Akita Shepherds are known for their independence, loyalty, and protective nature, inheriting these traits from their parent breeds, the German Shepherd and Akita Inu. These large dogs can grow up to 25 inches tall and weigh up to 85 pounds. They require regular maintenance and physical activity. Akita Shepherds make great companions for families, couples, and individuals who are willing to invest time and effort into raising a well-adjusted dog, as they develop strong bonds with their owners. It’s worth noting that Akita Shepherds are not commonly bred and are not recognized as a purebred by the American Kennel Club.
Overall, Akita Shepherds embody the characteristics of their parent breeds and require special attention and care. Their size, temperament, and need for exercise make them a good fit for active households. However, potential owners should be aware that these dogs are not commonly found and may require additional research and effort to obtain.
Below, we look at Akita Shepherd dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Akita Shepherd, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Akita Shepherds!
| Dog Breed | Akita Shepherd |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 60-80 lbs (average) |
| Height | 22-24″ (average) |
| Location | Unknown |
| Ancestry | Akita, German Shepherd |
| Date of Origin | Mid 1900s |
| Group | Companion, Hunting, Herding, Guarding |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years |
| Price | $800 – $1200 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Akita Shepherd is a hybrid breed that was created by breeding the German Shepherd and Akita Inu together. The German Shepherd, which originated in Germany in the 1800s, was initially bred as a sheep herder and later became a valuable military dog. The breed gained popularity in both Germany and North America and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908. On the other hand, the Akita Inu is an ancient breed from Japan that was declared a national treasure in the mid-1900s. Akitas were originally bred for hunting large game and have since become spiritual symbols in Japan. The breed was brought to North America by Helen Keller and was recognized by the AKC in 1972. The combination of these two parent breeds resulted in the Akita Shepherd, a loyal and devoted breed. Although it may have been bred as early as the mid-1900s, the Akita Shepherd has not gained widespread popularity and is not recognized by the AKC.
🐕 Akita Shepherd Appearance
The Akita Shepherd is a cross between an Akita Inu and a German Shepherd, with the Akita Inu’s face and tail. But keep in mind that since this breed is not stable, it is capable of inheriting any confluence of physical characteristics from its parent breeds. However, Akita Shepherds typically have a scissor bite mouth, medium-sized, upright ears, and black triangular eyes. The distinctive Spitz tail, which curls upward and has a full, silky covering, will also be present. Their bodies are powerful and muscular, and they have German Shepherd-like sloping backs. The thick, usually medium-length coat of the Akita Shepherd comes in a variety of hues that are shared by both parent breeds. Dogs of Shepherd ancestry may also acquire light or prominent black markings on the face and muzzle.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black, Brown |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Brindle, White, Silver, Fawn, Black, Red, Brown, Sable, Gray |
⚡ Fun Fact: Akita Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don’t mind being left alone for a few hours either.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Akita Shepherd
The Akita Shepherd is an extremely serious breed that, like both of its parents, is reclusive and distant. It has a predisposition to protect and defend, and in most circumstances, this desire is reflected in its personality. Akita Shepherds may, nevertheless, be highly active and playful when they are in ease. These canines are still not friendly with strangers, other pets, or small children. Despite their kindness and loyalty to their loved ones, they might become violent if they feel threatened or uneasy about themselves. Akita Shepherds need strict and recurrent training in order to be kept as pets since they have a high threshold for dominance. Early socialization is crucial for growing a well-adjusted Akita Shepherd for the same reason. Beyond this, Alaskan Shepherds may be trained to carry out rather complicated orders and duties since they are extremely clever. At the conclusion of a (hopefully) busy day, they will happily unwind with their owners yet enjoy their freedom.
🤝 Are Akita Shepherds Friendly or Aggressive?
Akita Shepherd dogs are usually comfortable around other pets and show an average level of friendliness towards strangers. They are also known to be very kid-friendly and enjoy the company of children. While they show an average level of friendliness towards cats and other dogs, they are considered one of the best breeds for elderly people due to their calm and gentle nature.
This breed is known for being:
- Curious
- Dignified
- Independent
- Protective
- Alert
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Confident
- Friendly
- Responsive
- Docile
- Obedient
- Loyal
- Watchful
- Faithful
- Vigilant
- Willing
🐩 Akita Shepherd Care & Maintenance
Akita Shepherds are not hypoallergenic and should not be kept by allergy sufferers. Their coats moderately shed and should be brushed once a week (at the very least) to keep them tidy, spotless, and clean. Depending on how long their pet’s coat is, owners can groom their pet using a number of equipment, such as a slicker or pin brush (pin brushes are for longer coats). Beyond this, Akita Shepherds require only sporadic showers and monthly to bimonthly nail trimmings, making them relatively low-maintenance pets. The hardest aspect of caring for an AkitaShepherd is frequently combing its ears and coat for particles and brushing its teeth every day.
Akita Shepherd dogs are known to shed a lot of hair due to the natural cycle of hair growth. This shedding process can result in a lot of hair on the floor, so be prepared to vacuum daily. The amount and frequency of shedding can vary depending on the health of the dog and its breed. As for bathing, it is recommended to give your Akita Shepherd a bath every 3 to 4 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 2.5 cups daily, costing you about $1.50 – $1.90 daily, or approximately $39.00 – $52.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Akita Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 14 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Akita Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Akita Shepherd Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Akita Shepherd Dog Breed can be:
- Canine Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Congenital Heart Defect
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
While minor concerns include:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Panosteitis
- Pemphigus
- Sebaceous Adenitis
- Pannus
- Perianal Fistulas
- Hemophilia
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
🤧 Important: Is Akita Shepherd hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Akita Shepherd.
⚡ Akita Shepherd Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Akita Shepherd a great choice for families with young children?
The Akita Shepherd is not a great choice for families with young children. They are not good with strangers, other animals, or young children, and can be aggressive if they feel threatened or unsure of themselves.
Is the Akita Shepherd breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Akita Shepherd breed is not considered suitable for apartment living. They require a fair amount of exercise and space to roam, making them more suitable for homes with a yard.
How much exercise does a Akita Shepherd require compared to other breeds?
Akita Shepherds require a fair amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are energetic and playful when comfortable, so they need regular physical activity to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Is the Akita Shepherd breed known for being good with other pets?
The Akita Shepherd breed is not known for being good with other pets. They have a natural inclination to guard and protect, and their personality reflects this impulse in most situations.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Akita Shepherd?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Akita Shepherd include the Shiba Inu, Basenji, and Whippet. These breeds require less grooming and exercise compared to the Akita Shepherd.
What are the common health issues that Akita Shepherds are prone to?
Common health issues that Akita Shepherds are prone to include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet are important for their overall well-being.
Are Akita Shepherds known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Akita Shepherds are not known to be easy to train compared to other breeds. They require firm and consistent training to prevent them from overpowering those around them.
Are Akita Shepherds more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Akita Shepherds can be prone to separation anxiety, especially if they have not been properly socialized and trained from a young age. Providing them with mental stimulation and gradually increasing their alone time can help alleviate this issue.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Akita Shepherd that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Akita Shepherd that are suitable for people with allergies include the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Akita Shepherd are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the Akita Shepherd, such as the Shiba Inu or Basenji, may be more suitable. These breeds are smaller in size and require less space to roam.
Is the Akita Shepherd breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Akita Shepherd breed is not known to be particularly good with children with special needs. Their reserved and aloof nature may not make them the best companions for children who require extra attention or assistance.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Akita Shepherd?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Akita Shepherd can be quite high compared to other breeds. They have a thick double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding. They shed moderately throughout the year and heavily during shedding seasons.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Akita Shepherd dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
