Also known as the Shepkita, the Akita German Shepherd Mix is a cross between an Akita and a German Shepherd.
They are a very large, strong mix of two popular dog breeds. Loyal, intelligent and hardworking, this designer dog has inherited the best characteristics from both parent breeds.
These cute and adorable hybrid pups make excellent apartment dogs for active owners, though being big and active dogs, they are best suited to homes or houses with a larger space. Being calm and alert, they can also be watchdogs for both families and singles alike.
If you’re looking for a stoic, devoted pup that is relatively easy to train and one that will alert you of strangers, the Shepkita might be a great choice for you and your family.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Akita German Shepherd Mix, including history, appearance, temperament, health and more.
Table of Contents
Few Facts About The German Shepherd Akita Mix
| Other names: | Akita Shepherd, Shepkita |
| Breed Type: | Mix, Hybrid or Designer Dog |
| Average Weight: | 75 to 120 pounds |
| Average Height: | 24 to 28 inches |
| Good Guard Dog: | Yes |
| Suitable for first time owners: | No |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 13 years |
| Suitable for apartment living: | No |
| Coat: | Dense, medium length |
| Coat colors: | White, black, brown, black and tan, golden, brindle, sable, merle |
| Trainability: | Relatively easy |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, provided they are well trained and exercised |
| Ideal For: | Singles, couples, families or homes with older children |
| Shedding: | Heavy/Constantly |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Temperament: | Loyal, loving, intelligent, protective, independent |
| Space Requirements: | A large space with a fenced-in yard is preferable |
| Energy Levels: | Quite high, need at least 60 minutes of meaningful exercise each day |
| Good with Other Pets: | Moderate, they might have a high prey drive with small pets like cats. Early socialization is required |
| Kids friendly: | No, best with older children (However, can be tolerant to smaller if introduced to them from a young age) |
| Barking Tendencies: | Rarely |
| Price: | Around $1000 |
What Is an Akita German Shepherd Mix?
As previously mentioned, the Akita German Shepherd Mix is a combination of a German Shepherd and an Akita. The result between these two breeds is a well-mannered and lively family dog.
The Akita German Shepherd is a great choice for a family companion or family dog. This designer dog can adapt to almost any living condition without any issues as long as they are well trained and socialized.
What Is An Akita German Shepherd Mix Called?
The Akita German Shepherd Mix is also called Shepkita or an Akita Shepherd, which is obviously a combination of both parents’ names.
The Origin & History of the Akita Shepherd
The actual origin of the Akita German Shepherd Mix or Shepkita is not well known, but he is believed to have been developed in the United States in the mid-1990s.
The Akita Shepherd crossbreed was probably created after the introduction of the parent breeds in America after the Second World War.
Aiming to produce the perfect combination of strength and personality, the breeders successfully created a brave and loyal designer dog, while reducing their size and aggression.
To understand where the Shepkita crossbreed came from, let’s take a brief look at the origins of both parent breeds.
The Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is an ancient Japanese breed that was developed some time in the 17th century.
The Akita is a large dog who was mainly used as a hunting dog and guard dog. They were preferred as hunting dogs and guarding dogs due to their aggressiveness and brave character.
Akitas are regarded as the natural treasure of Japan, and considered a symbol of health and protection.
After the Second World War, they were introduced to the United States. Today, they are highly regarded for their strong and brave personalities.
The German Shepherd
The German Shepherd (GSD) was bred in Germany in the late 1800’s as a herding dog.
Highly regarded for their intelligence, loyalty and trainability, German Shepherds were also used as courier dogs by the German military during the First and Second World War.
Being incredibly loyal, the German Shepherd breed has become extremely popular as a family pet.
Being very versatile, German Shepherd dogs started taking part in search and rescue missions as well as in narcotic detection missions, among their other roles.
Appearance: What Does An Akita Shepherd Look Like?
The general appearance of a German Shepherd Akita Mix is similar to that of his GSD parent, with the only exception being a slightly smaller head.
