PUPPY BUYERS GUIDE

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Please note that the Akita Association of Ireland do not recommend/condone, or support the purchase of puppies of any breed via commercial internet sites selling live animals. Whilst there may be sites which are a pointer to reputable breeders, these sites should only be accessed to point you to a good reputable breeder.

Buying a puppy is a long term commitment. An Akita puppy can be with you for up to 14 years. So it is important to take your time to research the breed thoroughly before making a decision which will affect your life for many years to come.

This puppy buyer's guide will highlight the important aspects to be aware of when you are considering the new addition to your family. If you have any further questions not covered by this guide then contact any member of the club committee who will be more than happy to answer any questions.

Research the Breed

Research the various reputable breeders and choose one or two who produce dogs which initially appeal to you. Make yourself aware of the health conditions which affect the breed.  It is a good idea to attend breed related events such as seminars, shows, and working events. Even if you don't intend to show yourself it is a great way to learn about and watch the breed as well as find breeders who are involved in the breed's community. Finally READ ALL ABOUT THEM

Health Testing

Reputable breeders aim to improve the overall health of the breed by only breeding from healthy good examples of the breed. The Sire and Dam of the litter are tested before the mating takes place and are only used if the results are acceptable. Health testing is expensive, however by performing breed recommended tests, and then only  selecting top quality dogs for mating, reputable breeders can eliminate genetic conditions and minimise the likelihood of non-genetic conditions occurring. It is very important to note that "Vet checked" does NOT mean Health Tested.

Hip Scoring is recommended for most breeds although the validity of Hip scoring in our breed is yet to be established as a necessary test. The BVA Eye Scheme can detect many hereditary eye conditions however to maintain the “EYES CLEAR” test, the eyes must be done annually. Once again this test should be a case of if necessary rather than mandatory. Genetic tests are available for many other known conditions and new tests are continually being developed. For further information regarding the appropriate health tests you can contact the Irish Kennel Club.

Health testing does not guarantee quality nor that the puppy will not develop problems later in life. So many influences in the outside world can determine how your puppy will turn out. However you want to stack the cards in your favour and you can do this by buying from reputable breeders who only use quality evaluated stock.

Be aware that the Irish Kennel Club registration is not a guarantee of quality nor that the breeder is reputable. 

However if a pure bred litter is not IKC registered it immediately raises a 'red flag'. There is no good reason why a litter should not be registered with the Irish Kennel Club. If a litter is not registered it is likely the dam of the litter may be too young, too old, had too many litters, or be endorsed for health reasons.

Be extremely wary of any advertisement which uses a phrase such as "pedigree dog with papers" as it is likely that any such litter will NOT be Irish Kennel Club registered. If in doubt ask for confirmation the litter will be Irish Kennel Club registered and not with any other unofficial registration system.

Choosing your Breeder

One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the breeder of your dog.

Reputable breeders care about their breed, their dogs and those litters that they bring into the world. These breeders health test their dogs when necessary prior to breeding.

A reputable breeder will also :

• Be contactable for any problems or moral support and reassurance for the entire life of the dog.

• Stay at home with the pups from birth to pups going to new homes, and have someone with them 24 hours a days in the first days and weeks.

• Begin the basics of socialisation to household life, people, other animals and also the beginnings of training.

Be prepared to wait for a puppy from the right breeder.

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Be prepared to ask plenty of questions and answer questions about yourself and your life style. Be wary of any breeder who does not confirm your family, accommodation, and work situation. Reputable breeders treat their dogs as members of their family and want to find the best possible homes for them.

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Most importantly never buy a puppy because you feel sorry for it and want to get it out of an awful situation. Doing this just fuels the trade in poorly bred puppies, so no matter how hard it feels just walk away. That puppy will most likely cause you years of heartbreak not to mention the cost of the vets bills.

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The breeder should provide a written diet sheet and worming schedule and a guide to dealing with your new puppy in its first weeks in the new environment.

Conclusion

Remember you are making an investment which will hopefully live with you for 12 or more years. So take time to do your research, be prepared to wait a little longer and pay a little more for a healthy well bred and well socialised puppy. A lot of time, effort and experience not to mention love and attention is put in to the breeding of good healthy sociable puppies by the reputable breeders. This is reflected to some extent in the price you should expect to pay for a good quality healthy puppy. You don’t get a quality puppy for a few hundred Euros the same as you wouldn’t get a Rolls Royce car for a few hundred Euros.

Recommended Reading

1. Our Akita One Dog – Two Faces – Gabriela S Richard(available from the club)

2. The Dog Vinci Code – John Rogerson

3. The Other End of the Leash – Patricia B. McConnel

4. 21 Days to train your Dog – Colin Tennant

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If you are seeking a new puppy for your home please get in touch with us for a list of our recommended breeding kennels

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Alternatively, should you wish to rescue or foster, get in touch with https://www.huskyrescueireland.ie/