[AmandaNola]

@purplesully - My family also raised two Collie mix brothers, a long time ago. It wasn't intentional - they got one from a neighbor and was just "holding" the other boy for another neighbor to come home from vacation, at which point they were just too attached. I doubt it was anything to do with being 'pack leader' as they didn't subscribe to that methodology, I think they were just easy dogs.

Another thing to keep in mind with having three puppies at once is the sheer responsibility of having three puppies at once. Training, housebraking, etc. is hard enough with one dog - multiplying it by three is just a nightmare!

Also - and this is something that not everyone considers a big deal - having multiple dogs the same age is hard. Maybe not at the beginning, but when they all start to age...it gets tragic. Even if you have funds enough at that time to cover vet expenses, the pain of losing dogs so close together is terrible to bear. I speak from experience - I lost two elderly dogs this year, and have another one who is aging (so far, so good) but losing her is going to be unimaginable.

This. My youngest are almost exactly five months apart (one turns over on the 4th, the other the 7th), and are currently 5 and 10 months old. This is a good age gap for me, and I'd be fine with having three young dogs at a minimum of 5 months apart. I wouldn't touch litter mates with a 10ft pole.

 

[mathilda]

It was not an intentional breeding. Dogs are like teenagers... you can't always keep the boys away. I ended up having to 'ground' her to the house for the rest of her heat.
I did see the father and I know his parents. That is how I'm so sure of the breed. I am happy with the pups and plan on keeping three boys. The rest are going to friends who's dogs recently passed or they already have one dog and want a companion for the dog.
A vet visit for mom to prevent another fence breakthrough.

Going from one to four dogs is a really big step, you sure you can do that.
especially since Akitas (while pretty awesome) are not the easiest dogs.
If the puppies got a big part of the Akita temperament, there's a chance that you've got to walk them seperately or in teams of two, because it could be difficult to walk four dogs of 30-45 kg with several being aggressive towards strangers and/strange dogs.
the most Akita owners, that I know, chose walk times and routes so they meet as less people and dogs as possible.

 

[Bruschnazzy]

Eh, I think this littermate syndrome is silly, personally. I'd never even heard of it until a couple months ago and know many a people who have raised littermates beforehand - heck, my first litter I could see myself keeping a couple puppies. I think if you can handle the responsibility of that many puppies and their training and care, if you want to make that decision, then go for it. If it becomes overwhelming for you, you are still able to find one or two new homes. Just don't make the decision lightly. The puppies are beautiful though, and I do hope you stick around so we can see more of them! The parents too, would love to see! I wouldn't count on them all getting the Akita temperment either and needing restrictions like purebred Akita owners....especially if both parents have Labrador in them and one has Boxer. Who knows how they might turn out temparment-wise, but the breeds beside Akita could triumph more so through them....

 

[purplesully]

I am not a 'working mom' so I have the time to spend with the puppies during school hours. I live in the country with a big yard, so lots of playtime and space. Many have told me that I handle dogs well, so I am confident that I can train 2 puppies at one time. Besides, I house trained my four boys all at once LOL and they're on honor roll.
But seriously, I'll be very careful to watch out for signs of aggression. Any dog is capable of it.

Here is a picture of the the mom, as requested. No pics of the dad.

 

[purplesully]

Two more pictures of Tiger, the mom.
The one of her walking is about a week after we got her... she was still under 40 pounds in that picture.
I'll add pictures as the puppies get bigger.

 

[mathilda]

you know, your tiger is a real beauty.
If she was a male, she's definively could endanger my resolution have just one dog for now. <3

 

[purplesully]

you know, your tiger is a real beauty.
If she was a male, she's definively could endanger my resolution have just one dog for now. <3

That brindle baby is a boy

 

[purplesully]

Quick update

It turns out that he IS a brindle! A red brindle too. Thanks again everyone.

 

[Redwood]

Littermate syndrome isn't guaranteed but it DOES happen. I find it less of a concern personally than the hair-tearing frustration of dealing with multiple dogs being housebroken, multiple dogs teething at once, multiple dogs looking for something to chew on... FEEDING so many dogs very expensive puppy food and their vet bills..

 

[purplesully]

Littermate syndrome isn't guaranteed but it DOES happen. I find it less of a concern personally than the hair-tearing frustration of dealing with multiple dogs being housebroken, multiple dogs teething at once, multiple dogs looking for something to chew on... FEEDING so many dogs very expensive puppy food and their vet bills..

We have put a lot of thought into it and decided (even though they are so painfully adorable) that one will be enough. Tiger (mom) will stay with us too. The hard part will be which one to pick!

A few of the puppies have already learned to whine at the front door when they have to go out. When we let one out we let them all out. We have been very diligent about watching for any 'potty' behavior, and they're learning fast that outside is the place to 'go'. But with only one, we will have more time to make him or her into a genius dog