German Shepherd Akita Mix
The German Shepherd Akita Mix is a mixed Dog Breed between the German Shepherd and the Akita. It is sometimes known as the Shepkita. This is going to be a large, protective dog that will make a good watch dog.
While we really recommend that you acquire one through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their German Shepherd mixed with Akita puppy. That is, if they have any for sale. Always screen your breeders as much as possible to ensure that you are getting as high a quality dog as is possible. If intentionally bred, typically it is a German Shepherd Akita mix.
Here are some pictures of the German Shepherd Akita Mix
German Shepherd Akita Mix History
Here is a brief history of both the Shepherd and the Akita. Being that this is a mixed breed dog, there isn’t a lot of history to it. However, we go more in depth to the history of both breeds.
As his name suggests, the German Shepherd originated in Germany, where he was created in the nineteenth century primarily by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to develop a dog that could be used for military and police work. The result was a dog that encompassed striking good looks, intelligence and versatility. World War I put a dent in the breed’s burgeoning popularity because the dogs were associated with the enemy. German Shepherds braved artillery fire, land mines and tanks to supply German soldiers in the trenches with deliveries of food and other necessities. After the war, movies featuring Rin Tin Tin and fellow German Shepherd Strongheart brought the breed back into favor. American audiences loved them. For a time, the German Shepherd was the most popular breed in the United States.
The Akita is a large dog breed that originated in the mountainous northern regions of Japan. There are two separate varieties of Akita: a Japanese strain, and an American strain, known as the "Akita" or "American Akita".The Japanese strain called the Akita Inu comes in a narrow palette of colors, with all other colors considered atypical of the breed, while the American strain known simply as the Akita comes in all dog colors.The Akita has a short double-coat similar to that of the Siberian Husky, but long-coated dogs can be found in many litters due to a recessive gene.
The Akita is a powerful, independent and dominant breed. They don’t typically warm up that well with strangers but are affectionate with family members.
Japanese history describes the ancestors of the Akita, the Matagi dog as one of the oldest of the native dogs. Today's Akita developed primarily from dogs in the northernmost region of the island of Honshū in the Akita prefecture. That is obviously where it gets it’s name from. The Matagi's quarry included wild boar, Sika deer, and Asian black bear. This early dog tracked large game, holding it at bay until hunters arrived to make the kill. This earliest breed was bred with larger breeds from Asia and Europe, including English Mastiffs, Great Danes, St. Bernards, and the Tosa Inu. Unfortunately, this was done to create a fighting dog as that industry was taking off in the early 20th century.During World War II the Akita was also crossed with German Shepherd Dogs in an attempt to save them from the wartime government order for all non-military dogs to be culled.The ancestors of the American Akita were originally a variety of the Japanese Akita, a form that was not desired in Japan due to the markings, and which is not eligible for show competition.
There is a very fascinating, true story of Hachikō. This very humble and loyal dog helped push the Akita into the international dog world. Hachiko was born in 1923 and owned by Professor Hidesaburō Ueno of Tokyo. Professor Ueno lived near the Shibuya Train Station in a suburb of the city and commuted to work every day on the train. The very loyal dog Hachikō walked with the professor to and from the station each day. On May 25, 1925, Professor Ueno suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage at work. Hachikō was 18 months old, he waited for his master's arrival on the four o'clock train, he of course never came. Hachikō continued to wait for his master's return. He walked to and from the station each day for the next nine years. He returned home where the professor's relatives cared for him, but he never gave up the vigil at the station for his master. His behavior became world-renowned and in 1934, a bronze statue was erected at the Shibuya train station in his honor. He died shortly after.This statue was melted down for munitions during the war, but a new one was commissioned after the war.
Awesome videos of German Shepherd Akita Mix puppies
German Shepherd Akita Mix Size and Weight
AKITA
Height: 26 - 28 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 70 - 130 lb.
Lifespan: 10-12 years
GERMAN SHEPHERD
Height: 22 - 26 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 75 - 95 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 14 years
German Shepherd Akita Mix Personality
The Akita German Shepherd mix is intelligent, brave and rather serious. They will bond with and be very loyal to their owner. They are strong, quiet, powerful dog that is always alert. They are a great watchdog with a strong instinct to defend their home and family and are also good as working dogs. They might be a bit aggressive and might not be the best dog for the first time dog owner. They will also need a lot of exercise and will not be a good dog for a couch potato. Due to their coat and their arctic background they will do best in cold weather. Although they can live in the heat, this guy will get hot fast.
German Shepherd Akita Mix Health
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Akita mixed with German Shepherd might be prone to the following: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. A careful breeder and one who truly cares about the breed itself, screens their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens. One of the most common health problems with dogs is obesity. Keeping this under control is your responsibility.
German Shepherd Akita Mix Care
This is going to be a dog that sheds a lot so be prepared to brush them a couple of times a week and have a good vacuum at your disposal to clean up the floors. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
German Shepherd Akita Mix Feeding
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet.