[2024] Akita Shepherd Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

The Akita Shepherd Dog Overview

If you’re looking for a guard dog who will carry their responsibilities with the weight and seriousness they deserve, you won’t find a better choice than the Akita Shepherd.

These dogs, a cross between a German Shepherd and an Akita Inu, are solemn and serious when on guard, but they also know how to have fun.

However, because both parent breeds are highly active and athletic, this is not a dog for a couch potato.

If you are unable to supply them with a full-time job, anticipate spending a large portion of your free time attempting to tucker them out.

Akita Shepherd Highlights

Akita Shepherds are a crossbreed dog. They are not purebred Akitas or German Shepherd Dogs like their parents.

Akita Shepherds are predominantly brindle, white, silver, red, gray, brown, sable, and black in color. Occasionally, their coats are solid, and occasionally, they are multicolored.

Seasonally, Akita Shepherds shed or “blow” their coats, which may make them unsuitable for allergy sufferers. They are, however, relatively easy to groom. Weekly brushing should be enough, as should daily brushing when their coat blows.

Akita Shepherds have a moderate level of energy. Assure that your dog has at least one nice half-hour to hour-long walk each day, interspersed with some good, energetic play sessions and shorter walks.

An Akita Shepherd may be an amazing, quiet companion for children with correct introduction. Always oversee interactions between children and pets.

Akita Shepherds can get sociable with other dogs if introduced appropriately. They may have a predatory drive when it comes to smaller animals such as cats.

Akita Shepherds are bright and independent, and they may attempt to push their owners’ boundaries. Additionally, they are exceedingly eager to please and thrive when properly trained.

Akita Shepherd Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL: 3 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS: 4 Star
PLAYFULNESS: 3 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL: 4 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS: 3 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS: 3 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS: 3 Star
WATCHFULNESS: 5 Star
EASE OF TRAINING: 4 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS: 2 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY: 3 Star
VOCALITY 5 Star

Akita Shepherd Characteristics:

Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 75 to 120 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 13 years
Type: Crossbreed
AREA OF ORIGIN: Germany
DATE OF ORIGIN:
OTHER NAMES: German Shepherd Akitas, Shepkitas
Temperament: Independent, loyal, protective, intelligent, energetic, high-maintenance
Activities:
Color: Gray, brindle, white, black, red, silver, fawn, brown, sable
Litter Size:
Puppy Prices: Between $300 and $700

Akita Shepherd Health:

The Akita Shepherd hybrid is predisposed to several of the same health problems as the German Shepherd and Akita.

While the majority are generally healthy, some are predisposed to a few health problems, which is why it is critical to provide proper care and schedule frequent veterinary visits.

Several of the more prevalent health problems encountered by Akita Shepherds include the following:

Bloat
Elbow and hip dysplasia
Allergies
Dry Eye

Akita Shepherd Grooming:

Akita Shepherds’ coats and coloring are frequently a combination of their German Shepherd and Akita parents.

Akita Shepherds are predominantly brindle, white, silver, red, gray, brown, sable, and black in color. Occasionally, their coats are solid, and occasionally, they are multicolored.

They typically have medium-length coats and shed or “blow” their coats on a seasonal basis, which means they may not be suitable for allergy sufferers. Nonetheless, the Akita Shepherd coat is rather simple to groom.

Weekly brushing should be enough, as should daily brushing when their coat blows. Due to their thick double coats, Akita Shepherds do well in cooler climates.

They should not, however, be left outside during periods of extreme cold. In the summer, you may need to apply dog sunscreen to the ears, nose, and other sensitive places with less hair coverage.

Akita Shepherd Exercise:

Exercise is not optional for Akita Shepherds. They’re going to expend their energy in some way – whether it’s playing fetch in the backyard or chowing down on your couch is entirely up to you.

Each day, they will require at least an hour of moderate to vigorous activity to tire them out. While you can keep them in an apartment, having a spacious yard for them to run around in is a must.

These exercise requirements can be reduced if the employee has a job.

Some people train them to herd animals, while others let them roam freely. If they spend the entire day at work, they will require less dedicated exercise in the future.

Along with physically draining them, you’ll need to emotionally exhaust them as well.

Training sessions can assist with this (and your dog will like them), or you can purchase puzzle toys or enroll your dog in agility training.

However, exercise caution when pushing them too hard, particularly when it comes to running and jumping. Because their backs are prone to injury, you want to avoid high-impact activity.

Akita Shepherd Training:

It is critical to train your Akita Shepherd. Without proper training and socialization, their natural protective instincts can spiral out of control, resulting in violence toward people or other animals.

Fortunately, educating these pups is rather painless due to their whip-smart intelligence and eagerness to learn.

They also do not get bored with training, which means you may continue drilling them indefinitely while knowing they are having the time of their life.

These dogs are intelligent enough that you can assign them complicated tasks if you like.

They make capable herding dogs, and they thrive as watchdogs. They thrive on a challenge, so don’t be hesitant to exert some pressure on them.

Akita Shepherd Food and Nutrition:

Akita Shepherds are exceptionally athletic dogs who require a diet that supports their inherent vitality.

That implies a kibble that is heavy in protein, as this will aid in muscle development and provide them with sustained energy.

However, use caution regarding the source of the protein.

Many inexpensive kibbles contain animal by-products rather than lean slices of meat, and those by-products may have been derived from diseased or abandoned animals, which is not the type of meal you want your dog to consume.

Many owners prefer to feed their dog a raw diet because it enables them to have complete control over the ingredients in their food.

If you choose this approach, make sure to incorporate a range of meats (including organ meats and bone meal) and healthful vegetables.