They have a very short muzzle with strong jaws. Their nose is black while their eyes are generally brown in color. In addition, Shepkita dogs have pointed ears and a curved tail.
Akita Shepherds are normally large dogs. They have large legs that are proportional to the rest of the body.
Size, Height & Weight: How Big Does An Akita German Shepherd Mix Get?
Since the Shepkita is a relatively new crossbreed, few size standards exist. However, as a mix between the German Shepherd and the Akita, your Shepkita will definitely be a large dog.
A full grown Shepkita will most likely weigh around 75 to 120 pounds. When it comes to height, a Shepkita dog will most likely stand between 24 and 28 inches tall, at the shoulder.
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide to The German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix (Shepnees)
Shepkita: Coat and Coat Colors
Shepkitas have a thick, medium-length coat. These dogs come in different colors, which could include white, black, brown, black and tan, golden, brindle, sable, merle, speckled, or spotted.
Akita Shepherd Temperament and Personality Traits
The Akita Shepherd is certainly not the best dog for everyone, due to his independent nature and potential behavioral problems. If properly trained and socialized, however, the Akita Shepherd has the potential to be a very loyal and protective dog.
These dogs also tend to be very loving and make great family dogs, especially when properly trained. However, the Akita is not usually tolerant of small kids or other pets since he can be quite territorial.
It is not recommended to leave an Akita Shepherd unsupervised with small kids or even other pets, since he can become aggressive if he senses danger. However, this mixed breed dog is friendlier and more even-tempered than the Akita parent.
The German Shepherd Akita Mix is naturally obedient, protective, intelligent and adaptive, being great working and guarding dogs. They rarely bark, producing a deep bark only when they need to warn their owners when an intruder is near.
Brave and active, always alert but gentle at the same time, the German Shepherd Akita Mix can be a very devoted and affectionate pup who is always eager to please their owners.
Due to their independent nature, these dogs also tend to be wanderers so they need to be kept in a secure, fenced-in yard. Despite being more reserved, Shepkitas can be excellent pets for active and dedicated owners.
Behavior with Kids
As we’ve mentioned above, the Akita Shepherd is not naturally good with smaller kids. While the German Shepherd gets along well with children, the Akita does not.
However, your Akita German Shepherd puppy would tolerate children if he grows up with them and both the child and the dog learns to respect each other from the get-go.
Behavior with Cats and Other Pets
But does the Shepkita get along with other pets? Well, the Shepkita can get along with other pets and animals if they are socialized calmly and slowly.
If introduced to each other early, they can also get along well with other dogs. However, they might have a high prey drive with small pets like cats. Proper socialization can help prevent unwanted behaviors.
Still, most Shepkitas get along well with cats and other dogs, so it actually comes down to socialization, training and how lucky you get.
Is Akita German Shepherd a Good Family Dog?
Shepkitas are great guard dogs. They can be aggressive when threatened. Therefore, Akita Shepherds are best suited to families with older children.
These pups are also ideal for individuals and couples. However, they can be a handful for first time owners due to their size and powerful nature.
Akita German Shepherd Training
Akita Shepherds have strong guarding tendencies and tend to be quite independent as well. Therefore, they should be properly trained and well socialized from the get-go.
Start housetraining your dog early so he can learn and follow the rules of the house. As soon as you bring your new German Shepherd Akita Mix puppy home, you should start training and socializing him. Your dog should understand that you’re the pack leader and he should obey you.
Shepkitas respond best to positive training techniques. If your dog takes more after the German Shepherd, he will be much easier to train. However, if he has more Akita genes, he can be quite stubborn. As his owner and trainer, you need to be firm and take control to prevent behavioral issues.
Like all proud and independent breeds, the Akita Shepherd must be properly socialized from their puppyhood. They must be taught to interact well with other dogs and to avoid picking on smaller animals like cats. They should also not snap at small children, although you should also teach your children not to pull on their fur, ears or tail.
