Websites have opened a WHOLE new door to the average consumer.  But there are draw backs to this wide variety of buying… there are good ones and bad ones, and it is up to YOU to use the other avenues of the internet to see the difference!

When you are looking to find a breeder, or purchase a new puppy for your family to love… You want to make sure your family will have a full life with this Akita.  Research and education is the key!  Over the last 5-9 years we have seen the internet grow a tremendous amount!!  Put these site to good use, and research what has been given to you.

A few good pointers when looking for a reputable Akita breeder:

What does their site center on?  Selling, puppies, information, education, family???

Do they NOT ONLY talk about health certifications such as, OFA, CERF, thyroid… but can you find these Certifications on their site?  If not, will they give them upon request?  If and when they give them, it is your responsibility to verify them to be true.  OFA has an online database at www.offa.org and CERF has an online database at  CERF.

One of the first things to be a generic description of an Akita site is CHAMPION BLOODLINES…. (this statement could include 1 dog out of 25 in a pedigree.) The question should be, are the parents Championed or AKC pointed?  Will the breeder give you verification?  If the parents haven’t been shown...why are they breeding?  How much knowledge do they have about the health behind their dogs if they aren't active in the AKC Show Ring, and are they quality to be representing the AKC Akita Standard?

Another great question for your potential breeder; Are they a member of the Akita Club of America?  This will tell you whether or not they have signed the ACA Code of Ethics.   

Another great part to review is how often do they have litters?  Research for a few months and keep an eye to see how many puppies these breeders are producing…  Ask yourself, are they producing to fill a supply and demand? If so, how careful are they about the choices and health of their dogs?  You will be the family who has to endure everything that may happen in the future.

Do you see any photos on the site of showing?  Or just talk about it?  If an Akita is NOT proven in the show ring, who is to determine whether that Akita is of quality to be bred?

Another good question is:  How old are the dogs they are breeding??  A good stable age to start breeding is two years or older.  OFA will NOT even give a final certification on hips until 24 months of age. 

What types of guarantees does the breeder offer?  Do they require anything except money for you to purchase a dog?  A breeder, who cares about their homes, is a breeder who cares about their puppies.

Does the breeder’s website refer to any Akita Rescue Organizations or Educational Akita Sites?  Do they support the Akita in all aspects of the breed? 

There are sites on the internet that refer to themselves as “Ethical Breeders” – “The Best Akita Breeders” – and so on…  but it is your responsibility to make sure they aren’t a dog dealer, puppymill or back yard breeder trying to make the all mighty buck.  In the long run, your family will suffer the results.

If all else fails, ask for references of other Established Akita Breeders.

*Note: Good Ethical breeders can produce puppies with health or temperament issues, doing your research will not guarantee you everything, but it will help to make your chances MUCH better.  Wouldn't you rather support a person who has a love for the breed, educates, stands behind the puppies they sell & will offer you assistance and advise for the lifetime of your puppy.  This is a responsible Breeder.