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Akita Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Akita Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginJapan flagJapan Germany flagGermany
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is an Akita Shepherd known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Shepkita
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Akita Shepherd? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Akita and a German Shepherd mix

Akita Shepherd Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an Akita Shepherd? Learn how big the Akita Shepherd breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does an Akita Shepherd weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Akita Shepherd breed.
Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Akita Shepherd?
Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height
How tall is the Akita Shepherd? Akita Shepherd height:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Akita Shepherd?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Akita Shepherd Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an Akita Shepherd puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Akita Shepherd costs.
$800-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Akita Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Akita Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Akita Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Akita Shepherd? How many Akita Shepherd are there in the world?
Average: The Akita Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Akita Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Akita Shepherd? Discover the Akita Shepherd's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Akita Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Akita Shepherd is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Akita Shepherd? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's trainability and response to training methods.
Akita Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an Akita Shepherd as a watchdog? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's alertness and guarding instincts.
Akita Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Akita Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is an Akita Shepherd protective of its territory? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's guarding instincts and behavior.
Akita Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Akita Shepherd can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Akita Shepherd will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Akita Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an Akita Shepherd have? Learn about characteristic Akita Shepherd temperament and behavior traits.
CuriousDignifiedIndependentProtectiveAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentFriendlyResponsiveDocileObedientLoyalWatchfulFaithfulVigilantWilling
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Akita Shepherd sensitivity:
Sensitive: Akita Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Akita Shepherd a good family dog?
High: Akita Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Shepkita need? Akita Shepherd social needs:
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.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Akita Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Akita Shepherd roam?
Akita Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Akita Shepherd have high prey drive?
Akita Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Akita Shepherd dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Akita Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an Akita Shepherd bark a lot? Learn about typical Akita Shepherd vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Akita Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is an Akita Shepherd? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Akita Shepherd breed.
Average: Akita Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Akita Shepherd live in an apartment? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's suitability for apartment living.
Apartment-friendly dog the Akita Shepherd breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Akita Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Akita Shepherd to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's flexibility to new situations.
Akita Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an Akita Shepherd be left alone? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's tolerance to solitude.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Akita Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an Akita Shepherd biting potential? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Akita Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an Akita Shepherd mouthy? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's tendency to use mouth during play.
Akita Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Akita Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Akita Shepherd bite? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Akita Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Akita Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Akita Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Akita Shepherd bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Akita Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Akita Shepherd, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Akita Shepherd bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Akita Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Akita Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Akita Shepherd live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Akita Shepherd breed.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita Shepherd: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Akita Shepherd handle different weather? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's climate adaptability.
Prefers cold weather
The Akita Shepherd can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Akita Shepherd? Discover typical conditions affecting the Akita Shepherd breed.
Akita Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Akita Shepherd need vet visits? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Akita Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Akita Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Akita Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of Akita Shepherd:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerHypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsySebaceous AdenitisBlindnessCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligo

Akita Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Akita Shepherd? Understand daily activity needs of the Akita Shepherd breed.
Akita Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Akita Shepherd need? How much exercise do Akita Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do Akita Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

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.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Akita Shepherd breed need?
Akita Shepherd dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Akita Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an Akita Shepherd prone to weight gain? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's obesity risks.
Average: The Akita Shepherd has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Akita Shepherd weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an Akita Shepherd need daily? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's feeding requirements.
Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Akita Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Akita Shepherd hypoallergenic? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Akita Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does an Akita Shepherd come in? Discover all possible Akita Shepherd color variations.
BlackTan Red White SilverBrownFawn
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Akita Shepherd need? Learn about Akita Shepherd coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Akita Shepherd requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Akita Shepherd, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does an Akita Shepherd drool a lot? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's drooling habits.
The Akita Shepherd is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does an Akita Shepherd smell bad? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Akita Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an Akita Shepherd have? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's fur characteristics.
FluffyDenseFuzzyWaterproofStraight
Bathing Needs
How often does an Akita Shepherd need baths? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do Akita Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Shepkita? Do Akita Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Akita Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.

Akita Shepherd Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an Akita Shepherd good with children? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's behavior around kids of different ages.
Akita Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Akita Shepherd get along with other pets? Discover the Akita Shepherd's compatibility with other animals.
Akita Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Akita Shepherd temperament with other people:
Akita Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Akita Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Akita Shepherd breed live with a cat?
Akita Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Akita Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Akita Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
Akita Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Akita Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Akita Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Akita Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Akita Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do Akita Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Akita Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Akita Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Shepkita temperament with senior people? Are Akita Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
Akita Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Akita Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an Akita Shepherd be a service dog? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Akita Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is an Akita Shepherd good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Akita Shepherd breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Akita Shepherd good at detection work? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Akita Shepherd breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an Akita Shepherd do search and rescue? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Akita Shepherd breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an Akita Shepherd good on boats? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Akita Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can an Akita Shepherd pull carts? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Akita Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an Akita Shepherd used in military service? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Akita Shepherd Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Akita Shepherd usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
3-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Akita Shepherd pregnant? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Akita Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an Akita Shepherd have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Akita Shepherd Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Akita Shepherd in? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Akita Shepherd in? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize an Akita Shepherd? Learn about the Akita Shepherd's official recognition.
Dog Registry of America Inc.International Designer Canine Registry

Akita Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Akita Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Akita Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Akita Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Apartment-friendly dog the Akita Shepherd breed.
  • Watchdog Rating: Akita Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Akita Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Akita Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Akita Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Akita Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Akita Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Akita Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Akita Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Office Friendly: Akita Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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