When two purebred dogs, the Akita and the German Shepherd, cross, the result is an Akita Shepherd. These pups received some of the greatest characteristics from both of their parents. They are steadfast, loyal, and hard-working. Shepkita is another name for the Akita Shepherd.
Both of these breeds work effectively when together. The Akita is a working dog with a long and honourable history in Japan. It is part of the "spitz" breed, which has long, thick hair, pointed ears and muzzles, and a curled tail. Originally from Germany in the late nineteenth century, the German Shepherd is a brave and versatile all-purpose working or herding dog.
Both parent breeds are highly energetic and athletic, so this is not a dog that will be compatible with someone who prefers to lounge around on the couch. In the absence of full-time employment, plan to spend a significant amount of your leisure time attempting to entertain them.
Despite their cuteness and size, these charming mixed breed dogs are better suited to larger residences or homes with more room than apartments for those who are busy in the city. They are also great watchdogs for both singles and families because they are both quiet and watchful. It's possible that the Akita Shepherd, a stoic, loyal dog that is eager to please and alerts you to any potential danger, is the appropriate dog for you.
Highlights
- There are two breeds that make up the Akita Shepherd: Like their Akita and German Shepherd Dog parents, they are not purebreds.
- Because Akita Shepherds "blow" or shed their coats on a seasonal basis, they may not be suitable for people with allergies. Even yet, grooming them isn't too difficult. When their coat is blowing, they should be brushed every day.
- This breed's energy level can be described as "middle." Your dog needs at least one solid half-hour to an hour-long walk every day, with a couple nice, energetic play sessions and shorter walks thrown in for good measure.
- Brindle, white, silver, red, grey, brown, sable, and black are the primary colours of Akita Shepherds. They might have a single colour or a mixture of colours on their coats.
- As long as the dog is properly socialised, an Akita Shepherd can make an excellent playmate for children. Play between children and dogs should always be supervised.
- Akita Shepherds can become sociable with other dogs if introduced correctly. Cats, for example, may trigger a predatory drive in them.
- It is possible for Akita Shepherds to challenge their human companions' boundaries. Moreover, they have a strong desire to please and do well with regular instruction.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
A little dog isn't inherently better for an apartment than a larger one, contrary to popular opinion. It's not uncommon for tiny dogs to be too rambunctious to live in a high-rise apartment. There are several attributes that make a good apartment dog: low activity, serenity indoors, and politeness toward other neighbours are among them. As an added bonus, you'll discover some fantastic dog crates to provide your pet some much-needed privacy in your apartment.
Sensitivity Level
A strong rebuke may slide right off the back of certain dogs, but simply a filthy glance might frighten them. It's easier for dogs with low sensitivity to manage a noisy, chaotic home, a louder or more aggressive owner, and an unpredictable or variable routine, often known as "easygoing," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick skin." How many kids do you have? Do you host a lot of parties? Do you participate in a garage band? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
Vibrant dogs eat and drink with enormous mouthfuls, and even strain on the leash if you don't tell them not to (unless you teach them not to). These dynamos demand a lot of training and may not be suitable for a family with children or an older individual. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, is more reserved.
Potential for Playfulness
Some dogs never mature, while others are more pensive and stoic in demeanour. For example, how many games of fetch or tag you plan on playing every day, and if you have kids or other dogs to play with.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
Just as dogs taught to run all day need to exercise their bodies, so do dogs bred for jobs that require decision making and intelligence, like herding sheep. Due to boredom, a youngster may create their own task, usually with actions you dislike, such digging or biting on a stick. Obligation training, interactive dog toys, and dog sports and jobs like agility and search and rescue can all help a dog's brain.
Energy Level
High-energy dogs are constantly ready to go. These dogs were initially meant to retrieve game for hunters or herd animals, which takes a lot of stamina. These creatures are more likely to jump, play, and investigate new sights and smells.
Dogs with low energy levels prefer to sleep all day. When choosing a dog breed, consider your own activities and lifestyle. Do you like or dislike a spirited dog?
Easy To Train
Easy-to-train dogs can quickly associate a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a result (like sitting) (such as receiving a treat). Other dogs need more patience and repetition to learn.
Many breeds are bright but have a "What's in it for me?" training mentality.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Even if they've been nurtured by the same person since puppyhood, some breeds are stubborn and aloof; others form strong bonds with a single individual and are uninterested in anybody else; and still others lavish affection on the entire family. Not only does the dog's breed influence its level of attachment, but so does the dog's upbringing, as canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and form stronger bonds.
