"Real deal"? Of the dozens upon dozens of akita owners with whom I've hitherto spoken not one, not ONE, has any evidence (anecdotal or otherwise) of what an akita would do when faced with an unfriendly intruder...besides barking of course. It's the same old story: "Well, if there were a real threat, I just KNOW my cutesy-wutesy would give his life to protect me." Wishful thinking? Probably. That's not to say, however, that a large barking dog doesn't provide a great deterrence.
And Schutzhund is indeed a sport which is only indicative of the SKILLS (but not neccesarily drives) neccesary for the stressful nature of police work or serious personal protection.
