Akita Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

32-39 kg

Height

58-63 cm

Lifespan

10-13 years

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About the Akita Shepherd

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

Akita Shepherds are beautiful dogs, and if you are looking for a friendly and loving but dedicated guard dog, then this is the pooch for you! They come from two fantastic parent breeds and are the perfect mix. This guide tells you everything you need to know about the Akita Shepherd.

You’ll want to welcome one of these little guys into your home by the end of this!

What is the history & origin of the Akita Shepherd?

Since this is a mixed-breed dog, we need to look at the History of the Akita Inu and the German shepherd. German Shepherds were bred in Germany and originated in the 1800s. They were bred to be sheepherders.

They were seen as highly intelligent and were soon used as courier dogs by the German military in both WW1 and WW2. They rose in popularity during the 20th century. In 1908 the American kennel club recognized them as a breed.

The Akita Inu originates from Japan’s Odate region, and they are an ancient breed. They were declared a national treasure in the mid-1900s, and they remain spiritual symbols of health, protection, and happiness in Japan. They were first bred to be hunters.

What is an Akita Shepherd breed?

An Akita Shepherd is a mixed breed dog; they are a cross between the Akita Inu and a German Shepherd. They are also known as the German Shepherd Akita or the Shepkita. This mix is strong, athletic, and hard-working.

Most Akita Shepherds combine the curling tail and face of the Akita with the body of a strong German Shepherd. They are highly active and very athletic.

Who is an Akita Shepherd best for?

Akita Shepherds can be the ideal play partner for other dogs and animals because they will have someone else to play with and let out all of their energy. Still, they can also feel the need to assert dominance over another animal, so early socialisation is essential.

They also make excellent family dogs; they can get along well with children and make excellent guard dogs. But they have very protective instincts, so ensure that they are adequately trained and socialised; otherwise, they may act out.

Akita Shepherds are better suited to pet parents or families that are pretty active as these dogs require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Otherwise, it may lead to impulsive and destructive behaviours.

They do adapt quite quickly to almost any environment. They are very adventurous pups and will be pretty happy in suburban areas or rural areas where they have loads of land to explore. They can also become rather large, so they need enough room to roam around and play in.

Akita Shepherd Grooming & Shedding

Akita Shepherds need daily brushing, using merely slicer brushes and pins to clean the loose hair on long coats. Their coats will shed during the shedding season, but regular brushing can make it easier to handle.

Bathe them with a good shampoo only when necessary, if the pooch has rolled in the mud or if they have gotten very dirty. Owners should cut their nails every two weeks or so as having long nails can be rather frustrating for them.

Give their ears a good clean every now and then, and it’s advisable to wash their mouth with dog toothpaste almost every single day to ensure good oral hygiene,

Do Akita Shepherds bark a lot?

These are not dogs that make their presence known through loud, boisterous barking. Instead, they usually pause and assess situations before reacting. They will release their fierce woofs if they’re absolutely sure that a situation warrants it and if they feel threatened.

But do not expect them to bark a lot at all; these dogs are actually known for being scarily quiet.

What is the average weight & height of an Akita Shepherd dog?

There is no standard size when it comes to this mixed breed. Some are more on the medium side, while others are a lot larger. You also cannot tell how big they will become when looking at a puppy, so it is like a bit of a surprise for you!

A male Akita shepherd can be anything from about 58-63 cm in height and weighs around 32-39kg. A female Akita shepherd is approximately 55-60 cm in height and can weigh about 23-29 kg.

Are Akita Shepherds easy to train?

This dog is quick learning, and their instinctive eagerness makes them pretty easy to train. In a couple of seconds, they can learn specific commands that would take another dog weeks to learn.

They are intelligent hybrid dogs and obey your instructions and train diligently from a young age, but this does not mean that training them will be extremely easy. Always use positive reinforcement with the Akita Shepherd.

Akitas also have quite a stubborn streak, but they also have a lot of independence and are very headstrong. This doesn’t mean that they won’t follow your instructions. It just means that you need to earn a sense of respect from the pup first.

These pups will need a lot of guidance during training; you need to act like a leader during training, but use positive reinforcement and be gentle with your pooch. An Akita Shepherd puppy should go to dog daycare classes and obedience training.

How do Akita Shepherds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Akita Shepherds are loyal companions. They are courageous and protective but equally as playful and affectionate. They can be somewhat reserved but become very energetic when they feel comfortable with people.

They are very kind but can get aggressive if they feel threatened. The Akita Shepherd is also very independent, alert, hardworking, and a little bit stubborn. They have a serious side, but it is well balanced with their fun and adventurous side as well.

The Akita Shepherd is stoic but goofy.

Does the Akita Shepherd have any common health issues?

Unfortunately, the Akita Shepherd is prone to several health risks, including progressive retinal atrophy, congenital heart defects, hemophilia, allergies, and arthritis, as well as bloating, hip and elbow dysplasia.

Due to all these health risks, the average lifespan for dogs varies between 10 and 13 years. While some diseases can not necessarily be avoided, it is always advisable to take your pup for regular vet visits and ensure that it lives the healthiest lifestyle to prevent specific medical issues.

What is the lifespan of an Akita Shepherd?

On average, an Akita Shepherd can live for 10-13 years, so Akita Shepherd owners can expect many years of companionship from their furry friend. How long they live will depend on their lifestyle, activity level, how they eat, and if they suffer from any health issues.

How much does an Akita Shepherd need to be fed?

An Akita Shepherd should have at least one cup of fresh, dry food every day. The exact amount of food they need will depend on age, size, activity levels, and the type of dog. It is best to have an eating schedule, and they should eat two meals each day.

If they overeat, they will gain weight, so free feeding is not recommended. It is best to feed them food that is high in protein; they need to eat food that supports their highly active lifestyle

How much can you expect to pay for an Akita Shepherd in Australia?

The Akita Shepherd mix is relatively rare, so you should expect to pay anything between $1500 to $3000 for an Akita German shepherd mix.

The price also depends on the breeder and the lineage of both parent breeds. It is essential that you buy your puppy from a registered and reputable breeder; this way, it is more ethical, and you know that you are getting a well-behaved and healthy puppy.

If the Akita Shepherd has been purely bred for security and guard dog purposes, then you can expect to pay a much higher price.

Akita Shepherd FAQs

Can Akita Shepherds swim?

Yes, they can. Some Akita Shepherds will love the water, while others may not enjoy it as much. But they are naturally very courageous and athletic dogs, so they will likely enjoy swimming and be quite good at it.

Do Akita Shepherds suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, they can. If they are left alone or separated from their owner for too long, then they will likely suffer from separation anxiety. It is best to train them when they are little and get them used to spend some time on their own.

Are Akita Shepherds hypoallergenic dogs?

Akita Shepherds are not well suited for people with high allergies as they are not hypoallergenic.

Will an Akita Shepherd need professional grooming?

You can quite easily groom them yourself, but it is never a bad idea to take them to a professional groomer every few weeks. However, it is not totally necessary.