Kid-Friendly
Tolerant of running, scream-inducing youngsters, a kid-friendly dog must be kind, strong, and tolerant. Among the names on the list are several surprises: Fierce-looking Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are well-known as great family pets (which are considered Pit Bulls). Miniature dogs like Chihuahuas aren't necessarily the most family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Friendship with dogs and friendship with people are two very different concepts. Even if a dog is a big fan of humans, it is possible for it to attack or try to dominate another dog. Other dogs prefer to play rather than fight, and some will simply go away. It's not only a matter of genetics. Puppy socialisation is more likely in dogs that were raised with their littermates and mother for the first six to eight weeks of their lives and who were frequently exposed to other puppies.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
In order to live with a dog, one must accept the presence of dog hair in the household and on one's clothing. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. If you want to keep your house a little cleaner, you can use a deshedding tool.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. In the event that you aren't concerned about your dog's drool, you can go ahead and get one that isn't as messy as you'd prefer.
Easy To Groom
Some dogs may be brushed and go, while others need to be bathed, clipped, and otherwise groomed on a regular basis in order to maintain their health and cleanliness. Grooming a dog that requires a lot of time and patience may not be in your best interest if you do not have the time or the money to do so.
Exercise Needs
In the evening, several dog breeds prefer to go for a walk. People who work in physically demanding fields, such as herding or hunting, need to work out frequently.
It's possible that these dogs will put on weight and develop bad habits like barking, chewing, and digging if they don't get enough exercise. Outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in high-intensity canine sports like agility can benefit from dogs who require a lot of physical exertion.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
75 to 120 pounds
Lifespan
10 to 13 years
Height
24 to 28 inches
History
This hybrid breed is a cross between German Shepherd and Akita Inu. The Akita Shepherd's German Shepherd heritage extends back to the 1800s. The German military used intelligent courier dogs like this one in both World Wars. The Verein für Deutsche Scharferhunde SV was created in 1899 to promote the German Shepherd breed.
Throughout the twentieth century, German Shepherds were a popular working, guard, and pet dog in North America. As of 1908, the German shepherd is still a popular breed in the US and Europe, notably Germany. The Akita Inu, the other parent, is a centuries-old breed from Odate, Japan. Japan declared Akitas Inus a national treasure in the mid-1900s. Akita Inus are still respected as supernatural protectors and protectors in Japan.
To hunt huge animals like elk, the Akita Inus were evolved. The first Akitas arrived in America in the mid-20th century thanks to Helen Keller. The American Kennel Club recognised the Akita breed in 1972. (AKC).
These two parent breeds were combined to create the Akita Shepherd. Given the age of the parent breeds, this hybrid may be from the mid-1900s. Despite this, the AKC does not recognise it.
Personality and Temperament
Many Akita Shepherd owners describe their dogs as serious with a sense of fun. Unlike smaller lap dogs, Akita Shepherds are social and don't require as much attention.
This intelligent and independent breed may test its owners' boundaries. They also have a tremendous desire to please and learn. Begin teaching your Akita Shepherd right away to avoid unwanted behaviours or guarding instincts.
Akita Shepherds are bold and protective dogs. Physique: massive, chiselled look contributes to frightening aura
Despite their imposing appearance, Akita Shepherds are extremely affectionate dogs. Despite their subdued demeanour, they ferociously protect and defend their pack. If properly socialised and raised, Akita Shepherd puppies can be quite obedient. To handle this high-strung mix, you must be firm and consistent. Early socialisation is essential for raising well-adjusted canines.
Akita Shepherds are energetic and fun and require an active household.
Health Issues
This particular breed has an extensive list of potential health issues that it can inherit from either parent, including progressive retinal atrophy, congenital heart defects and haemophilia; allergies; cancer; boating; hip and elbow dysplasia (which causes the joints to temporarily dislocate); degenerative myelopathy (which affects the spinal cord) and Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder).
The typical life expectancy of a dog is 10 to 13 years because of these factors. Some of these health issues may be unavoidable, but if you do your homework, you may greatly reduce your dog's risk of acquiring them. Puppy mills and low-quality breeders that do not conduct health screenings should always be avoided. You should also take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. In summary, the following are the most prevalent Akita Shepherd health issues:
Allergies
A dog's saliva, dander, and urine all include proteins that have been secreted by the dog. When a person's immune system overreacts to innocuous proteins, an allergic reaction ensues. You may be more allergic to particular kinds of dogs than others because they create differing amounts of dander.
In time, the allergen is found in the animal's coat. In carpets, clothing, walls, and between couch cushions, the spores spread out. As a whole, pet hair isn't an irritant, but it can collect dust and dander from the air around your home.
Pemphigus
If you have pemphigus, your body's immune system targets the connections between its own skin cells. This is an autoimmune illness.
Bloating
Bloat occurs when the stomach of a dog becomes overflowing with gas, food, or fluid, causing it to balloon outward. Other organs are strained as a result of the stomach's weight. Dangerous consequences may follow.
Sebaceous adenitis
Skin inflammation with an unclear cause, such as sebaceous adenitis, causes a poor hair coat. It primarily affects dogs in their late adolescent or early adult years. The severity and distribution of clinical symptoms varies among breeds and hair coats.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
To say that a physical component has atrophied is an understatement. These photoreceptor cells are affected by progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a category of degenerative disorders. As the condition progresses, the dog's cells degenerate, eventually leading to blindness.
