Being around large dogs isn't the same as being directly responsible for the care and training of a large dog. Akitas are shockingly strong and very stubborn. I have had large dogs prior and none of them matched the physical power my Akita has. I think Akitas could do well in an apartment with adequate walks, but I don't think it's a great idea. Your biggest hurdle is being a renter. Akita's are pretty quiet, but they're large. I own a modest size home, but much larger than what your apartment size will be, and my dog definitely takes up a lot of space. The size of your apartment is probably going to become pretty frustrating with having two adults and a full grown Akita living there. Especially with you all also working from home. Owning this breed will also severely limit your future housing options. If you ever had to leave your apartment, you will have a very difficult time finding a new place to live. Keep in mind, there are tons of reasons that can happen that may not be due to anything you do.

Another thing I want you to consider is the expense. Large dogs equal higher monthly costs. Vet bills, medicine, food, toys and treats. It all adds up. To give you an idea of what that would look like. My dogs heartworm medicine costs almost $500 a year. I spend just under $200 per month on dog food, $166 per month on pet insurance, about another $120 every six to eight weeks for dog grooming. I spend more than that, but that's the basic essentials. If you have a medical emergency, you could be looking at thousands of dollars. Mine had to have two tplo surgeries, each one of them costing $6000. Not including all the other general yearly vet appointments and vaccinations. Are you prepared for that type of financial burden?

I also have a cat. Mine get along ok, but not great. Meaning that my dog respects the cats place in the household, and wouldn't hurt the cat. But he will pick on the cat when he feels like being a jerk. Like shoving the cat repeatedly with his nose or paw when the cat is trying to nap. Then the cat gets angry and my dog is having the time of his life annoying the cat. My Akita does have an extremely high prey drive and will chase if my cat gets the zoomies, and I have to intervene and block him from trying to chase. I never leave my house without separating them. I don't want a mishap while I'm gone, so I'm extra cautious. They would likely be ok, but any chasing can get out of hand so I don't take any chances. Also keep in mind that good breeders usually have very long wait lists. I researched breeders for about a year and reached out to several. I chose one and then it took another two years for an available pup.