Would Akitas make a good beginner dog?

I know each dog is an individual, but a general overview would be nice. My dad didn't give me much info, but he said his friend has a year old Akita (or Shiba Inu, I don't know, but it's a Japanese breed). The dog is a female, but we don't know about her temperance yet. As you can tell, I know absolutely nothing about a dog, but my dad has owned a dog before as a child. BTW, the owner is giving up the dog because they are moving to New Jersey, and they can't bring the dog with them. So we're trying to rescue her, but I want to know if we should. The youngest in our family is a 6th grader, so are they good with kids?

All dogs are different but I wouldn't say Akitas are the best beginning dog...A lot of them are aggressive if the owner doesn't know how to 'control' them. I'd say that usually the best 'beginning' dog breed to get is a Labrador. But each dog is different so maybe if this dog seems right for you and is super nice around kids you should get em. Look the Akita breed up on the internet before you make any decisions though! Hope this helped!!

Depends on the dog, but akitas are known to be hard to control, shiba inus are easier and there is a difference. Akitas are very very protective and loyal, meet the dog before you take home

Akitas are a lot of work. They need 3-4 hours of exercise a day along with 20 minutes training and 20-30 minutes at the dog park. They can become extremely agressive with both people and dogs/other animals. You don't know if her owners have socialised her and walked her properly as a pup if she's agressive and needs lots of work it will be extremely difficult for you and your family. Akitas are also very dominant dogs and need experienced owners with plenty of time for them. Shiba Inus on the other hand are quiet, they need about 45-60 minutes a day exercise. They are independent and usually well behaved. They aren't exactly playful and over friendly they are more aloof. They are two very different breeds, Akitas are very large and fluffy wheras Shiba Inus are small (about the size and colour of a fox) only a little fatter.

NO. Not at all. There is a big difference between Akita's and Shiba Inu's. Akita's can be dangerous dogs if owned by owners who don't know about the breed since they are very loyal to their family and might take instinct as a protector too far. Shiba Inu's are stubborn and not interested in being trained. Of course if the dog (I assume it isn't a puppy) is trained well and is good with your family, and you are willing to further educate yourself on dog behavior, I say go for it! Good luck!

Shiba Inu is a smaller "cousin" to the Akita. They have a pretty high p[rey drive and are known to be escape artists..don't ever let them loose off leash in an unfenced area! They can be animal aggressive, they are usually dominant, often aloof...not the kind of dog that follows you around the house and rolls for belly rubs. Should be socialized and trained young and ongoing.Akitas are way bigger..and similar in temperament...higher energy, high prey drive, loves to run, roam. Both breeds are probably best off with an experienced owner.That is not to say they are not great dogs...but they do require a lot of work. If you are up to learning...learning about the breed, about how to train and handle..then it could work out for you. A 10 year old should be OK with a dog...at 10, your youngest sibling should already know how to be respectul of the dog, how to play without being rough and will understand if told how or why to handle the dog in a certain way.Sooo...in answer to your question...if you know how to handle and train a somewhat difficult dog..or are ready and willing to learn how..then this might be OK for you. Maybe you can arrange to meet with and spend some time with the dog before you commit to owning.Good luck.

No they are not unless you really do your research about the breed and check into the background. Akita's like the husky's can be nasty if you not sure about them. Talk to a breeder or someone who is better able to help.

No they are not.

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/akitas.htmlhttp://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/shibainu.html

The Akita has a muscular hind quarters, thick fur, a high set tail and a bear-like face. The Akita weighs 75-110 lbs and is 24-28 inches tall. Akita’s have a double coat, with a dense undercoat and an outer coat that stands off the body. Akita’s require weekly grooming, and regular brushing when shedding.Akita’s are bold, independent and often stubborn dogs. Akita’s can be reserved with with strangers and aggressive with other dogs. About Akitas - http://www.dog-pound.net/akita/akita-dog-traits.php