hello.I read your post and since i have owned 4 akitas(3 females and one male) i am pretty knowledgeable about the breed.I have also bred a pair of my akitas that produced 8 puppiies.Not a easy task!At this time,I have 2 females and my male.They are all socialized due to being walked daily and introduced to everyone that ask about them are that want to pet them.I also have a child that is four and many nieces and nephews.They adore children!Some akites may put their mouth over your hand or arm but this is not aggressive it is gentle and their way of communicating along with the vocal sounds that they may make.One of my females even get's along with my kitten that we recently gotThey play together.On the other hand my male looks at the cat and licks his chops!you need to observe the body language of your dog to read it.This can be done.i DO IT ALL THE TIME AND MY AKITAS know that I am the alpha in the pack.One way i do this is I walk them all holding them on my sides and i do not allow them to walk ahead of me!My male pinto is 27 inches at the withers and his weight ranges from 115- 130 pounds.that is on a feeding routine of 4 to 6 cups a day.they love Canidae dog food and i believe that it is among the best dog foods.The key to owning a Akita is socialization and allowing it around your family and other people whenever possible from a puppy.They require combing often and frequently during sheeding.They can have autoimmune diffenciency problems along with a hereditary eye desease.If you want to know more look them up on the internet or read about them at the library.
