The Akita Shepherd, also known as Shepkita, is a remarkable mixed breed dog, resulting from a cross between the Akita and German Shepherd. These dogs inherit the best traits from both their parent breeds, showcasing a powerful and large stature, as well as being known to be stoic, loyal, and hard-working. Originating in the mid-1900s, the Akita Shepherd is a versatile companion, suitable for various roles such as guarding, herding, and hunting.
This breed possesses an independent, loyal, protective, intelligent, and energetic temperament, making them highly suitable for active families seeking a friendly yet dedicated guard dog. Although experiencing some common health issues found in larger breeds, such as Canine Hip Dysplasia and Von Willebrand’s Disease, the Akita Shepherd typically has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.
Key Takeaways
- Akita Shepherds result from a cross between Akitas and German Shepherds, exhibiting ideal traits for guarding, herding, and hunting.
- Their temperament is independent, loyal, and protective, making them perfect for active families in need of a dedicated companion.
- Although large and susceptible to some health concerns, Akita Shepherds have a relatively long lifespan of 10 to 14 years.
Akita Shepherd Overview
The Akita Shepherd is a hybrid dog breed, resulting from the cross between the German Shepherd and the Akita Inu. As a large and powerful breed, the Akita Shepherd carries traits from both its parent breeds, making it an exceptionally strong and versatile working dog. With a confident and knowledgeable understanding of this breed, owners can help Akita Shepherds thrive as loyal and protective companions.
Boasting a stature that can reach 25 inches in height and up to 85 pounds in weight, the Akita Shepherd is an imposing and impressive dog. This large breed is best suited for active families and individuals who are willing to invest time in physically and mentally stimulating exercises for their pet. Task-oriented activities, such as agility or obedience competitions, are excellent ways to keep Akita Shepherds engaged and happy.
In terms of coat and appearance, the Akita Shepherd typically has short to medium-length fur and can exhibit a range of colors, including gray, brindle, white, black, red, silver, fawn, brown, and sable. Their grooming requirements are relatively high, so regular brushing and bathing are essential to maintain their coat’s health and appearance.
The temperament of the Akita Shepherd is a unique blend of the parent breeds’ attributes. They are known to be independent, loyal, protective, intelligent, and energetic. This balanced temperament makes them exceptional guard dogs and family pets, provided they receive proper socialization and training from an early age.
When properly trained and cared for, the Akita Shepherd typically has a lifespan ranging from 10 to 14 years. Attentive owners should prioritize the maintenance of their pet’s physical health, as well as social and mental well-being, to ensure a happy and fulfilling life for these magnificent dogs.
History and Origin
The Akita Shepherd, also known as Shepkita, is a mixed breed dog that combines the traits of the Akita Inu and the German Shepherd. This powerful and large breed carries characteristics from both parent breeds, resulting in a loyal, courageous, and independent dog.
The origin of the Akita Inu can be traced back to the northern region of Japan, where they were historically utilized by samurai for guarding, fighting, and even hunting bears. Their regional ancestors, called Matagiinu, were medium-sized dogs bred to serve as hunting companions. The Akita Inu adapted over time, retaining their strong “wolf” skills in locating and hunting prey, which were valuable traits in the days of bow and arrow hunting.
On the other hand, the German Shepherd originated in Germany in the late 19th century, developed by breeding local herding and farm dogs. The breed was intended to produce a highly intelligent, dependable, and versatile working dog. Their exceptional qualities made them successful in various working roles, including police and military work, search and rescue, and service dogs.
The Akita Shepherd breed emerged in the mid-1900s as a crossbreed between the Akita Inu and German Shepherd. As a powerful and large dog, an Akita Shepherd has an average size of 22-25 inches in height and a weight range of 60-85 lbs. This breed has been known for its potential health concerns, such as canine hip dysplasia, bloat, and degenerative myelopathy.
An interesting historical aspect of the Akita Inu breed is its connection with Helen Keller, an American author, and activist. During her visit to Japan in 1937, she encountered the Akita Inu and became captivated by their loyalty and valor. A beautiful example of this devotion is the story of Hachikō, an Akita Inu known for waiting at a train station for nearly a decade after his owner’s death. Helen Keller eventually brought two Akita Inus back to the United States, fostering international interest in the breed.
The Akita Inu is considered a national treasure in Japan, embodying the country’s history, culture, and values. As a hybrid breed, the Akita Shepherd inherits a unique blend of characteristics from its parent breeds, the Akita Inu and German Shepherd, resulting in a versatile, intelligent, and loyal companion.
Appearance
The Akita Shepherd is a large breed dog, strong and powerful, drawing physical characteristics from both the Japanese Akita and the German Shepherd. These dogs have a muscular build, giving them a sturdy appearance that exudes strength and athleticism. Males typically stand between 24 and 28 inches tall, while females are between 22 and 26 inches. Their weight ranges from 70 to 120 pounds, with males being slightly heavier than females.
Their face is a combination of the Akita’s broad head and strong jaws, along with the German Shepherd’s prominent cheek muscles and almond-shaped eyes. The eyes are slightly slanted, giving them a unique and somewhat mysterious look. Their well-proportioned, slightly curved tail is reminiscent of the Akita’s ancestry, providing balance to their large frame.
The coat of an Akita Shepherd can vary from short to medium-length, depending on which parent breed’s traits are more dominant. The double coat ensures that these dogs are well-protected against various weather conditions. Shedding is moderate, so regular grooming is necessary to maintain the coat’s health and appearance. Color combinations can include black, brown, fawn, red, silver, and white.
This powerful dog breed has a presence that commands attention. Their loyal, protective nature combined with their confident appearance showcases the best of both the Akita and the German Shepherd lineages.
Personality and Temperament
The Akita Shepherd is a large, intelligent breed known for its loyal and protective nature. This breed is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Akita Inu; thus, the Akita Shepherd inherits distinct traits from both parent breeds. Many of their characteristics make them excellent family dogs and devoted companions.
A standout attribute of the Akita Shepherd is their independent and stoic temperament. They are confident in facing challenges and can thrive without constant attention from their owners. This breed is also known for being calm and quiet, making them well-suited to households desiring a more reserved dog.
However, Akita Shepherds are also known for being quite reserved and aloof with strangers. Due to their guarding instincts, they might seem distant to new people. Proper socialization, commencing at a young age, is crucial for ensuring your Akita Shepherd is comfortable around newcomers.
Naturally territorial, Akita Shepherds are vigilant in protecting their family and home. They can be quite assertive when faced with a perceived threat. This territorial nature makes them excellent watch dogs. Early training is essential to instill appropriate behavior and curb any unwarranted aggression.
Despite their reserve, Akita Shepherds possess incredible courage. Relying on their physical strength and power, they are more than capable of defending their family and property when the need arises.
Family Compatibility
The Akita Shepherd is a loyal and courageous breed, making them great family pets. Their protective nature ensures that they will guard the home and their family members. This breed is known to be friendly with children, acting as gentle companions and playmates. Akita Shepherds tend to be calm and adhere to boundaries, making them kid-friendly pets.
Their energy levels, however, need to be considered when introducing an Akita Shepherd to a family. This breed requires exercise and mental stimulation, which can be provided through daily walks, playtime, or training sessions. It is essential to ensure that family members can meet these needs to keep the dog happy and healthy.
In addition to being great with children, Akita Shepherds typically get along well with other family pets. Due to their larger size, they may be intimidating to smaller animals, but proper socialization can help them coexist peacefully. Early and consistent socialization with other animals is crucial in successfully integrating the Akita Shepherd into a multi-pet household.
The Akita Shepherd’s independent nature ensures they can handle time alone if needed. However, this trait also means they can be somewhat reserved around strangers and may take time to warm up to new people. Personalities will vary among individual dogs, so patience and understanding are important when welcoming an Akita Shepherd into your family.
Training and Exercise
The Akita Shepherd is a highly intelligent and affectionate breed, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, these dogs can also be stubborn, making it crucial to establish firm and consistent training methods early on. Socialization is a vital aspect of training, as it allows your Akita Shepherd to become well-rounded and comfortable around new people, animals, and environments.
Training your Akita Shepherd should begin as soon as possible. Start by teaching them basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and recall. Keep in mind that positive reinforcement works best with this breed, as they are more likely to respond to rewards and praise than harsh corrections. To ensure optimal trainability, be sure to provide your dog with mental stimulation through puzzle toys, trick training, and obedience exercises.
As for exercise, Akita Shepherds require a good balance of daily physical activity and structured playtime. A daily walk is an excellent way to meet their exercise needs, but these dogs also enjoy moderate-intensity activities such as fetch, agility training, and hiking. Ensuring that your dog gets the recommended exercise will help prevent joint issues later in life, as Akita Shepherds can be prone to these problems.
Grooming and Maintenance
Akitas are a double-coated breed, which means they possess a soft undercoat beneath a coarser outer coat. This makes grooming and maintenance an essential aspect of owning an Akita Shepherd. Shedding is a natural occurrence for Akitas, with two major shedding periods per year, typically during the spring and fall seasons.
