Breed Info
The Akita Shepherd is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Akita or German Shepherd Dog parents. They are not recognized by any kennel clubs.
The main colors of Akita Shepherds are brindle, white, silver, red, gray, brown, sable, and black. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors.
While Akita Shepherds might have existed naturally throughout the years, it’s believed that breeders started creating them sometime in the 1950s after Akitas were brought to the United States from Japan.
Breeders wanted to combine the stoic, protective nature of the Akita with the loyalty of the German Shepherd. Both are intelligent breeds, making for a smart, loyal, protective hybrid. They continued to create Akita Shepherds as demand for the breed continued to rise. Akita Shepherds are still most commonly found in the United States.
A well-trained Akita Shepherd doesn’t demand much attention like a smaller lapdog might, but they do know how to have fun with their humans.
Since Akita Shepherds are rather intelligent and headstrong, they may try to test out their humans’ boundaries. They are also incredibly eager to please and thrive with consistent training. In order to curb any unwanted habits or guarding behaviors, be sure to start training your Akita Shepherd as early as possible.
Many Akita Shepherd owners also say that their dogs are quiet, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t listening. Akita Shepherds are highly alert dogs, and they may try to protect you from whatever threat they perceive. This mixed breed is incredibly loyal and loving to their humans, and they want to make sure you are safe! If you’re looking for a dog who will let you know if something is up without being yappy, an Akita Shepherd just might be the right dog for you.
The Akita Shepherd mixed breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the German Shepherd and Akita also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.
Some of the more common health problems Akita Shepherds suffer from include:
- Bloat
- Eblow and hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- Dry Eye
Akita Shepherds are prone to weight gain, and they have medium energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush your Akita Shepherd’s teeth regularly. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly.
Your main concern when it comes to your Akita Shepherd’s care is maintaining their joint health. To help prevent elbow or hip dysplasia, talk to your vet about possible supplements or special diets your Akita Shepherd can go on to help keep their joints healthy. Also be aware of the signs of bloat, a potentially fatal condition to which Akita Shepherds and other large dogs are more susceptible.
The main colors of Akita Shepherds are brindle, white, silver, red, gray, brown, sable, and black. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors.
They usually have medium-length coats and they shed or “blow” their coats seasonally, which may mean they may not be allergy-friendly. Still, the Akita Shepherd coat is relatively easy to groom. Regular weekly brushing–and daily brushing when their coat blows–should do the trick.
Akita Shepherds can fare well in chillier weather, thanks to their fluffy double coats. Still, they should not be left outside in extreme cold temperatures. You may need to apply dog sunscreen to the ears, nose, and sensitive areas where there’s less fur coverage in the summer months.
Akita Shepherds are incredibly loyal and loving towards their humans, which can make them a great choice as a family pet. Still, children should learn how to properly play with a large-sized dog properly before interacting with your Akita Shepherd. With proper introduction, an Akita Shepherd can be an incredible, calm companion for kids.
When it comes to other pets, Akita Shepherds can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. If introduced properly, they can become friendly with other dogs. They may have a prey drive with smaller animals like cats but again, proper socialization can help deter unwanted habits.
