Basil's owner Zoe faces constant breed stereotyping, whether that's when out for a walk or reading comments on Basil's Instagram page. Zoe gave us an in depth look into what its like to own an Akita in an era where there is constant scare mongering in the media towards certain breeds.
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Q) Why did you choose to buy/adopt the breed of your dog ?
A) We didn't choose to adopt an Akita. I work as a community carer and one of my clients had a family member staying with them temporarily. They had the most beautiful Akita, his name was Basil. They couldn't keep him anymore because of a change in their circumstances. He had a bite history, had been neglected and not had the best start in life so far and no one was interested in giving him a new home. He has already been passed around so much and he was at risk of being euthanised and having met Basil, I couldn't let that happen. So we offered him a chance and now he's here to stay! We certainly didn't choose the dog/breed, the dog chose us.
Q) Before you had your breed of dog, did you have any of your own stereotypical views towards the breed?
A) I didn't have any stereotypical views necessarily, good or bad, as I had never met an Akita in the flesh before. However, having seen the 'Hachiko' film where the famous Akita waited at the train station for years for his owner to return after he had passed away, I knew that they were extremely loyal. And that has definitely proven to be true.
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Q) Have you had people cross the road/ give you a wide berth in order not to pass close to you whilst out walking your dog?
A) We have definitely had people crossing the road and giving us a wide berth. We have found especially the older generation seem to be very suspicious of Akita's. I think they have had some bad press in the past as 'Japanese fighting dogs' but as with most dogs painted badly by the press, like Staffies and German shepherds etc, most are nothing like the way they have been portrayed! I think a lot of it is just his size. As such a big dog I think naturally some people are just nervous. And some people seem to worry that he will attack their dogs, but it's such a shame because Basil just loves making new friends. He loves meeting new dogs and new people and he can't understand why some people aren't so keen.
Q) Have you ever had parents pull their children out of the way/ closer to them when they have seen you coming?
A) we've had a couple of incidents of parents pulling their children away from Basil. We've also had alot of positive experiences where he's made friends with children and really enjoyed having a fuss. The main one I remember is a child kept approaching us on their bike when we were walking. Their parent shouting them back and said loudly, 'dont approach dogs without asking first', which I thought great! That's awesome! Teach them manners. And followed it with 'especially not big ones that look like they mean business like that'. And that upset us because Basil is friendly and would have been super happy for the kid to greet him
Q) What is the most negative thing you have experienced physically/ verbally whilst out walking?
A) We have had a few negative experiences whilst out with Basil. One was someone who thought he was a husky so I can't say it was breed related, however, his two loose spaniels approached Basil who was on a lead. They were staring him out when one went behind him and nipped his back leg, the other then joined in and they both began attacking Basil. Basil was trying to defend himself and I was trying to get the two spaniels off him. The man walked off without apologising and we heard him telling another couple coming, 'be careful, I've never trusted huskies'. It's amazing how many incidents you hear of loose dogs approaching dogs on leads etc!
Another incident is an elderly lady who exclaims, 'Oh no!' each and every time we meet her and her dogs on our walks. She will cross the road, turn around or do anything she can to avoid us and it's such a shame as Basil is desperate to meet her little dogs and gets so excited wagging his tail each time he sees them from a distance.
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And the last one, we were talking to a neighbour and I was just stroking Basil as he sat patiently beside me. I was stroking his ears as that's something Basil enjoys. This neighbour said, 'watch with dogs like that. They might like it one day but bite you the next day when you do the same thing. You can never trust them'
Q) What’s the most negative experience you have had online regarding your dog /the breed of your dog?
A) the most negative online experience has definitely been when we received negative comments on one of our posts, a photo of Basil walking with two of his little doggy friends. They implied he should be muzzled to avoid him attacking the dogs as 'that’s what the breed is known for' and that he should be put to sleep
Q)Why do you believe people have the stereotypical views that they have towards (your breed of dog)?
A) I think a lot of people are nervous of Akitas because of their size, being such a big dog. I also think there's been articles written by the media depicting them as, 'Japanese fighting dogs' and reporting on dog attacks etc. As I suppose an article about a happy, friendly akita just isn't worth reporting on
Q) What would you like to say to people who have pre judged views towards (your breed of dog)?
A) To the people who judge Akitas or any breed of dog for that matter I would just like to say, give them a chance! Every dog has the potential and CAN be aggressive but that doesn't mean every dog IS aggressive. We know it's wrong to stereotype people yet we're still doing it to dogs. Don't judge every dog by how they look or your stereotypes etc. Just give the dog a chance
Q) What would you say to someone who was considering getting (your breed of dog)?
A)To anyone considering getting an Akita I would say you definitely need to take into account their size and strength. As such big strong dogs, they have the potential to be dangerous in the wrong hands. They need owners who can be firm but fair. They need boundaries but they can also be sensitive and need loving. Akita's can be hugely stubborn and not easily persuaded to do what you're asking of them, they're certainly not an easy dog to own but they are incredibly loyal, loving and full of character! They will make you laugh, give the best cuddles and be a friend for life. Honestly I would just say that as long as you are willing to put in the work in regards to training and are confident you can physically handle such a big dog, go for it! You will never look back, Akitas are fantastic
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Q) Do you feel that dog stereotyping is talked about enough, if not, in what ways can we raise more awareness?
A) I don't feel that dog stereotyping is talked about enough. I think it's talked about now more than ever but it definitely still exists and is very present. I feel that the breeds being stereotyped is just changing all the time and people need to realise that it's not the breeds that are the problem. I think we need to keep talking about it and keep showing how these stereotyped breeds can be fantastic. We are using Basil's Instagram to try to show Akita's in a positive but also very honest way and we will keep taking him out and proving to people how amazing they can be if given a chance.
