From: Akita Club of America, Inc.

When you are looking at a cute bundle of black fur the important facts about just who is offering this Akita pup for sale may escape you. Often the buyer takes the darling pup home only to find out later that the person who sold the pup is either unable to unwilling to help the buyer.

Come-ons like "AKC Registered", "Ch. bloodlines", etc., in no way assure that you are getting a quality pup or that you are dealing with a reputable breeder. Big flashy ads in national magazines may be impressive, but what do you really know about the advertiser. Unethical breeders thrive because the average buyer is uninformed. Some buyers do less research on the purchase of a pup than they do on a new washing machine! Armed with knowledge, you can avoid being "taken in." Remember that "AKC registered" is not a guarantee of quality, it means simply that the pup is registered, and that even the most poorly bred dogs have "Ch. bloodlines."

You will need a breeder who is available to you for the many questions you'll have on rearing your dog, feeding, basic obedience, housebreaking, etc. You'll need someone who knows what makes the Akita tick. If you are interested in showing/breeding, you need a breeder who will help you get started in training and entering shows.

It does not cost any more to buy from a good breeder, and in fact, the "bargain" Akita may end up costing more in problems than a show pup! Your best possible choice of a breeder is a "hobby breeder." Stress is placed on the word hobby. The dedicated hobby breeder looks at his dogs as a hobby from which he does not expect a profit. When an individual breeds dogs for enjoyment and with the AKC Standard as a goal, rather than a profit motive, the end result is superior pups. Such a breeder feels responsible for each little pup and stands behind every dog he has bred.