Akita Shepherd
Hybrid Breed Description
The Akita Shepherd is a cross between the Akita and the German Shepherd. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing an Akita Shepherd. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Akita
The Akita presents as a substantial, powerfully built dog with impressive physical presence and balanced proportions. This large spitz-type breed stands between twenty-four and twenty-eight inches at the shoulder, with males typically weighing between one hundred to one hundred thirty pounds and females ranging from seventy to one hundred pounds. The breed exhibits a robust, muscular frame that is only slightly longer than tall, creating a well-balanced square profile that conveys both strength and agility. The Akita's most distinctive feature is its large, bear-like head with a broad skull and short muzzle that forms a blunt triangle when viewed from above. Small, triangular erect ears stand at a slight angle following the arch of the neck, while the eyes are small, dark, deeply set, and triangular in shape. The thick double coat is particularly dense around the neck area, and the large curved tail carried over the back or curled against the flank adds to the breed's majestic appearance. The coat comes in various colors including red, white, brindle, and pinto, with many Akitas displaying a distinctive black mask. The breed's unique physical characteristics include a distinctive stilted gait resulting from relatively straight hind legs with minimal angulation at the hock and stifle joints. This structural feature creates the Akita's characteristic short, quick stepping motion. The powerful chest and neck provide a solid foundation for the impressive head, while the thick, plush coat with its dense undercoat provides excellent protection against harsh weather conditions. The overall appearance projects nobility, dignity, and quiet strength, perfectly reflecting the breed's historical role as a guardian and hunter in the mountainous regions of northern Japan.
Key Characteristics
The Akita possesses a complex temperament characterized by unwavering loyalty, quiet dignity, and remarkable intelligence. This breed forms intensely deep bonds with family members and displays profound devotion to those within their inner circle, though they typically reserve their affection for one special person. Akitas are naturally aloof and suspicious of strangers, maintaining a calm, watchful demeanor that reflects their heritage as guardian dogs. They are not excessively playful as adults except when alone with their family, preferring instead to maintain a composed, dignified presence. Despite their reserved nature, Akitas are highly intelligent and capable of learning quickly, though their strong-willed, independent character can present training challenges. They think before they react and possess an almost limitless potential for determination when protecting their family or territory. The breed exhibits cat-like cleanliness and is easily housebroken, making them desirable household companions. However, their protective instincts mean they can misinterpret innocent actions as threats and may become overly guarded without proper socialization. Akitas require experienced ownership and firm, patient training from an early age to channel their natural guarding tendencies appropriately. They tend to be one-family dogs who are utterly devoted to their people but can be aggressive toward other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. The breed does not bark excessively but will alert when something is genuinely amiss. Their calm, confident nature combined with their size and strength means they are not suitable for everyone, but with proper guidance and socialization, they become loyal, protective companions who thrive on being integral members of their family unit.
While generally hardy, Akitas are predisposed to several significant health conditions that potential owners should understand. Hip dysplasia is one of the most prevalent issues, affecting approximately six percent of the breed, where the hip joint develops abnormally causing pain, lameness, and potentially severe arthritis as the dog ages. Elbow dysplasia similarly affects the front limbs and can cause significant mobility problems. Both conditions have genetic components and can be managed through weight control, appropriate exercise, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. Autoimmune disorders are notably common in Akitas, with hypothyroidism affecting over fifty percent of the breed. This thyroid condition causes hormonal imbalances leading to weight fluctuations, coat problems, and behavioral changes, though it is manageable with lifelong hormone replacement therapy. The breed also experiences various immune-mediated skin conditions including sebaceous adenitis, pemphigus, and uveodermatologic syndrome, which can cause severe coat loss and skin problems requiring ongoing veterinary management. Other significant health concerns include progressive retinal atrophy leading to blindness, gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat) which is life-threatening and requires immediate intervention, and von Willebrand disease affecting blood clotting. Akitas may also develop acquired myasthenia gravis causing muscle weakness and swallowing difficulties. The breed typically lives ten to thirteen years, and maintaining optimal health requires selecting puppies from breeders who conduct comprehensive health screenings including hip and elbow evaluations, thyroid testing, and eye examinations. Regular veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential for managing these predispositions and ensuring the longest, healthiest life possible.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a large, strongly built working dog exhibiting nobility, intelligence, and balanced proportions. This substantial breed stands twenty-two to twenty-six inches at the shoulder, with males typically weighing between seventy-five and ninety-five pounds and females ranging from sixty-five to eighty-five pounds. The body is relatively long in proportion to height, creating an elegant, flowing outline with a level back that slopes gently from withers to croup, though modern breeding has unfortunately exaggerated this slope in some lines. The breed's head is noble and proportionate, wedge-shaped when viewed from above or in profile, with a moderately broad skull and strong, well-developed jaws. The distinctive erect, medium-sized ears are carried straight and parallel, never pulled to the sides, giving the breed its characteristic alert expression. Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and as dark as possible, conveying intelligence and confidence. The extended muzzle and strong jaw structure contribute to the breed's working capability and distinctive appearance. German Shepherds possess a double coat consisting of a dense, harsh, straight or slightly wavy outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat. The coat comes in various color combinations with black and tan being most common, though black and red, black and silver, sable, and solid black also occur. Many dogs display a distinctive black mask and saddle pattern. The muscular body shows excellent angulation, the chest is deep, and the tail is bushy and hangs in a gentle curve. The overall impression is of strength, agility, and athleticism combined with a dignified bearing that reflects the breed's heritage as a versatile working dog capable of herding, protection, and numerous service roles.
