We are a small hobby kennel located north of Chicago. 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 it has 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 listing which can also be found on our "Available" page as well as the Akita rescues across the country who are constantly operating at full capacity. When purchasing a purebred puppy, 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 genetically and orthopedically 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.

I am a standing member of The Akita Club of America, hold a seat on the club's Public Education Committee 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?

The Akita is a regal, proud and attention commanding dog. Strangers to this breed often stop in their tracks to admire them and ask questions about them. Many express interest in owning such an impressive dog themselves, but there is a lot to consider about the breed and its requirements before committing to bringing one into your home.

Anyone considering owning this breed needs to know the hardships and difficulties that can come with owning them and then, be realistic with their own capabilities of providing the right environment for this incredible dog.

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

While there are Akitas who love everyone they meet and get along well with other dogs, it is important to note that they are the exception to what is often a hard rule. Knowing, understanding and respecting the standard temperament for the Akita breed is critical when going into ownership of them. Most Akitas will still mature with the standard temperament despite extensive training and socialization. There is a dangerously popular phrase "It is all in how you raise them" .. this very phrase or ideology is what finds so many Akitas dumped at the shelters, overflowing our breed rescues or worst, euthanized for simply being what they are. Genetics play a massive role into the behavior of your dog and while training and socialization is certainly important and is imperative to raising a stable and environmentally sound dog, it isn't everything and is never a guarantee.

It is critical that someone entertaining the idea of introducing an Akita into their home does so by being honest with themselves on if the breed is right for their family and environment. You must understand that genetically predisposed behaviors cannot be "trained" out. You will not love and train away genetic behaviors, even with the best intentions. You manage genetic behaviors. So while you may raise an Akita who, upon maturity, 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 or was unrealistic in their expectations when bringing the dog into their homes.

Same sex aggression is common in the breed and is probably the most frequent issue we see Akitas relinquished over. Even dogs raised with another dog of the same sex is likely to 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. The breed is powerful and can easily harm or kill another dog. If you have a dog in the home already, you should not introduce an Akita of the same sex into the household.

Akitas are a hunting breed. Because of this, they can and often do 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 quite 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 path of your Akita research is a comical myth, unless of course we acknowledge that the breed sheds twice a year and 6 months at a time. These dogs shed, and shed, and shed some more. We should take out stock in lint rollers and Dyson! You should never shave an Akita's coat unless absolutely medically necessary. The breed carries a harsh, durable outer guard coat that protects the skin and undercoat from the elements. Shaving this may result in the coat not regrowing or regenerating normally. Shedding can be managed through regular grooming and with this the coat becomes very manageable, but you will eat, sleep and breathe dog hair and this is a reality of sharing your life with an Akita.

Akitas are a brilliant dog and can pick up on commands and tricks quickly - but they are stubborn, independent thinking and they bore fast. This means that we are often searching for new ways to keep the dog engaged during training, avoiding mundane and redundant methods.

The breed is very intuitive, observant and in tune to their owners and families. This is not a breed to be left outside in a pen, on a chain or away from their family. The breed forms strong bonds with the family unit and will not thrive being excluded. They can be wonderful with the children in their family, but it also important to note that the Akita breed is not an overly tolerant dog as many other breeds are. The breed will not be patient or forgiving of children pulling at, jumping on, hitting or kicking them and may take matters into their own on educating or punishing the child for these actions, which can end badly. Children must be taught respect for the dog and all interactions between children and the Akita should be closely monitored and managed, a truth for any dog breed and any interactions between animals and children for the safety of all involved.

This breed has a commanding presence, and respect is needed in all outlets of its life. This idea that the breed is constantly trying to dominate you, be the "alpha" or will take over your house and home is outdated and inaccurate; however, if you do not take charge and show an Akita what is and is not acceptable, they will make those choices for themselves. Boundaries and rules should be set early on and upheld throughout the dog's life. The Akita does best in a structured and consistent environment. It is important that the dog knows their place in their household and what is expected of them.

This is a beautiful, intelligent and often comically quirky breed. Those who share their lives with the Akita can attest to the joy and enrichment that they bring to it, but it is very important that you consider all the details of what you have read above and apply them to your own life and home environment in order to be realistic on if the breed is the right choice for you. For an owner who is understanding of what they are and prepared to have that for the duration of their lives, which very well may be 14+ years, there is no better breed. It is a choice that should not be taken lightly and is not something one should jump into. Electing to bring an Akita into your life and home and later dumping him for displaying any of the above listed traits and behaviors is unfair and irresponsible. As safeguards of the breed, we do our best to provide accurate and honest information to those interested in this wonderful dog. Proper research on a buyer's part is crucial and choosing an ethical breeder or reputable rescue is a key component to your successes or failures as an Akita owner.

We hope that you will find the information on our site helpful during your research and encourage you to reach out to us with any additional questions that you may have.