Brushing is key to maintaining your Akita’s coat health and appearance. Start by wetting their coat with a mist from a spray bottle, and use a pin brush or rake to remove dead hairs in the undercoat. Brush in the direction of hair growth, moving from the shoulders down the body and finishing with the legs. Regular brushing is recommended, as it helps to prevent matting and keep the coat looking its best. You may need to brush more frequently during shedding seasons, ideally once or twice a week.
When it comes to bathing, Akitas do not require frequent baths. In fact, you should aim to bathe your dog no more than once every six weeks, as excessive bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. When you do bathe your Akita, use a specially formulated dog shampoo, and avoid using human products, which can potentially harm their skin and coat.
Ear cleaning is also an important part of Akita grooming. Make sure to check your dog’s ears regularly for signs of dirt or irritation, and gently clean the outer ear canal with a pet-safe ear cleaner as needed. Don’t forget to keep your Akita’s nails trimmed, as long nails can cause discomfort and affect their gait. Use a high-quality pair of dog nail clippers and trim nails carefully to avoid cutting the quick.
By incorporating these maintenance steps into your routine, you will ensure that your Akita Shepherd stays healthy and maintains a beautiful coat. Remember to be patient and gentle with your dog during grooming sessions, as they might be anxious or uncomfortable at times. Positive reinforcement with verbal praise and treats can go a long way in making grooming a more enjoyable experience for both you and your Akita Shepherd.
Health Issues
Akita Shepherds can inherit health issues from both German Shepherd and Akita Inu parent breeds. It is important to be aware of these health concerns in order to keep your dog healthy and address any issues early on.
Hip dysplasia is a common health issue that can affect the Akita Shepherd. This orthopedic condition affects the hip joints and can lead to lameness or limping. Elbow dysplasia is another joint-related issue that can cause pain and mobility problems if left untreated.
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord and can lead to weakness and paralysis in the hind limbs. While this condition is not curable, early intervention and supportive care can help maintain your dog’s quality of life.
Bloat, also known as gastric torsion, is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists, trapping gas and fluid inside. This can lead to rapid swelling and requires immediate veterinary attention. Preventative measures include feeding smaller meals, avoiding rigorous exercise immediately after eating, and avoiding stress during mealtime.
Congenital heart defects can be present in Akita Shepherds, including issues with the structure or function of the heart. Regular check-ups and monitoring by your veterinarian will help detect any abnormalities early on.
Autoimmune thyroiditis is a condition that affects the thyroid gland, causing it to produce insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. This can lead to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, and hair loss. Diagnosis and treatment with thyroid medication can help manage this condition.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of eye diseases that can lead to blindness in dogs. Regular eye exams can help identify PRA early, and although there is no cure, dogs can adapt well when vision is lost gradually.
Pemphigus is an autoimmune skin disease that causes sores, blisters, and crusts on the skin. Treatment typically includes immunosuppressive medications and regular follow-up appointments with your veterinarian.
Sebaceous adenitis is a rare skin disease characterized by inflammation of the sebaceous glands, hair loss, and scaling on the skin. Topical treatments and medicated shampoos may help to manage this condition.
By staying informed about these potential health issues and working closely with your veterinarian, you can ensure that your Akita Shepherd remains as healthy as possible throughout their life.
Living with an Akita Shepherd
An Akita Shepherd, also known as Shepkita, is a mixed breed dog that combines the traits of an Akita and a German Shepherd. This remarkable breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and powerful physique. As a pet, the Akita Shepherd can be a wonderful addition to any active family or individual due to their energetic and playful nature.
The personality of the Akita Shepherd is a mix of independence and protective instincts, making them an excellent watchdog. They are naturally alert and possess a strong guarding instinct, which means they don’t need any specialized training to keep your home safe. However, it’s essential to properly socialize them from a young age since they need to learn that not all strangers pose a threat.
A happy and healthy Akita Shepherd requires regular physical activity. As a large and energetic breed, they enjoy engaging in activities such as long walks, jogs, hikes, or play sessions in a securely fenced yard. Their energy levels make them well-suited to an active lifestyle, and they thrive when given plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs and use their minds.
When it comes to their loyalty and happiness, Akita Shepherds are known for forming strong bonds with their family members. This intelligent breed requires mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise to thrive; puzzle toys and obedience training can be helpful in keeping their minds sharp.