Key Characteristics
The German Shepherd possesses exceptional intelligence, unwavering loyalty, and remarkable versatility that has made it one of the world's premier working breeds. This highly intelligent dog forms deep bonds with family members and thrives on being an integral part of household activities, displaying devotion and protective instincts while maintaining a calm, confident demeanor. German Shepherds are naturally alert and watchful, making them superb guardians who will defend their family without hesitation, though they should never display unprovoked aggression when properly socialized and trained. Despite their imposing presence, German Shepherds are typically gentle and patient with children in their family, though their size and energy require supervision. The breed exhibits natural aloofness toward strangers rather than overt aggression, maintaining a reserved, assessing attitude until determining whether someone is friend or foe. This discerning nature makes early and extensive socialization crucial to ensure they develop appropriate responses to new people and situations. German Shepherds are eager learners who respond exceptionally well to training, excelling in obedience, protection work, search and rescue, and service roles. The breed's strong work ethic means German Shepherds require substantial mental and physical stimulation to remain happy and well-balanced. Without adequate exercise and mental challenges, they can become bored, frustrated, and potentially destructive. They need owners who can provide firm, consistent leadership as they may attempt to take charge if not given clear direction. German Shepherds form such strong attachments to their families that they can develop separation anxiety if left alone excessively. Their combination of intelligence, trainability, loyalty, and versatility makes them outstanding companions for active, experienced owners who can meet their substantial needs for companionship, exercise, and mental engagement while providing the structure and training necessary to channel their considerable abilities appropriately.
German Shepherds are predisposed to numerous genetic health conditions, with hip dysplasia being the most prevalent concern affecting over twenty percent of the breed. This condition where the hip joint develops abnormally causes pain, lameness, and progressive arthritis, significantly impacting quality of life. Elbow dysplasia is similarly common and causes front limb lameness and joint deterioration. Both conditions have strong genetic components but can be influenced by growth rate, diet, and exercise, making careful management during puppyhood critical. Degenerative myelopathy is a particularly devastating neurological condition affecting the spinal cord that is strongly associated with German Shepherds. This progressive disease causes gradual loss of coordination and eventual paralysis of the hind limbs, with no effective treatment available. The breed also experiences high rates of gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat), a life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists, requiring immediate surgical intervention. Their deep, narrow chest structure predisposes them to this condition, which carries a mortality rate of approximately thirty percent even with treatment. Other significant health concerns include exocrine pancreatic insufficiency causing severe digestive problems and malnutrition, von Willebrand disease affecting blood clotting, hypothyroidism causing metabolic issues, and various immune-mediated conditions affecting skin and organs. German Shepherds are also predisposed to several types of cancer including hemangiosarcoma, particularly affecting the spleen, liver, and heart. Allergies are common, manifesting as skin problems, ear infections, and digestive issues. The breed typically lives nine to thirteen years, though health issues can shorten this span. Selecting puppies from breeders who conduct comprehensive health testing for hips, elbows, cardiac function, and genetic conditions, along with providing appropriate nutrition, controlled exercise during growth, and regular veterinary monitoring, are essential for managing these numerous predispositions and optimizing the German Shepherd's health and longevity.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Akita Shepherd may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Akita and German Shepherd to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.