Recommended Health Test (Occasional)
Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Blood
DNA for Vwd
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Full Body Physical Examination
Nutrition
- The optimum diet for an Akita Shepherd should be designed for a large breed with a medium level of energy, such as these dogs are.
- A regular feeding schedule and no food left out all day will keep them from gaining too much weight if they are overfed (and prone to bloat). Treats should be limited as well.
- Every dog has different nutritional demands at different stages of life, and the Akita Shepherd is no exception.
- Ask your veterinarian for advice on feeding your Akita Shepherd, as there is too much diversity among individual dogs in terms of health and weight to come up with a single prescription.
Grooming
- As a result, those with allergies to dogs should avoid this breed at all costs.
- Dogs like this are known for shedding a lot, and they're also susceptible to blowing their coats once or twice a year. For those who don't enjoy getting covered in dog dander, this breed is probably not the right choice.
- Brushing these dogs can help reduce the amount of shedding, but this is a full-time task in and of itself. To have an impact, you'll need to perform this a few times a week for a few minutes at a time.
- Besides daily toothbrushing and weekly ear cleaning, they don't need to be bathed very often (only when they're clearly dirty).
- Trimming their nails is also a good idea, but since these dogs are so active, they tend to do it themselves.
Exercise
- Exercising Akita Shepherds is vital. Whether you want to play fetch in the garden or eat on the couch, they'll get their energy out.
- To feel fatigued, they'll require an hour of moderate to vigorous exercise daily. It's great to live in an apartment, but having a large backyard for your kids is ideal.
- They can minimise their physical activity needs if they work. The owner can either utilise them to herd animals or let them roam wild. If they work all day, they won't need to exercise.
- You'll need to mentally tyre them as well as physically. This can be achieved through fun training sessions, puzzle toys, or agility training.
- Running and jumping should be avoided as a rule. You should avoid high-impact activities because their backs are fragile.
Training
- Akita Shepherd training is a requirement. Their inherent protectiveness can go out of hand, leading to problems with aggression against people or other animals if sufficient training and socialisation are not provided.
- Fortunately, raising these puppies is a piece of cake, thanks to their eagerness to learn and sharp minds. In other words, they won't become bored with training, so you can drill them endlessly without worrying that they'll get bored.
- Because of their intelligence, these canines are capable of doing complex tasks if you so desire. In addition to being excellent watchdogs, they also make good herders. The more you push them, the more they'll enjoy it.
- In agility competitions and other competitive activities, their desire to follow instructions makes them natural competitors.
- It doesn't imply you can shortchange them on training time just because they're simple to work with. Don't hesitate to employ a professional trainer if you don't have the time or expertise to properly educate your Akita Shepherd yourself. It's better to outsource the task than to leave it unfinished.
Children and Other Pets
- Akita Shepherds are known for their devotion to their owners, making them ideal pets for families. Children should still be taught the right way of playing with a large-sized dog before they engage with your Akita Shepherd.
- An Akita Shepherd can be a wonderful, peaceful companion for children if properly introduced.
- Other animals can be socialised with ease if introduced to the Akita Shepherd carefully and calmly, and early socialisation is key to this.
- Dogs can become friendly if they are introduced in the right way. Proper socialisation can help prevent undesirable tendencies such as a predatory drive for cats or other small animals.
- Many Akita Shepherds are great with other dogs and cats, but it all comes down to training and socialisation.
Puppies
The puppies of Akita Shepherds are extremely fearless and vigilant. Having been crossed between two exceptional working breeds, these dogs thrive when given a task.
If you're considering getting one as a puppy, make sure you do your research and pick a reputable breeder who practises ethical business practices. Poor quality breeding, according to some, makes this breed more prone to behavioural difficulties like aggression.
The cost of one of these canines ranges from $450 to $650. Akita Shepherd breeders in your area may be hard to come by due to the breed's rarity.
You can look for a good breeder by attending dog shows and breed club functions in your area. Do your homework on the internet as well. To make an informed decision, check out previous customers' feedback and recommendations.
Dog breeds Similar to the Akita Shepherd
If you like the Akita Shepherd, you'll notice that it looks a lot like a variety of working and spitz breeds.
Siberian Husky
Big and strong Siberian Huskies are spitz-type worker dogs that are loyal, proud, and outgoing. As a companion and sled dog for the Chukchi people of Siberia, this breed has a thick coat with sharp eyes and an aloof demeanour.
Samoyed
The Samoyed, a breed of worker dog developed by the Samoyedic people of Siberia, is another amiable canine native to the freezing north. All-white fur coat distinguishes it from the rest of the pack.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu, like the Akita, is an alert and active Japanese working/hunting spitz known for its countless online jokes. As of now, it is Japan's best-loved dog. Smaller owners may find this dog to be an ideal companion.
