Welcome to Morrow Akitas! We are a small hobby kennel located just north of Nashville, Tennessee. Our goal at Morrow Akitas is to raise Akitas who have correct breed type and sound structure per the AKC breed standard, have balance and stability in temperament and have the versatility and adaptability to enjoy other activities, jobs and sports with their families. Performance is a big focal point of our dogs and breeding program and its been a fun ride so far. We believe in quality over quantity and do not breed litters often. If we do not currently have puppies available or breeding plans in the near future, we highly encourage you to check the ACA Breeder Referral list, which can also be found on our "Available" page. It is important that as a potential owner of an Akita that you support a breeder who is breeding for preservation and health, fully titling in conformation and/or performance as well as fully OFA health testing their breeding dogs. Selecting a breeder who is proving their dogs in these areas is insuring to you as a buyer that you are not just getting a purebred dog, but a well-bred purebred dog.

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I am a standing member of The Akita Club of America and follow the Code of Ethics put in place by the ACA in all breeding decisions made here at Morrow Akitas.

CODE OF ETHICS:

In order to promote the highest ideals among Akita owners and breeders and aim for the continuous improvement of the Akita breed within the framework of the approved breed standard, I pledge that:

1. I will follow the rules of good sportsmanship which will be a credit to the breed, the club and myself in all Akita competition and activities.
2. I will fully explain to all prospective Akita purchasers the advantages as well as the disadvantages of owning an Akita.
3. I will attempt to help and befriend novice exhibitors and owners.
4. I will keep well informed in the field of genetics and work to eliminate hereditary defects from the breed.
5. I will, before entering into a breeding agreement or doing any breeding of my own dogs, carefully analyze the conformation and pedigrees of the prospective sire and dam. I shall refuse the mating if, in my opinion, it will not be in the best interest of the breed. If I deny stud service, I will fully explain my reasons to the owner of the bitch.
6. I will participate in a program of hip x-raying and eye examinations by qualified veterinarians to eliminate hip dysplasia and congenital eye problems.
7. When an Akita has hereditary faults of such nature as to make his or her use for breeding detrimental to the furtherance of the breed, that dog shall be neutered/spayed.
8. I will refuse to deal with dog wholesalers or to sell puppies to pet shops and I will include in all stud contracts an agreement to be signed by the owner of the bitch that no puppies resulting from the mating will be wholesaled, sold or given to pet shops or wholesale dog breeders or dealers.
9. Furthermore, I will refuse to wholesale (buy or sell) any registered breed of dog, singly or in litter lots realizing that we as dog fanciers are responsible for not only our own breed but for others as well.
10. All puppies or adults sold as pet quality and at pet prices should be sold on spay/neuter contracts with written agreement that no AKC registration papers will be issued until the seller has received veterinary certification that surgery has been performed and a copy of that sent to AKC.
    

Considering adding an Akita to your family?

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Anyone considering owning this breed needs to know the hardships and difficulties that can come with owning them.

Akitas, per the standard, can be wary with strangers and aggressive with other dogs, particularly those of the same sex.

While there are Akitas who love everyone and get along with other dogs, they are the exception and not the rule. Knowing and understanding the standard temperament for the Akita breed is important when going into ownership of them. Many still mature with this temperament, despite extensive training and socialization.  Despite the popular phrase "It is all in how you raise them" ... It is NOT all in how you raise them. Genetics play a massive role into the behavior of your dog and different breeds carry different genetically predisposed traits and behaviors. Go into ownership of this breed expecting it to behave as the standard depicts.

Proper raising, training and socializing is imperative to a well rounded and balanced dog. That said, understand that genetically predisposed behaviors cannot be "trained" out. You never train away genetics. You manage them. So while you may raise an Akita that grows intolerant to other animals, you can manage those behaviors and train the dog in a way that they don't become reactive, aggressive and dangerous.

Training is a MUST. From day 1. This is a very head strong breed and they are challenging. You will often hear owners state that "This is not the breed for everyone" or "This is not the breed for a beginner dog owner."

There is a reason this is said about the Akita.

Many people who don't do the proper research prior to purchasing one go into ownership of the breed blind. They purchased a cute and fluffy puppy, one that grows into a beautiful and regal dog .. but they weren't prepared for the temperament and challenges that came along with it.

This is why we see so many Akitas find themselves in the shelters or rescues. Very seldom are Akitas owned by breed savvy and breed educated people turned into the shelters. Most Akitas find their way into shelters by simply being what they are - Akitas. They were just unfortunate to find themselves in the hands of someone who didn't know what to do with them.

Same sex aggression is common in the breed. Even dogs raised with another dog of the same sex may mature to not get along with them. Many owners find themselves at wits end when their two boys or two girls who were once best friends have begun violently fighting. For this reason, ethical breeders and rescues rarely place their dogs into same sex homes. We at Morrow Akitas do not sell puppies into same sex homes under any circumstances.

This is something to be prepared for when considering an Akita.

Akitas are a hunting breed. Because of this, they can have a very high prey drive. We are brought the bodies of many woodland critters that were unfortunate enough to find their way into the yard. This is not a temperament issue, this is again .. genetics. It is something to make note of and prepare for, especially if you have cats or other small animals. The Akita must be introduced to and trained to properly interact with them early on.

These dogs are very smart and typically very clean. For this reason, they are usually very easy to housebreak. They do shed like crazy. A good vacuum is an important part of owning an Akita! The "they only shed twice a year" comment that you may have heard along the way is a major myth. These dogs shed, and shed, and shed some more. You must NEVER shave an Akita's coat unless absolutely medically necessary. Shedding can be managed through regular grooming, but you will eat, sleep and breathe dog hair. Be prepared for this.

Akitas are brilliant dogs, and can learn commands and tricks quickly - but they are also independant thinking and quite stubborn, so they tend to get bored fast. Finding a way to keep them engaged during training can be tricky.

They are very in tune to their owners and families. This isn't the breed to leave out in a cage or on a chain. They like to be with their people and form very strong bonds. They can be wonderful with children in the family, but it is also important to note .. children must be taught respect for the dog. They are not an overly tolerant breed. So a child pulling at, jumping on, hitting or kicking the dog can end very badly. All interactions between children and dogs should be monitored.

The breed has a commanding presence and respect is needed in all outlets of its life.

Boundaries and rules should be set early on and upheld. They do best in a structured and consistent environment.

The idea that they are constantly trying to dominate you or be the alpha is false; however, if you don't take charge .. they will. It's important that they know their place and what is expected of them.

They are a fantastic breed, but these are things to consider when questioning bringing one into your home.

For an owner that is understanding of what they are and prepared to have that for the duration of their life - which very well may be 14+ years .. there is no better breed. But it is certainly not something to jump into and proper research and choosing an ethical breeder is crucial.

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