:fadein: I have an 11mo. old brown brindle. Had an Akita/gsd mix for 81/2 yrs.She took after her akita mother in personality she was so sweet,gentle,and loyal that when we lost her to congestive heart failure We couldn't imagine having anything but an akita.Mika has her own personality but all the things about Mattie I fell in love with are there.Idon't think I'll ever own another breed.