FurriGuardian Pups
About Our Akita Breeders
My Name is Ramphis Ford, and We Are Dedicated Akita Breeders
My name is Ramphis Ford. I started FurriGuardian Pups fifteen years ago after losing our first American Akita, Kuma, to a genetic condition that routine testing could have prevented. Consequently, that loss changed how I thought about breeding. Today, my wife and I, along with our three children, raise every litter in our home in Rapid City, South Dakota. We produce one or two carefully planned litters per year. Therefore, every placement begins with a conversation, not a shopping cart.
Why the American Akita Breed Is Not for Everyone
The American Akita is a powerful, loyal, and dignified breed. However, they are also often aloof with strangers and can be intolerant of other dogs. I chose this breed because I respect its demands. A well-bred American Akita is a quiet guardian and a deeply affectionate family member. In contrast, a poorly bred one can be a liability. The difference, therefore, is in the breeding.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan (Akita region); developed into the American type post-WWII. |
| AKC Recognition | October 1972; official standard approved April 4, 1973. |
| Height (Male) | 26–28 inches at the withers. |
| Weight (Male) | 100–130 pounds. |
| Lifespan | 10–13 years. |
| Temperament | Loyal, protective, and dignified; aloof with strangers. |
Our Health Testing Protocol as Akita Breeders
Because akita breeders must prioritize health, every dog in our program carries full OFA clearances before being paired. We test for five core conditions: hips, elbows, thyroid, eyes, and cardiac. For example, hip dysplasia affects nearly one in four Akitas evaluated. Additionally, elbow dysplasia affects roughly 15 percent. These conditions are not visible in an 8-week-old puppy. Therefore, we encourage every family to independently verify our clearances at ofa.org.
| Test | What It Screens For | Standard We Require |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Hip Evaluation | Hip dysplasia | OFA Fair, Good, or Excellent |
| OFA Elbow Evaluation | Elbow dysplasia | OFA Normal |
| OFA Thyroid Panel | Autoimmune thyroiditis | OFA Normal |
| CAER Eye Examination | Inherited eye conditions | Clear/Normal |
| OFA Cardiac Evaluation | Inherited cardiac disease | OFA Normal |
The Daily Reality for Our American Akita Breeders
People often ask what a typical day looks like here. It starts at 5:30 AM. Adult dogs are fed and exercised individually because American Akitas are often dog-selective. Puppies go through Early Neurological Stimulation from day three through day sixteen. They are exposed to different surfaces, sounds, and handling. By the time they leave, they have been in the car, heard a vacuum cleaner, and met a stranger. We do not raise puppies in a kennel building. They are raised in our home, underfoot.
The Hard Decisions We Make as Akita Breeders
We have turned away more prospective buyers than we have placed puppies with. Some were turned away because their lifestyle did not match the breed’s needs. Others simply wanted a puppy immediately, and we do not operate that way. Saying no is part of preservation. If we placed every puppy with the first person who paid a deposit, we would not be preserving anything. We would be producing. We evaluate every applicant against the standards documented in our Handler Guidelines . If your household does not align with what an American Akita needs, we will tell you.”
The Program at a Glance
| Years Breeding American Akitas | 15 |
| Litters Per Year | 1–2 |
| OFA Clearances Per Breeding Dog | 5 |
| Location | Rapid City, South Dakota |
| Registration | AKC |
Continue Learning
If you feel completely prepared to embrace the rewarding responsibility of raising this noble breed, we invite you to access our formal Pet Application Form to submit your lifestyle parameters. You can also view our current, Akita health requirements and health-vetted companion profiles on our Available Puppies Page to learn about active lines. Additionally, check out our comprehensive guide on early developmental training milestones by visiting our historic Breed Education Hub to prepare your town/country home perfectly. Focus on real data, safeguard your family line, and raise your pack with complete confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long have you been breeding American Akitas?
Fifteen years. We placed our first litter in 2010 and have maintained a one-to-two litter-per-year pace since.
Q: Do you ship puppies?
We coordinate flight nanny transport for families who cannot travel. We do not ship puppies as cargo.
Q: How do I get on your waitlist?
Complete the companion application linked below. We review applications in order of fit, not order of submission.
Reservation Inquiry
We place companions through a written application and phone consultation. If you have read this page and believe your household aligns with what an American Akita needs, we welcome your inquiry. We respond to every application within 72 hours.