A/N: Another entry for Naruto100's 'Animals' challenge.
The Thing About Dogs:
Hinata has always wanted a puppy. They were cute, they were cuddly. Most little girls at one point in time want one. Throughout her childhood she holds on to the hope that she may one day be able to have one. Her father constantly refuses her, insisting that no "mangy mutt" will ever be allowed into his household. Hanabi is allergic to animal hair. Neji just dislikes them.
When she is assigned to her genin team she is secretly excited that the boy from the Inuzuka clan is on her team. His dog, Akamaru, is adorable, and he always let her think she was being sneaky when she brought the dog treats hidden in her pockets. Akamaru warmed up to her after the first week, his tail wagging and a happy bark escaping him whenever she approached.
He was, Hinata thinks, a super-puppy. He was cute and cuddly when he was comfortable, and a vicious, cunning fighter in battle. She thought the same could be used to describe Kiba. He was cute as well, handsome maybe, and a lovable figure about Konoha. When fighting however, he was ruthless, fast, vicious, and strong. Good traits for them both.
She figured when she and Kiba moved in together that she could sort of consider Akamaru as her dog as well (though she knew his first owner would always and forever be Kiba). It was after the move, after they'd both made jounin, that Hinata began appreciating Akamaru even more. Her younger sister Hanabi, still the favorite heir, was unable to come and condescend to them (Hanabi called this visiting). Their apartment was covered in dog hair.