Akitas face stereotypical views regularly. We interviewed Tarnia who owns an American Akita called Mitzi, to allow you to see what its like to be an Akita owner and the negativity they have to face. 

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Q) Why did you choose to buy/adopt the breed of your dog ?

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A) Our friends were fostering Mitzi. We saw her the day after our friends took her in and just fell completely in love

 

Q) Before you had your breed of dog, did you have any of your own stereotypical views towards the breed?

A) No not at all. We'd only ever met our friends' akitas and they were all super soft goofballs. Plus we are big believers in "no breed is bad".

 

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?

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A) All the time. We've had people *run* into their houses when we've walked down the street with Mitzi.

 

Q) Have you ever had parents pull their children out of the way/ closer to them when they have seen you coming?

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A) Yes, this is extremely common. It's like people think she will attack anything that moves at any given moment, but that couldn't be further from the truth of how Mitzi is. She loves everyone, big or little.

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Q) What is the most negative thing you have experienced physically/ verbally whilst out walking?

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A) It's probably the time that Mitzi slipped her collar. We hadn't had her long so she was probably about 7 and a half months old. An old couple were walking their yorkie off lead and it came running over. They were shouting it but it ignored them. Mitzi, who was on a lead, and the yorkie were playing and it was lovely, then the yorkie ran off. Mitzi wanted to keep playing, thrashed around, slipped her collar and went chasing after the yorkie. They were both playing happily and having a great time. We caught up with Mitzi and this couple started to hurl abuse at us about how she was “dangerous" and that she was "going to kill" their dog. The dogs hadn't even had any contact. They were just playing chase. We told them she was a puppy who just wanted to play but they refused to believe she wasn't a dangerous dog. It was a horrible moment that has stayed with me for years now. I think that's because it was the first time we'd experienced breed stereotyping. I was heartbroken that someone could judge a puppy. Yes she was a big puppy in comparison to a Yorkshire terrier but she was still a puppy.

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Q) What’s the most negative experience you have had online regarding your dog /the breed of your dog?

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Thankfully I have had nothing negative online about Mitzi but I did witness an akita account I love get verbally attacked. The akita was pictured wearing a Halti head collar with two small dogs. The person said that the small dogs were cute but "thank goodness you have a muzzle on [the akita] so he doesn't attack the little ones, I know that breed can be very aggressive." When told that it wasn't a muzzle at all, they lost it. They said many vile things but the one that stuck with me was that the akita "should be put down" just because of his breed.

 

Q)Why do you believe people have the stereotypical views that they have towards (your breed of dog)?  

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A) Mainly I think it's down to media scaremongering. "This akita is gentle, sweet and loving" isn't deemed to be newsworthy. Only things like "akita attacks." is given any media attention. Then people take that information and assume it's the breed as a whole when in reality, it’s a very small minority.

 

Q) What would you like to say to people who have pre judged views towards (your breed of dog)?

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A) Mitzi was found at 7 months old, beaten and abandoned. She was terrified of humans when we first got her and would cower and urinate from fear whenever someone tries to pet her. With love and patience, she now loves people. She has learned to not judge all humans on the actions of those who attacked her. If she can learn to love all people, then surely you can also put aside your judgements and learn to love akitas like any other dog. There seems to be some misinformation out there that akitas were bred as fighting dogs but that is not true. Originally the Akita's job was to hunt, guard and herd. They are protectors, not unpredictable monsters. If you do some research, you will see that they are amazing dogs who are mostly just massive goofballs.

 

Q) What would you say to someone who was considering getting (your breed of dog)?

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A) Firstly, I'm a strong believer that you should do extensive research before getting any breed of dog. Akitas are notoriously stubborn, which generally means they are not a great fit for first time dog owners. They are intelligent but can also be difficult to train due to their stubbornness. However perseverance with positive reinforcement does eventually sink in (we found chicken helped). Get through the training and you will have the most loyal dog you've ever had (strong loyalty is a known akita trait - watch Hatchi: A Dog's Tale for an example of akita loyalty). They are massive goofballs who never fail to make you smile. They are double coated and blow twice a year, so if you don't like dog hair, this is not the breed for you. No words could've ever prepared us for the amount of hair they shed. Other than that, enjoy! We were told that "there's no love like akita love" and it is 100% true.

 

Q) Do you feel that dog stereotyping is talked about enough, if not,  in what ways can we raise more awareness?

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A) No! Breed stereotyping is definitely not talked about enough. I made an Instagram reel to try to spread awareness about how damaging it can be to certain breeds and also to spread education and love. I believe that education is the key to ending breed stereotyping and discrimination. Also, seeing is believing so people need to see the good rather than the bad. We need to stand together and show people that these amazing breeds are gentle and loving with beautiful souls. These breeds are worthy of love rather than judgment. When people see these breeds for the amazing, affectionate goofy dogs they are, people will start to see that they aren't scary or dangerous at all.