ABOUT LEXPETS

My Story, My Standards, My Commitment

Akita Puppy `breeders

My Story

 

I got my first Akita in 2008. I thought I knew what I was doing. I didn’t.

That dog humbled me. She was stubborn, aloof, and challenged every training method I thought I understood. But she also taught me more about canine psychology than any book ever could.

Over the next 15 years, I bred, trained, and placed Akitas. I learned what health issues run in lines. I learned which temperaments suit which homes. And I learned that the breeder-puppy-family relationship doesn’t end at pickup – it’s just beginning.

I’m based in Rapid City, South Dakota. I raise every litter in my home, not in a kennel. My dogs are part of my family. They sleep in my house. They play in my yard. They’re socialized with children, adults, and other animals.

My Breeding Philosophy

Health first. Every breeding dog in my program undergoes:

  • OFA or PennHIP hip and elbow evaluations

  • DNA screening for degenerative myelopathy and other known Akita markers

  • Annual cardiac and ophthalmologist exams

  • Complete veterinary records

Temperament matters. I breed for the Akita standard – confident, loyal, protective, but not aggressive. I evaluate each puppy’s temperament starting at 6 weeks and match them to the right home.

Transparency is non-negotiable. You’ll see the parents. You’ll see where the puppies are raised. You’ll get complete health records. You’ll get my personal phone number.

My Commitment to You

When you adopt a puppy from me, you get:

  • Full health records from birth to pickup

  • A 30-day health guarantee (details in my Adoption Agreement)

  • Lifetime breeder support – I’m here for training questions, health concerns, or just reassurance

  • A transparent adoption fee – no hidden charges, no surprise costs

  • My personal cell phone number: (605) 510- 2374 

About  – Ralph

I’m Ralph, and this isn’t just a business to me—it’s my life’s work. My wife and I, along with our three kids, have been raising and placing American Akitas since 2008. We’re a family of five, and every single one of us plays an active role in caring for our puppies. From early morning feedings to late-night check-ins, this is a true family effort—and our kids have grown up learning what it means to treat these magnificent dogs with the dignity and respect they deserve.

We live in Rapid City, South Dakota, where our four Akitas keep us busy, entertained, and constantly reminded of why we fell in love with this breed. And yes, we have a very patient family—because living with Akitas requires patience, consistency, and a whole lot of love.

I’m proud to be a member of the Akita Club of America, the only AKC parent club for Akitas in the United States. The club’s mission—preservation and protection of the breed, and improvement of Akita character and conformation as described in the official breed standard—is exactly what drives me every single day. To date, I’ve placed over 150 Akitas in loving homes across the United States. Each placement comes with a promise: I don’t just hand over a puppy; I hand over a commitment to that family and to that dog for life.

What We Believe!

Compassion comes first. An Akita isn’t a casual pet. The AKC describes them as dignified, courageous, and profoundly loyal—but they’re also independent, strong-willed, and can be challenging, especially for first-time owners. That’s not a warning; it’s an honest truth that every prospective owner deserves to hear. Akitas are large, powerful dogs with a genetic predisposition for intolerance of other dogs, particularly same-sex, and they have a strong prey drive. They require extensive socialization, consistent training, and an owner who understands that respect must go both ways.

That’s why we don’t just adopt our puppies out—we educate families. Before you bring an Akita home, we want you to understand what you’re signing up for: the daily exercise needs, the heavy shedding (and yes, they shed—a lot), the grooming requirements, and the lifelong commitment this breed demands. Akitas live 10 to 14 years. That’s over a decade of responsibility, and we take that seriously.

OUR FAMILY

MEET THE PARENTS

MEET ATHENA THE MOM

Athena is the proud mother of my Akita puppies. Weighing in at 70 pounds and standing 24 inches tall, she embodies the grace and strength characteristic of the Akita breed. Athena’s gentle temperament and nurturing nature are evident in the way she cares for her little ones, making her an exceptional mother.

ATHENA & HER BABIES 5 Weeks Old

Together, Athena and Bison have created a beautiful litter of Akita puppies that are now available for adoption. Each pup carries the best traits of their parents, making them perfect companions for any loving home.

MEET BISON THE DAD

Bison is the father of my Akita babies. He is a magnificent representation of the breed, weighing 90 pounds and measuring 26 inches at the shoulder. Bison’s confident demeanor and protective instincts complement Athena’s nurturing approach, ensuring that their puppies are well-rounded and socialized.