Welcome to our guide to the Akita Shepherd.
The Akita Shepherd is a mix of two different breeds, the Akita and the German Shepherd.
The DogExperts.info website aims to ask questions to breeders, vets and experienced owners to get the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the Akita Shepherd breed of dog.
You can also help too!
If you can answer any of the questions below, then please add your comments to the box at the bottom of the page or you can email us at sales@dogexperts.info.
We would love to feature your dog and publish any photos or pictures of your Akita Shepherd you would like to email us.
Are you looking to buy a Akita Shepherd – then see our list of Akita Shepherd breeders.
Why Choose a Akita Shepherd?
What type of owners buy a Akita Shepherd?
What in your opinion are the best things about the Akita Shepherd breed?
Why do you think the Akita Shepherd is special?
What are your favourite things about the Akita Shepherd?
Are you glad you choose to buy a Akita Shepherd and not another breed?
How would you describe the Akita Shepherd temperament?
What advice might you give to people thinking about whether they should buy a Akita Shepherd over other breeds?
History & Origins
What are the history and origins of the Akita Shepherd?
About The Breed
What colors of Akita Shepherd are most popular?
What does the Akita Shepherd look like?
What are the pros/cons of the Akita Shepherd breed?
What can a new owner expect in terms of differences between the Akita Shepherd and other breeds?
Do they attract a lot of interest and curiosity from the public?
What type of typical personality does the Akita Shepherd have?
Is it possible to describe a fairly typical Akita Shepherd?
What is the breed standard/description for the Akita Shepherd?
Were there particular colors people preferred and that maybe you focused on?
Are there any downsides to owning a Akita Shepherd that prospective owners should be aware of?
Is the Akita Shepherd breed of dog suitable for first-time dog owners?
Some breeds can be described as greedy and prone to weight issues, would this apply to the Akita Shepherd?
What are the key differences when compared to other breeds?
Is the Akita Shepherd breed suitable for a person or family that are out at work all day?
Some owners seek a breed suitable for barking and offering a guard dog role – how does the Akita Shepherd match up to that role?
Are there myths about the Akita Shepherd – in other words do new potential owners come to you with misconceptions about this breed?
We asked a number of breeders in the UK and America what essential advice they would give to new owners of Akita Shepherd puppies and this is what they said:
What types of questions do you get once owners get their Akita Shepherd home?
Can you tell us something most owners would not know – tips, secrets etc from your years of experience?
What is the typical temperament of a Akita Shepherd, so people know what to expect from their new pet?
When fully grown how much on average does a Akita Shepherd weigh?
When the Akita Shepherd is full grown in size what is the maximum height and length expected to be?
Is the Akita Shepherd ever crossed or mixed with other breeds of dog?
Does the Akita Shepherd smell or drool a lot?
Do you have a Akita Shepherd growth chart?
What breed group does the Akita Shepherd come under?
What type of coat do they have?
Can they swim?
What does the movement of the tail show, does it mean they are trying to ‘talk to us’ or give us some message?
Suitability
Are there some types of people that you can suggest the Akita Shepherd is not suitable for, perhaps families?
How is the Akita Shepherd with children?
Do you think the Akita Shepherd is suitable for families with young children?
How does the Akita Shepherd get along with other (existing) pets and do you have any tips or advice for new Akita Shepherd owners in terms of successful integration?
Is it better to buy one Akita Shepherd or two?
Should prospective new owners be aware of any differences between males and females?
Would the Akita Shepherd be suitable as a guard dog?
Can I leave my Akita Shepherd during the day while I go to work?
Lifespan
What is the expected average lifespan of the Akita Shepherd?
In terms of life expectancy, how long on average would the Akita Shepherd breed live to?
Food & Diet
Do you have any special feeding routines or diet?
Do you have any feeding advice or brands that you prefer?
How to handle the Akita Shepherd puppy to start off – how much food, what type, how often?
What feeding routines and types of food/supplements do you recommend?
What to buy in terms of equipment? Bowls etc
Do owners need to consider supplements for their Akita Shepherd?
How about for older dogs?
Buying – How Much Do They Cost?
How much did your Akita Shepherd cost to buy?
Can you offer advice to people looking to buy a Akita Shepherd and how much should they spend?
What advice would you offer new Akita Shepherd owners?
What types of people are buying the Akita Shepherd and why?
Where can I buy Akita Shepherd rescue dogs or find a Akita Shepherd for adoption? Please note that buying or searching for a ‘cheap’ Akita Shepherd can be false economy as they may have health issues that cost you far more in the long-term – always buy from a good and responsible breeder!
Do I need public liability insurance or a license?
Puppy
How would you describe the Akita Shepherd puppy to potential new owners?
What types of owners are best suited to owning a Akita Shepherd?
What colors and sizes are most popular?
Are there things new owners do that perhaps frustrate you?
What can people expect when they become a new owner?
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Akita Shepherd?
As a Akita Shepherd breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Are there specific times of the year that you breed?
Choosing a puppy from a litter, what advice could you offer potential new owners in terms of selecting ‘the one’?
How long does it take to housetrain/potty train a Akita Shepherd?
