Jane: Which dog breed would you rather own? American Akita or Caucasian Ovcharka?
Please don't lecture me on the responsibilities of owning these types of breeds, especially Caucasian Ovcharkas. I am highly experienced with dominant breeds and just wanting to know which of these two breeds appeals to people more. I currently have an Ovcharka as well as a Cane Corso. Have had a Kangal in the past as well as APBT's.
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I am leaning to Akita. I have room for another dog or two and CO's are very big and shed a storm. I know Akitas shed too but less than a CO. I love my CO but wouldn't mind a different type of breed since there are so many I'd like to own. I also like that Akita are quiet. My CO isn't excessively noisy but barks a lot more than my cane. By the way, Americans have made Ovcharkas out to be vicious man eaters but I know first hand that when raised and socialized correctly they can be endearing and trustworthy companions.
Answers and Views:
Answer byJames
I have a female American Akita. I am a veteran and she is a trained PTSD service animal. She is obedient and friendly. On the leash she will at best ignore another dog, at worst, growl and raise hair aat which point i go directly into dominant master mode. And no, i never lay a hand on her. Off the leash she will attack any dog within reach. Granted i adopted her at age 4 and have no idea what socializing she had beforehand.
That being said, Akitas are great dogs. Loyal, smart, beautifull, but the are a very dominant dog and if you have other animals, do some research to see if you find Akitas a good fit. It may be that raising one from a pup around other dogs may change this, but im not sure. Anyhoooo, good luck with whatever u chose. =)
Answer by bells3011
Hmmm, Right!
I've been around Ovcharka's too. German Ovcharkas, Belgian Ovcharkas...different kinds of Ovcharkas.
Ovcharka = Shepherd....in russian, btw.
If I had to choose, probably Akita. Unless I had a couple of acres, and enough money so that I can stay home and not work. Caucasians are not an "easy" breed to have...no matter how experienced you think you are.
Answer by Phil
I would always choose a CO in your case.
Shedding issues feed them linseed and olive oil and a little more natural calcium … milk/cheese you will find they won't shed so much. Takes a while but after a year you will see improvements in the amount of hair around the house.
You have great experience and a CO is far more trustworthy than an Akita with good training.
I find Akitas a little …. er .. snobby and not that good with children tbh.
Also don't trust them much with a lot of my friends having them, they tend to nip and although rarely, bite their owners no matter how well they are brought up.
OCs are by far more gentle and caring inside the home .. but much more work outside of it.
Answer by Kim Watkins
Would be more inclined to an Akita, just because I have had more experience with them. In the past I have been a big fan of the german shepherds but Akita's in my opinion are more contained and exhibit a very calm attitude until provoked.
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James says
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FoxFire Farms says
Akitas shed more than CO and CAS. They shed all year little sheds little mini hairs from the one i had.
, the CO ive had here did not shed in winter at all.
CAS blow coat once to twice a year so for shedding go for CO. Now putting 2 CO"s together only your breeder can help you with that.
Some lines or some dogs need to be alpha and may not accept male to male or female to female.
We have a litter of COS in need of adoption in NJ now. Puppies, we have adult CAO and CO in need of homes like yours in Missori. We have way to many breeders of CO and CAO and not enough rescue.
Please try to adopt if u can, Angie wheat of ovcharka rescue now closed had akitas long before she had COs she could help you more than I can. Best wishes with your CO.
PS the CAS is more often confused or lumped with the CO than the other way around and they do have different in standard requirements for temperament. COS are better off that CAS much better US breeders who care.
PSS check diet if CO is shedding in winter. I got a free bag of Science diet at a dog show few weeks ago gave it to young dog outside eher coat went to shit. Back on TOTW.
PSSS Check out Japenese Akita