Exercise Needs
Both the Akita and German Shepherd dogs are working breeds, so you can expect your Akita German Shepherd pup to enjoy exercise and other physical activities. These dogs need to have a purpose in everything they do.
Let your pooch accompany you on walks a few times each day. Quality playtime is also essential for these dogs.
You can keep your Shepkita busy and entertained by tossing his favorite toy in the backyard or by engaging him in a game of fetch or tug of war. Shepkitas need at least 60 minutes of meaningful exercise each day.
In addition, these intelligent pups will require mental stimulation. There are several ways to stimulate your Shepkita’s mind, including:
1. Interactive dog toys: sometimes life doesn’t allow us to spend enough time with our dogs. It’s important for your pooch to adjust to such times. Interactive dog toys can offer enrichment and physical/mental stimulation that your dog needs during such times.
There are many toys that can stimulate your Shepkita’s mind, including board games and puzzle toys. Give you Shepkita a toy containing a hidden treat and he will keep himself busy and mentally stimulated for hours trying to get it out.
2. Teach them a new trick: you can also engage your German Shepherd Akita Mix in an intensive training session. If your pooch already knows the basic commands, try and teach him more advanced dog tricks.
3. Give them a job to do: Shepkitas are working dogs, so allow them to fulfill their duties by giving them a job to do e.g. throwing something at a distance and asking them to bring it to you.
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Do German Shepherd Akita Mix Dogs Shed?
Akita Shepherd dogs shed constantly. This is one breed that you can have problems with due to their heavy shedding. They shed their coat seasonally. This means the Shepkita is not a good choice for allergy sufferers.
Therefore, this is something you need to consider when getting this pooch. Otherwise, you may want to check out the best low-shedding dog breeds as well.
Grooming and Shedding
Due to their constant shedding, Shepkitas are not hypoallergenic and not ideal for people with allergies. Despite this, they are quite easy to groom and maintain. Daily brushing during the heavy shedding seasons and weekly brushing at other times should help keep their coat in good condition.
Akita Shepherds should be bathed only when necessary, usually once a month. On the other hand, you can use high quality deodorizing wipes for dogs to keep their coat clean and tidy when you’re not bathing them.
In addition, check their ears for dirt and debris regularly and clean them using quality ear wipes to prevent infections.
Trim your puppy’s nails once or twice a month to ensure they don’t get too long. You also need to brush their teeth regularly. Your vet can show you how to brush your Shepkitas teeth properly.
Feeding and Diet Requirements
In days gone by, Shepkitas were fed rice, fish and sea plants. Today, they can be given various supplements along with high quality dog food to help ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.
These include probiotics to improve your dog’s digestion and Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil to support healthy coat, skin, joints, and heart.
The best source of protein for your dog is meat. Nonetheless, veggies should also be added to their diet to ensure they get all the essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.
Avoid feeding your dog foods that contain additives or preservatives.
A full grown Akita Shepherd will require 5 to 6 cups of high quality dog food, divided into two meals per day.
In addition, your Akita Shepherd dog will need fresh water each day to keep him cool and properly hydrated.
Akita Shepherd Life Expectancy
The Akita Shepherd has an average lifespan of around 10 to 13 years. However, some of these dogs live longer or less than that. It depends on factors like health and maintenance.
Akita Shepherd Health Issues
The Akita Shepherd is prone to the same health issues that the Akita and the German Shepherd also experience.
While most Shepkitas are healthy, some are vulnerable to a number of conditions. That’s why it’s important to keep up with veterinary checkups and to take good care of your pet.
Some of the most common health problems German Shepherd Akita mixes face include:
1. Dry eye: this condition occurs when the eyelids don’t close completely while asleep. This leaves the cornea unprotected for extended periods of time. The condition can also cause inflammation of the cornea, a condition known as keratitis.
2. Bloat: this refers to a stomach disorder that mainly affects large dogs. It results from the dilatation and twisting of the stomach, leading to the obstruction of blood flow.
