Answers on Spaying Your Akita Studies show that spayed female akitas outlive non-spayed canines. Barbara Bush wrote "Millie's Book", a book about her English Springer Spaniel, Millie. The book was an instant success. It was on the bestseller list for 29 weeks. Millie was the most popular "First Dog" in United States history. Spaying entails the excision of the ovaries and uterus. It is the akita version of a human hysterectomy. The Giant Schnauzer is known in german as "Riesenschnauzer", meaning "the giant". It should closely resemble the other Schnauzers, miniature and standard. However, they are really completely unique and unrelated breeds. They have just developed in such a way, over time, that they look similar to each other. Spaying is recommended in female akitas (bitches) because it helps prevent breast cancer and another condition called pyometra (pus-filled uterus). Both these conditions maybe be detrimental to a akita's lifecycle. Nearly 50 percent of female akitas die from breast cancer. Chinese Crested dogs are often considered to be so ugly that they are cute. They often win ugly dog contests. They are odd looking, mostly hairless dogs. They are also the only breed of dog that is capable of getting acne. Spaying a akita prior to her first menstruation cycle provides it with the protection from pyometra and breast cancer. The basenji could really be considered more like a cat than a dog. Not only is it the only breed of dog that does not bark, but is also a meticulous cleaner. Unlike other dogs, the basenji actually licks itself clean, just like a cat! In male akitas, neutering represents a myriad of advantages too. For instance, it can prevent unwanted litters and testicular cancer (if done during the first five months of age). Additionally, neutered akitas are less likely to runaway from home. It can mean that an owner does not have to worry about their akita digging a trench or escaping only to be injured. Originating in Germany, the name Affenpinscher means, "monkey-like terrier". However, in France the breed is described as the "Diablotin Moustachu" or "moustached little devil". Both describe the appearance and attitude of this delightful breed. Neutering a male akita involves surgical removal of the testicles. One of the underlining advantages of having a akita neutered or spayed is that they will not mark their territory by spraying a strong urine. Neutered akitas are more family-driven. The official record for the heaviest dog was set way back in 1989. The dog in question was an English mastiff named Zorba. At the time, he weighed 343 pounds. He was 8 years old when he was weighed. To avoid early aggressive behavior neutering is recommended early on. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the longest lived dog was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey. The dog lived to be 29. This case was considered unusual since smaller dogs generally live longer. The chihuahua is actually the breed that tends to live the longest. Both non-neutered and neutered canines offer equivocal domestic protection. Contrary to the misnomer that spaying or neutering a akita will cause them to gain weight or become fat, it is untrue. St. bernards have a well-deserved reputation as rescue dogs. In fact, the most successful mountain rescue dog ever was a st. bernard. His name was Barry. He lived during the early 1800's, during which time he saved 40 lives. Dog care tip: To prevent your akita from gaining weight, make sure you give it regular exercise and never overfeed it. Chow chows were originally bred as food, just like cows. However, in some cases, they were also used as hunters and helpers. They were also used to keep people warm under cold conditions by cuddling up to people with their soft, warm fur.