AKK Information Pages

I have comprised the following information as sincerely as possible from my own experiences with my own dogs, with friends’ dogs, and discussions with other owners and breeders.  It is my intent to describe the AKK as truthfully as I can so as not to give an unrealistic impression of the breed I love and am representing here.  Having said that, I am only one person drawing my own conclusions from personal experiences and discussions, so It would be my advise to any prospective owner to research the breed thoroughly, and to that end if you go to the “AKK Links” page on this site you will find various other informative site addresses.

Character (Temperament) of the AKK

        The AKK can be a very appropriate, friendly house or apartment  companion under the right conditions.   It is my opinion that this breed revels when living in multiples, , , 2 or more , , , they do not  seem to reach their full potential as single dogs in a family.  I have lived with AKK for approx. 2 years now (As of the end of 2005) and found my first AKK became much more active and sociable following the arrival of my second AKK. Then there were the third, fourth, and now fifth (lodger).  As members of our family, living in the house with us, they are a never ending source of entertainment.  It has also been my experience that AKK that are socialized and brought up in a family / home environment tend to be less reserved than those brought up in a kennel situation.  Some of my dogs came from kennel environments and at first showed varying degrees of shyness, but after several months of in-family socializing they are now jumping on our laps, putting their feet up on our legs, approaching us without any signs of fear, and continuously “chatting” to us in a way only an AKK can do.  

        When in the home they are never far from your company, although in dry weather (mine don’t like the rain!) they really enjoy being out in our enclosed area where they can drape themselves over “their” picnic table, paddle in “their” kiddy swimming pool, and generally just enjoy each others company out in the fresh air , , , where one goes they all follow (including our AKK “wonna-be” black lab / chow X).  

        Unlike many small breeds AKK are not yappers, but have the voice of a larger dog.  In packs, when excited they demonstrate the traditional husky “howl”.  One sets off the alarm all the others join in even though have no idea what they are barking at ! !   It should always be remembered these dogs are true huskies in miniature and have retained all the husky personality and character.  Occasionally you can come across a dog who can only be described as a “screamer”, although fortunately this is NOT common.  

        CHILDREN:  It is far more important to ask how are your children around dogs, than to ask how are AKK, or any breed for that matter, around children ?  Although many AKK will exhibit shyness and aloofness when meeting both adults or children, this usually does not develop into aggression, rather the AKK will scoot away.  

Whenever children and dogs are together the following precautions should ALWAYS be followed:

1. NEVER leave children and dogs without the supervision of a responsible adult.
2. NEVER feed a dog (even treats) and then leave it without the supervision of a responsible adult while the dog is still eating.
3. Teach your children to respect your dog at ALL times, and treat it with kindness and consideration.
        As charming as this miniature breed can be, particularly when in a “pack”, they MAY not live harmoniously with cats or other household pets. Having said this as with humans each dog has its own personality and will react differently.  With my own dogs I have found when each dog is alone they will not bother my cats, however collectively the “pack instinct” kicks in  and they will “swarm” an inattentive feline.

AKK like a good sized fenced area in which to exercise, and enjoy a good daily walk.  
 AKK lend themselves to many activities , , , agility, confirmation, and therapy to name three.
  AKK are inquisitive creatures, always wanting to know what is going on around them,  what is in bags,  what’s hidden under the cushion etc.
AKK do not shed excessively on a regular basis, however they DO “blow (Shed their entire undercoat over a 2 to 3 week period) 2 or 3 times a year.  Climactic conditions / living environment appear to help reduce this behaviour.
AKK can be escape artists, and although could obviously become disorientated and get lost,  mine have not  run far.  On the odd occasion one has escaped through a newly found hole in the perimeter yard fence she has usually gone visiting the neighbour, or come straight back into our front yard.
AKK will dig, climb, and chew given the opportunity.  This however is not breed specific, although some AKK have been known to go to extremes to climb or tunnel out.  My own experience has been that if you provide sufficient distractions / toys / chews etc for your dog(s), then climbing and tunneling can be kept to a minimum.
AKK, like most breeds do have their negatives as described above, but their impish antics, unfailing love, a desire to always be with you and “chat” with you whenever you will listen, to name just four attributes, more than make up for any negatives, most of which are NOT breed specific.  

Training Your AKK

        Socialization:   Continual exposure to as many situations, environments, people, other dogs, noises etc from an early age is absolutely imperative with this breed.  The breed is by nature shy and reserved, particularly with strangers.  This can be trained out of them if socialization as described above is started early in a dog’s life, and practiced on a regular basis.  Because of the breed’s personality, positive re-inforcement teaching techniques work best when training.    AKK are quick learners, however they can become bored quickly, and when left alone outlets for their active minds and bodies is essential.

        Teaching should begin as early as possible.  As a professional dog trainer as well as a breeder I start my puppies as soon as they are capable of responding to my voice.  I start by teaching them their name, followed by attention to me, and a simple recall.  Once in their new home I strongly advise the new owner takes their new companion to a recognized “positive re-inforcement” teacher for further teaching.  Remember the first 16 to 20 weeks are the time your new puppy is most responsive to learning. During this time you will bond with your puppy, learning all his / her likes / dislikes, strengths / weaknesses, body language, behaviours etc,  and come to enjoy him or her to the fullest.  A true partnership will develop between you, which will enrich both your lives.

AKK are willing learners, and revel in pleasing their care givers.
Respect your dog for who s/he is, a dog! – s/he will return that respect.
Have realistic expectations – progress in baby steps
Your dog is not equipped to be the leader, care giver, or protector
You, as the care giver define the rules
All your teaching has to be directed to strengthen your dogs understanding of his / her position in your family
Learn to communicate with your dog – learn your dog’s calming signals
You control your dog’s environment, not the other way around.
Practice, Practice, Practice – training is a lifelong habit
Teach pro-actively. Put ‘bad’ Behaviors on Command – don’t just say “no”
Patience – Nothing, especially training happens overnight
Your dog’s life must be stress free to be a well behaved companion
You must be calm around your dog – s/he will pick up on your  uncertainty / stress and behave accordingly
Talk to your dog softly – with composure
Exercise your dog – a tired dog is a well behaved dog
Crate / Kennel Train – a safe place for your dog
There should be no freebies for your dog.
Reward carefully – be careful not to inadvertently reward unwanted behaviour
“Punish” carefully – Timing is everything
There are 5 occasions when your family / dog relationship is formed:
1. When you return to your dog following a substantial time away (Work, Shopping etc)
2. Returning into your dog’s presence following a short time away
3. When you have visitors to your house
4. Loose leash walking
5. Feeding time – food availability – sequence – gesture eating

Health Issues:

        The AKK is a relative new breed and in part due to responsible breeding  appears at this time to be relatively free from major health problems.  Those that have come to light are as follows:

1. Luxating Patellas (Common in most small breeds)
2. Heart murmurs  (In early growth stage)
3. Chryptochoidism (Retained testicle)
4. Thyroid
5. Bite (Not scissor as per “Sandard”)
6. Splayed feet (Commonly called Easty / Westy feet)
7. Occasional over / under bites
8. Factor VII - Mild bleeding disorder (rare)

It is requested of all AKK care givers to keep in touch with their dog’s breeder and advise them in writing of any / all medical problems that their dog encounters.  This way a comprehensive record can be compiled, and if any traits start to show up, breeders can be made aware of them and appropriate action can be taken.