Size
(when grown) X-Large 101 lbs (46 kg) or more
Details
Good with dogs,
Not good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Onyx, a distinguished senior Akita with a calm, thoughtful presence and plenty of personality to share. Onyx has spent many years in loving homes and now is looking for a peaceful, patient family who can appreciate his gentle, observant nature.
Onyx is fully housetrained and walks nicely on leash, with mild curiosity leading him toward interesting scents. He knows basic commands like sit and paw, enjoys gentle petting, and responds well to treats when he’s ready to engage. In quieter, low-stimulation settings, Onyx shows a relaxed, loose body and soft eyes, making him a wonderful companion for adults who enjoy spending time alongside a mature, dignified dog.
While Onyx can be selective around other dogs, he enjoys exploring the yard, trotting confidently, and taking in his surroundings at his own pace. He thrives with consistent routines, gentle handling, and an environment that respects his need for space when he wants it.
Onyx would do best in a home without cats and with adults who understand and respect his cues. He’s a devoted, intelligent companion who has so much love to give, and he’s looking for a quiet, steady home where he can enjoy his golden years with confidence and comfort.
Videos:
Playgroup 2/21: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcnvoGYrJkIbH9MGUy-wY0Ba8H68L0HGS
Behavior Notes:
Playgroup 2/21/26: Not steerable with either water or shake can.
Good gate greeting with coconut, had hackles raised when gypsy entered the yard and gave a lip curl to shugga at the fence. In the yard he gentle and dainty, mingling around the pen with coconut and gypsy.
Per staff 2/21/26: Kennel Presentation: At the front of the kennel with soft eyes, ears to the side and mid tail loosely wagging. Took a treat gently through the bars.
Leash Skills: Pushed head through the door, however was easy to leash and walks on a loose leash. Pulls mildly towards area's he wants to sniff.
Sociability: Outside he is aloof, more interested in sniffing and exploring the yard. Nose stays to the ground. In the volunteer room he allowed all handing, knows sit and paw. Takes treats gently.
Play: n/a
Dog Interaction: Was in playgroup this morning.
Return to Kennel: Walks right into kennel without hesitation.
Color Level: Exp Gold
Per staff 2/17/26: I was asked to bring him to the exam room for the vet to take a look at him. He was at the front of his kennel with soft eyes, ears to the side and tail in natural position (up and curled). I offered a treat and his tail started to wag. He was a little avoidant of the leash, used a treat to lure the leash on. Pulled mildly through the kennels. He was loose and wiggly in the surgery hallway, waiting for the exam room to open up. Knows sit and paw, allowed all handling and prezteled when i was giving butt scratches. His eyes remained soft and body was loose. For his exam we used minimal restraint and a lot of food. When he go his vaccinations he would move his body away and turned hard started at the tech after the first vaccination. We repositioned and distracted with more food. After the exam i took him out to the pen where he trotted around sniffing everything. He was less social outside with me when outside. Saw a small dog in the pen next to us and his tail was up and slowly wagging. He was was unable to redirect and keep walking. Went right into his kennel with out hesitation.
Per staff 2/16/26: TTA For Onyx; Attempted physical exam, He was not interested in any food, (cheese, cream cheese, dog treats) he bared teeth with whale eye, muzzled next and after attempted vaccinations he was thrashing around while trying to bite.
Summary of owner surrender notes 2/16/26: They had Muffin and Onyx for 10 years and shared that they are “not sure around people.” Both dogs were fully housetrained, not crate trained, and described as having medium energy. They reported that neither dog had ever bitten a person, though one did bite a raccoon. They know commands, walk well on leash, and will eat anything. The owner is “not sure” how they react to strangers or other dogs, and noted that they love the owner’s kids and hate cats.
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ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. We are open for adoptions 7 days a week. Please visit www.acctphilly.org/adopt for details.
If you are a rescue interested in pulling this animal, please email our lifesaving team, or visit here if you are not currently a rescue partner: https://acctphilly.org/acct-philly-love-local-partnership-program/
Confirmed placement is considered a confirmation of an actual rescue pull. Possible placement, interested parties, and other "TBD" statuses are not considered confirmed and do not indicate an animal is no longer urgent.
All animals at ACCT Philly are from Philadelphia, as the only open-intake animal shelter in Philadelphia, we are not able to accept animals from outside of Philadelphia. ACCT Philly's Pennsylvania kennel license number is 08313