When can you take them out in public and how do you handle them around other dogs?
Will they run off – when is it safe to let them off the lead?
We invite you to email us your Akita Shepherd’s pictures, in particular we are looking for photos showing Akita Shepherd puppies at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 weeks old as well as early pictures such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 months old to a year old.
Do they have any nicknames or does the Akita Shepherd have popular names?
If my Akita Shepherd is pregnant what might the litter size be?
Could the Akita Shepherd be dangerous around young children?
Problem Behaviors
How do you deal with a problem barker – any tips and advice to new owners?
How do you prevent a Akita Shepherd biting?
How do you prevent a Akita Shepherd chewing?
How do you stop a Akita Shepherd jumping up?
Does the Akita Shepherd have an issue with excessive digging?
Why does my Akita Shepherd keep growling and barking?
Is there a reason my Akita Shepherd dog is often scratching excessively?
Do they suffer from separation anxiety and how can I prevent this?
Exercise
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what can you say about the Akita Shepherd and their exercise needs and do you have any tips or advice for new Akita Shepherd owners?
As a breeder of the Akita Shepherd , do you prefer a collar or harness?
As an expert of the Akita Shepherd breed do you prefer a standard leash or retractable?
Can you offer any dog walking tips for Akita Shepherd owners?
Playtime & Tricks
What games and toys can you recommend for the Akita Shepherd?
Are there toys you suggest avoiding?
How intelligent is the Akita Shepherd compared to other dog breeds?
How much can they understand?
Grooming
Do you have any special grooming routines or tips and advice for new Akita Shepherd owners?
How much time is involved?
What accessories are required to be purchased for grooming a Akita Shepherd?
Any advice/tips you can give concerning maintenance of nails?
How much do Akita Shepherd shed and how do I maintain their hair and how often?
How can I prevent or cure ear infections?
Do you have any tips for eye care?
Is the Akita Shepherd a hypoallergenic breed?
Bathing
Any advice/tips you can give concerning cleaning and bathing your Akita Shepherd?
Can you offer new Akita Shepherd owners advice concerning fleas and maybe products you use in treatment and prevention?
Showing
What advice and tips could you offer to owners who might wish to follow your path in showing the Akita Shepherd?
What started your interest in showing the Akita Shepherd?
If a new owner perhaps wanted to meet other owners or find out more – perhaps they have an interest in joining a local club or maybe they wonder how they can start showing their Akita Shepherd – where would they begin?
Can you offer any advice to others who may be wondering if they can also start showing?
How would an owner know they have a show-quality Akita Shepherd and how would they start off?
Can you give away any of your secrets?!
Is showing very expensive and why do you think people like to do it?
What do judges look for in a winner?
Breeding
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Akita Shepherd?
What official organisations are there for the new Akita Shepherd owner and what benefits or services do they provide?
In buying a Akita Shepherd, can you offer advice and tips to new owners?
How did you go from being an owner to getting into breeding?
Do you think the breed’s popularity has increased, decreased or remained the same?
How did you progress to becoming a breeder and why focus on breeding the Akita Shepherd out of all the breeds you could have chosen?
What do you think makes the Akita Shepherd special to you?
Are there things that you see owners doing that frustrate you?
As a breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Training
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what is it like to train a Akita Shepherd and do you have any tips or advice for new Akita Shepherd owners?
How should new owners approach bringing a new Akita Shepherd home, any advice and tips you can give?
Should I allow my Akita Shepherd to sleep in my bed or elsewhere in the house?
Do you recommend crate training and how long does this take?
Should my Akita Shepherd sleep in a kennel or crate?
Health
Health is always a major concern when buying a dog, do you have any advice for new Akita Shepherd owners to be aware of in particular?
Are there any health-related tips you can give to owners?
What sort of health issues should owners be on the lookout for?
What is the recommended schedule for vaccinations for your Akita Shepherd?
Can you offer any advice on how to treat and prevent worms?
What type of health issues can a Akita Shepherd have and how do you deal with preventing these?
Why does my Akita Shepherd have diarrhea?
Do they suffer from itchy and sensitive skin and if so why?
Why is my Akita Shepherd vomiting and do I go to the vets?
When should I take my Akita Shepherd for vaccinations and which ones do they need and how often?
How often will my Akita Shepherd be in heat?
Should I consider getting my Akita Shepherd spayed or neutered and when and how much does this cost and what are the benefits?
My Akita Shepherd is limping, what should I do and should I go to a veterinarian surgeon?
Do they suffer from allergies?
Why is my Akita Shepherd not eating?
How much does it cost to insure my Akita Shepherd?
What healthcare issues or diseases might be excluded from companies that provide Akita Shepherd dog health insurance?
Old Age
What age would you class as an ‘older or senior’ Akita Shepherd?
Do you notice any changes in their behaviour?
What changes in food and diet would you suggest making for an older Akita Shepherd?
Do you feed any supplements to an older Akita Shepherd – or anything else which helps them as they age?
Are there any health issues particular to a senior Akita Shepherd dog?
Do you have any advice for owners of an older/senior Akita Shepherd or tips you can pass on?
Here is an interesting video on the Akita Shepherd.
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