Additionally, consult your veterinarian beforehand to ensure that your puppy’s food contains all of the necessary nutrients.

Obesity is detrimental to these dogs, so exercise rigorous portion control. Avoid going overboard with the rewards, and keep them within their goal weight range.

Akita Shepherds are also prone to joint problems later in life, therefore supplementing their diet with glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial.

Akita Shepherd Temperament and Personality:

Numerous Akita Shepherd owners describe their Shepkitas as serious with a dash of silliness.

While a well-trained Akita Shepherd may not require the same level of attention as a smaller lapdog, they do know how to have fun with their humans.

Due to Akita Shepherds’ intelligence and assertiveness, they may attempt to challenge their humans’ boundaries.

Additionally, they are exceedingly eager to please and thrive when properly trained.

To avoid developing any undesirable habits or guarding tendencies, begin teaching your Akita Shepherd as soon as feasible.

Many owners of Akita Shepherds also report that their dogs are quiet, but this does not mean they are not listening.

Akita Shepherds are extremely attentive dogs, and they may attempt to protect you from any perceived threat.

This mixed breed is extremely devoted and affectionate to their humans, and they will do anything to keep you safe!

If you’re seeking a dog that will alert you to changes in the environment without being yappy, an Akita Shepherd may be the dog for you.

Akita Shepherd Care/Upkeep:

As with other dogs, you should schedule regular veterinary exams for your Akita Shepherd to discover any health concerns early.

Your veterinarian can assist you in developing a regimen for caring for your dog that will keep it healthy.

Akita Shepherds are prone to obesity and have a moderate level of energy.

Assure that your dog has at least one nice half-hour to hour-long walk each day, interspersed with some good, energetic play sessions and shorter walks.

Daily check their ears for debris and parasites and clean them as directed by your veterinarian.

Trim your dog’s nails regularly, usually once or twice a month. They should not make contact with the floor.

Your groomer can assist you in this. Brush your Akita Shepherd’s teeth on a regular basis. Your veterinarian can advise you on the correct tooth brushing technique for your dog.

When it comes to Akita Shepherd care, your primary focus should be on joint health.

To help avoid elbow or hip dysplasia, speak with your veterinarian about appropriate supplements or special diets for your Akita Shepherd.

Additionally, be wary of the signs of bloat, a potentially fatal illness more prevalent in Akita Shepherds and other large dogs.

Akita Shepherd Relationship with Children and Other Pets

Akita Shepherds are extremely devoted and affectionate toward their owners, which makes them an excellent choice for a family companion.

Nonetheless, youngsters should be taught how to properly engage with a large dog prior to socializing with your Akita Shepherd.

An Akita Shepherd may be an amazing, quiet companion for children with correct introduction.

When it comes to other pets, Akita Shepherds get along well with other animals if they are introduced gradually and calmly, and early socialization helps make this happen.

They can become friendly with other dogs if introduced appropriately.

They may exhibit a predatory drive when interacting with smaller animals such as cats, although adequate socialization can help avoid undesirable habits.

Nonetheless, many Akita Shepherds get along well with other dogs and cats, so it all comes down to training, socialization, and good fortune.

Akita Shepherd Names

Rank	Boy Names	Girl Names
01	Hiro	Emma
02	Kin	Bella
03	Michi	Cici
04	Sora	Luna
05	Yoshi	Akira
06	Akjo	Lady
07	Yudai	Chloe
08	Kura	Molly
09	Taro	Lilly
10	Takao	Penny

All About Akita Shepherd

As implied by its name, an Akita German Shepherd is a cross of two dog breeds, the Akita Inu and the German Shepherd.

They are also referred to as German Shepherd Akitas or occasionally as Shepkitas when their names are combined.

They are loyal, independent, highly clever, and protective pets, just like their stoic parents.

They are well-known for being excellent companions for energetic persons and families who have a lot to contribute.

Additionally, with constant positive reinforcement training, they may be tailored to practically any situation.

In terms of looks, however, predicting how your Akita Shepherd will look is akin to guessing the outcome of a coin roll.

Akita Shepherd History:

While Akita Shepherds may have occurred naturally throughout history, it is believed that breeders began creating them in the 1950s, following the introduction of Akitas to the United States from Japan.

Breeders desired to mix the Akita’s stoic, protective attitude with the German Shepherd’s loyalty. Both are intellectual breeds, resulting in a hybrid that is intelligent, devoted, and protective.

They continued to breed Akita Shepherds as the breed’s popularity grew. Akita Shepherds remain the most prevalent breed in the United States.

Despite the fact that the Akita Shepherd originated as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or the care of rescue organizations. If you decide this is the breed for you, consider adoption.

Consult your local shelters, search for Akita Shepherd rescues, or contact breed-specific German Shepherd or Akita rescues, as they occasionally accept mixed breed dogs and place them.

Where to Adopt Akita Shepherd:

Due to their mixed breed status, it may be difficult to locate a breed-specific rescue for Afadors.

However, you may like to contact breed-specific rescues for Akita Shepherd as they frequently care for mixed breeds as well.

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

Akita Shepherd Fun Facts:

Many owners of Akita Shepherds also report that their dogs are quiet, but this does not mean they are not listening.
Akita Shepherds are extremely attentive dogs, and they may attempt to protect you from any perceived threat.
This mixed breed is extremely devoted and affectionate to their people, and they will go to great lengths to ensure your safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How much does an Akita Shepherd cost?

you can expect to pay between $300 and $700 for a new puppy, although that price could go up if the dogs are specifically bred for security purposes.

How big will Akita Shepherd get?

You can expect Shepkitas to be on the larger side. Most weigh in at 75 to 120 pounds and range in height from 24 to 28 inches from the shoulder.