If I may offer my late 2 cents ... We have both an akita and a shiba inu. IMHO, you should pair akitas with opposite gender, although I have heard of two females akitas being together (they were a mother/daughter pairing, which may have played a role in their getting along). Nevertheless, I would take a lot of care bringing an akita, even a puppy, into your household. Akitas' temperament leanings are toward dominant, high-prey drive, spirited ... if you select a dog with instincts strong in these traits, you may have problems down the road between the dogs (keep in mind, a petite shih tzu may look like prey to a big akita). I'm not saying they won't get along - they may be the best of friends. But you need to know how you should react when you see them fighting one day and the 100 lb. akita has your other little guy in a neck hold. My 30 lb male shiba reigns over our female akita - for now. But it's his "big dog" personality that has the akita fooled. Your best bet is to talk to lots of *reputable* breeders and contact a local akita club for advice.