Jenscot Akitas

Stuart brought Fern from Scotland when she was almost 5 years old.  She finished her championship and on her first breeding she had some problems.  She was pregnant, we saw embryonic vesicles.  A week later she had a bloody discharge, aborted the feti and we cultured bacteria.  We treated Fern with antibiotics and she was bred successfully on her next season, having a total of three litters past the age of  five years old.

A consciencious breeder  must follow the Akita Club of America’s ethics (http://www.akitaclub.org/procedures/ethics.html).  Our responsibility as breeders is to breed the healthiest Akitas who most typifies our standard.   Each female and male are screened for hip dysplasia, eye diseases and thyroid disease.  These are the basics.  I would also recommend that an older bitch have a complete blood panel and  a check up with your veterinarian or reproductive vet to make sure she is in good shape and healthy enough to breed.  Fertility decreases with age after about 4 years in Akitas. That gives breeders plenty of time to get the necessary genetic testing.  Older Akitas may have more problems whelping, and neonatal mortality increases with the age of the Akita. 

Rebecca Kestle, DVM