If you choose to bring an Akita Shepherd puppy into your home, be prepared for the responsibility of raising a large, loyal dog. Consistent training, daily exercise, and proper socialization are all essential components to ensure that your Shepkita grows into a well-rounded adult.
Working and Hunting Abilities
The Akita Shepherd is an impressive working and hunting dog. This breed is a mix of two highly capable and loyal dog breeds, the Akita and the German Shepherd. Both parent breeds are known for their working abilities, making the Akita Shepherd a natural fit for various tasks, including herding and hunting.
As a herding dog, the Akita Shepherd inherits intelligence and strong work ethics from both the Akita and the German Shepherd. These traits make them well-suited for managing livestock and responding to their owner’s commands. In addition, their keen senses and agility allow them to excel in controlling and moving animals effectively and efficiently.
When it comes to hunting, the Akita Shepherd benefits from the Akita’s renowned hunting abilities. Originating from the mountains of northern Japan, Akitas were initially bred as hunting dogs. Their courageous and aggressive nature made them excellent hunters, especially for larger game like deer and bears. Combined with the German Shepherd’s equally high level of intelligence, strength, and loyalty, the Akita Shepherd is a formidable hunting companion.
The Akita Shepherd’s working dog heritage makes it well-suited for various tasks, including police work, search and rescue, or guarding properties. Their intelligence and adaptability enable them to excel in these roles, while their courageous and sometimes aggressive demeanor ensures they will protect their handlers and properties with dedication.
AKC Recognition
The Akita Shepherd, also known as the Shepkita, is a mixed breed dog that comes from crossing the Akita with the German Shepherd. While both parent breeds are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Akita Shepherd as a mixed breed is not currently recognized by the organization. AKC recognition is specifically held for individual, purebred dog breeds.
Akitas, one of the parent breeds of the Akita Shepherd, were recognized by the AKC in 1972. This ancient Japanese breed has gained popularity over the years, ranking 55th out of 200 registered breeds in AKC breed popularity. Known for their loyalty, intelligence, and strength, Akitas have distinct features such as a large head, strong build, and a double coat with various colors, including red.
In order for a breed to become officially recognized by the AKC, it must meet certain criteria and go through a multi-step process. This process involves having a designated national “parent” club to protect the breed’s best interests, providing breed standards, and proving the breed’s popularity and stability across the United States. As a mixed breed, the Akita Shepherd does not have a parent club advocating for its recognition, making AKC recognition unlikely at this time.
Despite the lack of AKC recognition for the Akita Shepherd, owners of this mixed breed can still appreciate the unique qualities and characteristics that both parent breeds bring to their offspring. Breeders and enthusiasts can work together to promote the positive traits of the Akita Shepherd, while focusing on responsible breeding and ownership practices.
It’s essential to remember that AKC recognition is not the only measure of a dog breed’s value or worth. Mixed breed dogs, like the Akita Shepherd, can be excellent companions and family members, offering their own unique blend of appearance, temperament, and abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the temperament of an Akita Shepherd mix?
An Akita Shepherd mix is known for its independent, loyal, courageous, and protective nature. These dogs are intelligent and energetic, making them great companions for active families. They can also serve as dedicated guard dogs due to their protective instincts.
How large does an Akita Shepherd dog grow?
An Akita Shepherd dog can grow to be quite large, with a height ranging from 20 to 24 inches and a weight between 55 and 90 pounds. Their size contributes to their powerful and strong appearance, which is influenced by both the Akita Inu and the German Shepherd lineage.
What is the life expectancy of an Akita Shepherd dog?
The life expectancy of an Akita Shepherd dog is typically between 10 and 14 years. Providing them with proper care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise will help ensure a long and healthy life for your Akita Shepherd.
What are some health concerns for Akita Shepherd dogs?
Akita Shepherd dogs can be prone to certain health issues inherited from their parent breeds. Some common concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and allergies. Regular vet check-ups and early screening for potential health problems can help maintain your dog’s overall well-being.
How much exercise does an Akita Shepherd require?
As an energetic and active breed, Akita Shepherds require a significant amount of daily exercise. This can include activities such as long walks, hikes, playtime in the yard, or dog sports like agility training. Providing sufficient physical and mental stimulation will help keep your dog happy and well-behaved.
What type of training is recommended for an Akita Shepherd dog?
Training an Akita Shepherd dog should begin early, and it’s important to use positive reinforcement methods. Due to their independent nature, consistent and firm training is necessary to establish boundaries and ensure obedience. Socialization from a young age is also crucial, as it helps prevent potential aggression and unease around unfamiliar people or animals.