What health tests do you perform on American Akita breeding dogs?

All breeding dogs at Apexx Akitas receive comprehensive health screening including OFA hip and elbow evaluations, annual CERF/OFA eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists, thyroid function testing, and cardiac evaluation. Results are documented and openly shared with prospective families. Full details are available on our Health Testing and Breeding Standards page.

How do you select which American Akitas to breed?

Breeding selection is based on comprehensive OFA health testing clearances, proven stable temperament over multiple years, correct structure and breed type per the AKC standard, compatible pedigrees supporting genetic diversity, and overall contribution to American Akita breed preservation. We do not breed young dogs, dogs without complete health clearances, or dogs with temperament concerns.

What is Apexx Akitas' breeding philosophy?

We view breeding as stewardship, not production. Our philosophy centers on preserving the true American Akita through responsible practices, comprehensive OFA health testing, temperament stability, and lifelong accountability to every family we work with. We breed with a long-term view, not for volume, profit, or trends.

How many American Akita litters do you produce per year?

We intentionally limit our breeding program to maintain quality, provide intensive early development, and ensure proper placement screening. The exact number varies based on breeding stock availability and health considerations, but we always prioritize limited, purposeful litters over high-volume production.

What support do you provide after placing an American Akita puppy?

Apexx Akitas provides lifetime breeder support including training guidance, health consultation, behavioral advice, and general Akita ownership support. We maintain relationships with approximately 80% of puppy families, tracking long-term health and temperament outcomes throughout the dog's life.

What makes a reputable American Akita breeder?

A reputable American Akita breeder performs and documents full OFA health testing on all breeding stock, maintains transparent breeding practices, limits litter production to protect quality, provides lifetime support after placement, carefully screens prospective families, and has verifiable experience with the breed over many years. Red flags include no health testing documentation, high-volume production, pressure sales tactics, and no follow-up after a puppy is sold.

Do you ship American Akita puppies or require in-person pickup?

We work with families nationwide and can arrange safe, professional transport when needed. We prefer families to visit our Sussex County, New Jersey facility when possible to meet us and interact with the parent dogs. Transportation options are discussed during the application process.

What is the puppy placement and screening process at Apexx Akitas?

We carefully evaluate prospective families through a detailed application covering experience level, living situation, family dynamics, activity level, training plans, and long-term commitment. We conduct interviews, answer all questions, and provide breed education to ensure realistic expectations. Our goal is successful permanent placements, not fast transactions.

What health tests do you perform on American Akita breeding dogs?

All breeding dogs at Apexx Akitas receive comprehensive health screening including OFA hip and elbow evaluations, annual CERF/OFA eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists, thyroid function testing, and cardiac evaluation. Results are documented and openly shared with prospective families. Full details are available on our Health Testing and Breeding Standards page.

How do you select which American Akitas to breed?

Breeding selection is based on comprehensive OFA health testing clearances, proven stable temperament over multiple years, correct structure and breed type per the AKC standard, compatible pedigrees supporting genetic diversity, and overall contribution to American Akita breed preservation. We do not breed young dogs, dogs without complete health clearances, or dogs with temperament concerns.

What is Apexx Akitas' breeding philosophy?

We view breeding as stewardship, not production. Our philosophy centers on preserving the true American Akita through responsible practices, comprehensive OFA health testing, temperament stability, and lifelong accountability to every family we work with. We breed with a long-term view, not for volume, profit, or trends.

How many American Akita litters do you produce per year?

We intentionally limit our breeding program to maintain quality, provide intensive early development, and ensure proper placement screening. The exact number varies based on breeding stock availability and health considerations, but we always prioritize limited, purposeful litters over high-volume production.

What support do you provide after placing an American Akita puppy?

Apexx Akitas provides lifetime breeder support including training guidance, health consultation, behavioral advice, and general Akita ownership support. We maintain relationships with approximately 80% of puppy families, tracking long-term health and temperament outcomes throughout the dog's life.

What makes a reputable American Akita breeder?

A reputable American Akita breeder performs and documents full OFA health testing on all breeding stock, maintains transparent breeding practices, limits litter production to protect quality, provides lifetime support after placement, carefully screens prospective families, and has verifiable experience with the breed over many years. Red flags include no health testing documentation, high-volume production, pressure sales tactics, and no follow-up after a puppy is sold.

Do you ship American Akita puppies or require in-person pickup?

We work with families nationwide and can arrange safe, professional transport when needed. We prefer families to visit our Sussex County, New Jersey facility when possible to meet us and interact with the parent dogs. Transportation options are discussed during the application process.

What is the puppy placement and screening process at Apexx Akitas?

We carefully evaluate prospective families through a detailed application covering experience level, living situation, family dynamics, activity level, training plans, and long-term commitment. We conduct interviews, answer all questions, and provide breed education to ensure realistic expectations. Our goal is successful permanent placements, not fast transactions.

How do I find a reputable American Akita breeder?

A reputable American Akita breeder will have full OFA health clearances on both parents including hips, elbows, thyroid, eyes, and cardiac evaluation. They use a puppy application process, provide a written health guarantee, accept lifetime returns, and encourage you to verify all health results at ofa.org.

What questions should I ask an American Akita breeder?

Ask for OFA registration numbers for both parents so you can verify them at ofa.org. Ask how old the parents were when tested, when the thyroid panel was last run, when the most recent eye exam was completed, who performed the cardiac evaluation, and whether they track long-term health outcomes in placed dogs.

What are red flags when buying an American Akita puppy?

Red flags include a breeder who always has puppies available, cannot provide OFA registration numbers, uses vet checks instead of OFA testing, breeds for rare colors, sells puppies before eight weeks, has no written contract, pressures you to decide quickly, or is unwilling to let you meet the parents.

Does location matter when choosing an American Akita breeder?

No. Location should not be a primary factor. The American Akita is a relatively uncommon breed and there are not enough responsible breeders in every region. Choose the best breeder based on health testing, standards, and accountability, then arrange transport. Responsible breeders place puppies nationwide safely.

What is the difference between a responsible breeder and a backyard breeder?

A responsible breeder completes full OFA health testing on all breeding dogs, produces limited intentional litters, has a real screening process for buyers, provides a detailed written contract, accepts lifetime returns, and maintains contact with placed families. A backyard breeder typically lacks health testing documentation, always has puppies available, and ends their involvement at the point of sale.