Akitas - like most other dogs are not without some health problems.  It is important to know that you are getting a healthy & non-aggressive dog, and if you do have a problem - that there is something you can do about it.  Many people think that having a purebred registered dog is a guarantee of health and sound breeding. While this is a starting point, there are many other things to consider. We've tried to capture most of the important breeder criteria on this checklist.  Feel free to print this page and use it when you search for that special new puppy.

Parent Dog/Bitch Quality

• Parents are purebred & registered with papers.
  
• Parents have been X-Rayed against Hip Displaysia & Certified Good or Excellent through OFA. or OVC.
  
• Elbows and Knees have also been cleared
  
• Parents checked against  genetic eye disorders and  cleared through C.E.R.F.
  
• Parents have passed Thyroid screening
  
• No other genetic disorders in the lines
  
• No other health issues with either parent
  
• Temperament of both parents is good and they are available to meet.
  
• Parents are handsome and well matched
  
• Parents are AKC or CKC Champions.  If not, any conformation points ?
  
• Parents are obedience titled.   If not - any obedience training?
  
• Parents ages are over  2 , under  7  years
  

• Puppies are healthy looking
  
• Puppies are tattooed or microchipped
  
• They have had their shots.
  
• If so how many and for what?
  
• They been wormed. How many times?
  
• They are at least 8 weeks before they go.
  
• Puppies are actively being socialized
  
• They are raised in the home or around people - maybe around kids
  
• They are graded and temperament tested
  
• They are alert and playful
  
• Puppies show no aggressive signs
  

Breeder Quality

• Breeder is licensed by the CKC or AKC
  
• Holds a valid City Kennel license 
  
• Belongs to local & Akita clubs
  
• Belongs to or supports Rescue clubs
  
• Produces only 1 or 2 litters a year.
  
• Owns less than 10 breeding dogs
  
• Breeds for quality not revenue
  
• Is honest about weaknesses in their lines
  
• Is working on improving those weaknesses
  
• Breeder does not sell puppies to pet stores
  
• Breeder uses non-breeding agreements
  
• Offers written guarantees.  If so what is in it? Will breeder take back a puppy?
  
• Breeder thoroughly screened you to ensure that you would provide a quality home
  
• Wants to "keep in touch",  or help you raise, train or show the puppy
  

• Facilities are clean
  
• Facilities are safe for guests and dogs
  
• All dogs are clean and healthy
  
• All dogs at the kennel can be approached
  
• No overly aggressive dogs
  
• Kennel looks tidy and permanent
  
• Licences, Pictures and wins displayed