reasonable period. Most testicles are down and stable by the time the pups are six weeks old. If you are still waiting for one to drop at four months, you have a problem. Even if the testicle does drop that late, the dog is NOT a good bet for breeding. Your Veterinarian will explain. A dog with a retained testicle should be neutered, as cancer can develop.

8. Akitas may have a variety of problems you should be aware of, such as long silky hair, flopped ears (in a pup 8 months or older), sickle tail, splayed feet, entropion (your vet can explain this to you). Be cautious of buying a pup with really runny eyes. Hernias require surgery. A true hernia gives the pup a large (quarter-sized) bulge in the abdominal area.

9. The tail must curl. The lips, eye rims and nose should be black. The pup should look well fed, but if the belly is too distended it might be full of worms rather than food. The pup should show no signs of limping and should be able to use its legs easily in a trotting gate.

10. The pup should have a jolly attitude. He should look well fed and cared for. He should be easy and comfortable in the company of his litter mates and breeder. Take the time to observe the pups. Watch how they play. Remember . . . Akitas live to be about 10-14 years of age. That's a long time to live with a dog. How nice if you and the dog are good companions. How dreadful if you and the dog don't like each other after a couple of months. People that buy and get rid of pups every few months are missing the fun of a good relationship with a dog . . . a relationship that requires time to make it mellow.

11. Akitas can also have eye problems: cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), etc. Both dam and sire should have eye checks dated within the past year. Ask to see the certificates. (Akita Club of America)

Squaw Peak Akita Club Member Breeders