Breed Information
Akitas originated in Japan many, many years ago, and were designated a natural monument of Japan. They are a large, impressive breed with natural guarding instincts. They can be aloof with strangers, and are affectionate, but not "clingy" with their family. They tend to be independent, and while they will always know where you are in your home, they are not constantly underfoot or in your face needing attention as some of the more dependent breeds. Their independent nature means they should NEVER be allowed to roam loose or off lead in an unfenced area. Early and constant socialization and training is a must with this headstrong breed, as they will tend to want to make their own decisions unless taught otherwise. The Japanese originally bred them for hunting bear, so they have a strong hunting instinct. This is another reason they should never be off leash in an unsecured area, they will go off hunting on their own. Their regal demeanor is from a dominant attitude, in other words, they feel the need to be the boss of other dogs. They may get along well with dogs of opposite sex that respect them. However, they will not tolerate a challenge from another dog. Despite their size, they can do well in a smaller area, as long as they are given daily exercise. Their thick double coat "blows" twice a year, this means it will come out in clumps all over your house :) Their grooming needs are not excessive, regular brushing and nail trimming, with the brushing stepped up during the coat blowing period to help get rid of the dead coat and save some work on your vacuum!
All that being said, why would anyone want one of these large, challenging dogs that does not appear to live to please as most other breeds do? The breed does have its upsides, or what those who are suited to the breed consider upsides! They are generally quiet and not prone to nuisance barking. Despite their quiet nature, they are natural guardians. They do not need and should not have special guard dog training. The Akita will instinctively guard your home, which is one of the reasons they require extensive socialization. They need to learn that not all strangers are threats. The Akita, despite their generous coat, tends to be a clean breed with not much of a "doggy" odor. Dirt tends to dry and fall off a proper Akita coat, and they can often be seen grooming themselves in a cat-like manner. As mentioned earlier, they do shed excessively twice a year, when they lose old undercoat and grow new. However, the rest of the year shedding is almost non-existant. They are an independent breed, but most have a silly side reserved only for those people they know, love and trust. They do require to be a part of a family, and should never be a trophy relegated to the back yard. Their exercise level is medium. They will be happy with a good walk or jog, and are not a hyper breed.
Finally, this is a breed that requires respect, from family, friends and strangers. This is a hard concept for some people to grasp. This does not mean that they do not respect their owners or see them as leaders. If trained properly, they will and should see every member of the family as a leader, above them in the "pack order". Unfair or abusive treatment and training will lead to an Akita that resents you. Also, friends and strangers should wait to be properly introduced. Akitas are not given to indiscriminate friendships and do not need or want attention from every person that crosses their path. This does not mean that people should be afraid of an Akita. This does means, however, they should treat them as the beautiful, noble breed they are, giving them their space and respect, not forcing themselves on the dog.
Think the Akita is right for you? Contact me for more information, or visit my links page to contact other responsible breeders who will ensure you are properly matched with this beautiful breed...
The Saluki is said to be the oldest purebred dog in existence. Their country of origin is Egypt, where they have a long and noble history. Legend has that there are Salukis mummified in the tombs of the Egyptian Pharoahs. The Bedouin treasured the Saluki as much as they did their famous Arabian horses, and were just as selective with their breeding of these ancient dogs. Unlike other dogs, which the Muslim religion considered unclean, the Saluki was not considered a "dog", but a "Saluki" and therefore clean. They were allowed to eat the meat caught for them by the Saluki. The Saluki was bred to hunt desert hare and gazelle using their strong eyesight, and as such are a member of the Sighthound family, which also includes breeds such as the Afghan Hound and Greyhound. One look at this uncommon dog, and it is clear you are looking at a true "blue-blood" of the dog world.
So, they are pretty to look at and have a romantic history, but how are they to live with? The Saluki should never be allowed to roam or run off leash. They were bred to chase and kill small furry things,and any small critter crossing their path will activate that ancient instinct. Their focus and drive on their prey means that before they know it, they could be lost, or they will not see that car bearing down on them as they race for that squirrel or cat across the road. They are lightening quick, and will be gone in an instant. Some Salukis can be shy or aloof with strangers. This is a trait that some people who are used to a more typical, outgoing dog may find alarming, I find it charming. One final turnoff to owning a Saluki may be that some like to "sing". They are hounds after all, and occasionally will break into melodic howling.
A Saluki can be a joy to own, when it is in a properly matched home. Grooming is minimal for a Saluki, requiring regular nail trimming, and some brushing particularly if your Saluki has feathered ears and tail. Despite the occasional singing, they are not a very noisy dog. They will bark, but not excessively. Their energy level is medium to high. They are not a hyper breed, but do need a fenced area where they can run loose to fulfill that ancient need. They are a sweet, sensitive breed, with a quiet gentleness about them. The Saluki is an interesting mix of an independent dog who is sensitive to his owner. They are not a clingy breed, but do want to be with their people and are affectionate with their family. They are not a typical "obedience" dog, but do care a little bit about what you want them to do.
Interested in learning more about this wonderful breed, or maybe acquiring one for yourself? Contact me for more information or to help finding a responsible breeder in your area...
When someone thinks of a "show dog", the Afghan Hound is possibly the most commonly thought of dog, besides maybe the Standard Poodle. There is no denying that a graceful Afghan gaiting around the ring with it's silky coat flowing is truly a living work of art, a thing of beauty to behold. The Afghan Hound originated, obviously, in Afghanistan. Afghan Hounds were bred to hunt gazelle, hare, and, according to some, snow leopards in the mountain regions of Afghanistan. Surprisingly, they also were reported to be used as guard dogs, guarding the camps of the nomadic Afghan tribes. Legend has it that they guarded independent of human escort, often pairs dogs patrolling the perimeter of the camp on their own. They can be aloof with strangers, this is said to have been bred into them by their Afghani owners, in order to make the dogs harder to steal by competing tribes.
As beautiful as it is to look at, the Afghan Hound can be a challenge to live with. Obviously their coat requires extensive grooming. Much like human hair, it tangles, and often brings in mud, sticks, and numerous other "things" from the yard after a romp. No joking, one time I found a small toad tangled in my Afghan's hair! If you are keeping an Afghan Hound strictly as a pet, however, this can be avoided by keeping the coat clipped short. They are very independent minded, and certainly do not live to please their owner, they live to please themselves. The breeder and co-owner of my Afghan likes to say that Afghan Hounds do not have owners, they have staff, and truer words were never spoken. Some people call the Afghan Hound "stupid", when in fact, they are one of the most intelligent breed of dogs, with personalities very similar to humans. Just because they do no respond readily to commands does not mean they are stupid, they simply want to know what is in it for them! Like many other members of the Sighthound family, they should not be allowed to roam or run off leash in an unfenced area. Being bred to chase and kill small furry critters means that they will take off after that squirrel or cat, and, being an independent thinker means that they will not come back until they are good and ready.
Despite all that, an Afghan Hound is a wonderful member of the family in the right home. Their activity level is medium to high, they are not hyper dogs, but definitely need a fenced area where they can run. Once they have had their romp, they are more than content to curl up, or stretch out, on the softest seat in the house. The Afghan Hound has a sense of humor and will show its silly side to those it knows and trusts. They can be lap dogs, or not, as it suits them, and they are not a breed that is constantly under foot. They are not prone to excessive barking, but will alert you to someone approaching your house or property. As mentioned above with Salukis, they are hounds, and occasionally will break into "song". Their personalities are delightful, and they look absolutely gorgeous gracing your couch or bed:)
Interested in learning more about this wonderful breed, or maybe acquiring one for yourself? Contact me for more information or to help finding a responsible breeder in your area...