3. Hip Dysplasia: also common among large dogs, hip dysplasia refers to the malformation of the hip joint, which doesn’t allow the proper fitting of the thigh bone into the hip socket. This leads to discomfort, lameness and eventually, arthritis.
4. Allergies: some reports also include corn allergy as a possible health issue in the Akita Shepherd, but there are no research studies to support this claim yet. However, this is something to consider when buying dog food.
Allergies are very common in dogs, so it is important to watch out for any reactions when your pup consumes certain foods. It is recommended to contact your vet for professional advice.
As you can see, the Shepkita is vulnerable to a number of health problems. Always be sure to take these conditions seriously since the cost of having the above problems treated in your dog can add up considerably.
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German Shepherd Akita Mix for Sale
Buying an Akita Shepherd is a dream that a lot of dog lovers have. However, that might be hindered by the lack of information on how to buy a healthy German Shepherd Akita Mix.
To learn how to get a quality Akita Shepherd, the following are the key points to keep in mind:
1. Do your research to identify reputable Shepkita breeders who care about their puppies.
2. You can extend your search for breed-specific organizations and websites.
3. Be prepared to pay at least $1000 for a healthy puppy. When looking to buy a Shepkita, the price is one of the major factors you should consider. Even if you’ve found the perfect puppy from a reliable breeder, you need to have the buying capacity. So, consider how much you are willing to pay to bring your new German Shepherd Akita Mix home.
4. Being buying, weigh up your purchasing decision on factors such as the age of your puppy, sex, coat color, personality and the reasons why you want this particular crossbreed.
How to Identify a Reputable Akita German Shepherd Mix Breeder
When buying an Akita Shepherd puppy, a reputable breeder should stand out in the following ways:
1. They will be familiar with all aspects of this designer dog. This will be demonstrated in their thorough knowledge of the Akita German Shepherd Mix, physical characteristics, temperament, health, exercise, grooming, training and nutrition.
2. The reputable breeder will answer any question on any of the above aspects with accuracy and without getting angry with you.
3. They do not sell their Shepkita puppies before they are 8 weeks old. Akita Shepherd puppies younger than this are still highly dependent on the mother, so it would be too early to separate them. The recommended time to buy a puppy is 8 to 12 weeks.
4. They will provide references for reputable veterinarians and other individuals who have purchased puppies from them.
5. They should ask you about your family and lifestyle in order to ensure that the Shepkita will end up in a caring and loving home.
6. They should be ready to provide you with accurate details about the Akita Shepherd’s health condition, the tests done, and the vaccines administered.
While reputable breeders will be honest about all these aspects, irresponsible or unethical breeders will try to hide information or show certain weaknesses in their breeding practices and care for the puppies.
Akita Shepherd for Adoption
You can also consider adopting a Shepkita dog from a rescue center or animal shelter where you can visit the pooch and find out more about his characteristics beforehand.
However, it may be difficult to find a rescue for German Shepherd Akita Mixes because they are a crossbreed. However, you should try German Shepherd or Akita breed-specific rescues to see if there are any of these pups listed for adoption.
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide to The Samoyed German Shepherd Mix (With Pictures)
Conclusion
Both the Akita and the German Shepherd are known for their loyalty and hardworking nature. The German Shepherd is particularly very popular among American households.
Mixing the Akita and the German Shepherd will create a loyal and brave pup who takes his guardian role very seriously. Due to their guarding tendencies, Akita German Shepherd Mix owners should socialize this pup from an early stage to lower the risk of aggressive or overprotective behavior.
The Akita Shepherd will weigh anywhere from 75 to 125 pounds, so you should be prepared for a large dog. While this hybrid is sometimes known to be independent, the strong bond he forms with his master is likely to produce a very loyal and loving companion.
Hopefully, you’ve found our guide to the Shepkita helpful. Wishing you good luck with finding your healthy Akita Shepherd puppy who we hope you’ll cherish for many years to come!
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