By Avatar photoShiloh Nevada Last updated: 17th November 2022

Akita Shepherd

By

Avatar photo Shiloh Nevada
Last updated: 17th November 2022

The Akita Shepherd is a cross between the Akita and the German Shepherd dogs. This large-sized, physically powerful dog is known for its quiet, loyal nature, and has a reasonably stout built with broad shoulders and muscular features. Its relatively small head is studded with triangular, dark-brown eyes and a black nose.

Akita Shepherd Pictures

Quick Description

Also known asShepkita
CoatDense, rough, soft, medium
ColorsBlack, Black and Tan, Light Brown, Merle, Brindle, Brown, Speckled, Spotted, Golden, Sable, White
TypeGuard Dog, Working Dog
Group (of Breed)Crossbreed
Lifespan/expectancy10 to 13 years
WeightMale: 75-120 pounds; Female: 75-110 pounds
Height (size)Large; Male: 26-28 inches; Female: 24-26 inches
TemperamentAlert, brave, quiet, dedicated, protective
Good with ChildrenNo (can be tolerant to children if trained and brought up together from a young age)
SheddingConstantly
Good with PetsYes
BarkingRarely
Country of OriginUSA
Competitive Registration/ Qualification InformationDRA, IDCR

Temperament and Behavior

The Akita Shepherds are very loyal and obedient. They would always look forward to pleasing their owners with expectations of a little attention.

These dogs are incredibly daring and alert, with a strong defensive instinct, and thus make good guardian dogs. They are excellent working dogs as their parents, provided they have been trained to be so since puppy-days.

However, some experts argue that these dogs might be prone to developing behavioral issues or characteristics of aggressive demeanor due to poor breeding.

They are said to be such dogs that would find the weak areas of their owners, and when they decide to leave, they can easily skip away. Hence, it is advisable to build barriers around the boundary where your Akita shepherds would live, as also to keep an eye on its day to day activities.

Care

Exercise

Being the offspring of two large working breeds, the Akita Shepherd needs a lot of activities and exercise every day. They love jumping and running. Take them out for a couple of long walks and jogs every day. You can also take your Shepkita to a dog park where they would be able to mingle comfortably with other dogs, devoid of any territorial aggressions.

If you have a yard, take it out of leashes only if your yard is enclosed. This should ensure all-around safety. These activities are especially necessary if your dog lives in an apartment.

Your dog enjoys challenges. Enthuse it to take part in vigorous playing sessions, including tug of war, Frisbee, and different other retrieving games that demand physical exertion.

Grooming

Use a slicker brush and comb them daily. A shedding rake also helps remove loose hair. But you do not need to bath it often. It is enough if you would do so only once or twice a year.

Avoid shaving or trimming the coat too often since it serves as insulation against intense heat and cold. During the rainy season, it even helps to repel most of the water that accumulates.

Health Problems

The Shepkita might be prone to hip dysplasia, which they often inherit from its Akita parent. It primarily happens when breeders would choose a dog for breeding, which is suffering from hip dysplasia.

Other health issues that this breed might inherit from their ancestors are epilepsy, elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, tumors on the spleen, keratitis, and chronic eczema.

Training

The Akita Shepherd needs a firm-handed, robust trainer, who can tactfully control the dog. Leadership quality is a quality that is a must for the trainer. Begin teaching and training them from the time of adoption. Allow them to socialize more and more each day, and help them mix with other pets and guests. Teach them to know you as the leader with an authoritative persona, power of command, and confidence. Always let your dog follow your footsteps, especially when you take it outdoors. Remember, successful and complete training is the key to success in making your Akita Shepherd a homely, well-behaved dog.

Diet/Feeding

Since the Shepkita is susceptible to developing health issues like bloating and a few other digestive tract problems, be sure not to compromise with the quality of food. Otherwise, the quantity of food and the diet chart should be the same as the other large dogs of its type and energy very much like its parents. They are said to be allergic to corn, thus refrain from giving it to them.

Interesting Facts

  • Some Shepkitas might develop dry eyes that might be caused by eyelids that do not completely close when asleep.
  • The name ‘Shepkita’ has been recognized by the IDCR.

60 responses to “Akita Shepherd”

  1. Gena Bowar says:

    We have a female shepard/akita and would like to submit a picture of her as a reference because she doesn’t look like the other dogs. Let me know how to submit, if you are interested.

  2. Kathi Karjala says:

    i had one named WOLFGANG….GOT TO HAVE ANOTHER FRIEND. HE SAVED MY LIFE TWICE. HE WAS 15 YRS GOOD.1-360-947-4012
    KATHI KARJALA

  3. Lynda says:

    We have Shepkita puppies that will be ready for new homes the first week in August. They are family raised. Dad is an Akita with pedigree papers. Mom is a pure bread German Shepherd but no papers. They are our family dogs. Maggie (mom) is very energetic and loves to be outside. Titan (Dad) is quiet, easy going, and gentle. We are in Connecticut if anyone is interested.

  4. LeAnne Richards says:

    Where can a find a German Shepard/Akita mix puppy to adopt? My son wants one
    He lives in America Fork, Utah

  5. Greta says:

    Three days ago we adopted a 6 1/2 week old German Shepherd/ Akita mix puppy (female). She is the sweetest dog/ so smart. I have a one year old shih-poo (male). The puppy currently stays inside. They seem to love each other. They play like crazy until the puppy is ready for her nap. I also have 3 adult Labradors. They are extremely large and I have only introduced them at the chain link fence to my back yard. They all wiggle and wag their tales, including the puppy. I have 2 male labs and 1 female. I intend on putting the puppy in the backyard with the labs when she gets bigger. I will continue to introduce her to the labs before putting them together. Hopefully she will continue to have the sweet, smart personality she has now/ and hopefully I will have no problems in the future. Any advice will be appreciated.
    She loves both me and my husband / a real sweetie.

  6. Dan Wallin says:

    We just got a 2 year old Shepkita male dog named Teddy. May have been neglected by previous owner. He is becoming more comfortable with our family and our other dog and cat. We have to Kennel him outside when were not home as he likes to jump on furnature and chew things. Very pretty dog and is starting to get settled in with our family.

  7. Alan says:

    Hi
    I’m due to adopt a beautiful Shepkita 2 1/2 and she’s extremely alert and full of energy which is exactly what I’m looking for in a new family member and outdoors companion.
    I’ve been told she’s a stubborn lass and she’s not a fan of treats! The stubbornness I expect due to her breed but I feel at a disadvantage here and was wondering, with her age, breed and the fact she’s been rehoused twice before me. Am I going to struggle to train her anymore and if I do will it stick?
    I also have two teenage children who don’t live with me, do you think she could become aggressive towards them when we are together playing?
    Thank you

  8. Jan says:

    My daughter has a cross breed akita/husky/German shepherd just abouttto turn 1 year old who has recently become aggressive to male visitors and now towards food treats (even though noone is trying to take them away) but walking passed him (never usually problem with females but went for my son who is staying with me so I caught his collar but he refused to move and carried on being aggressive and I ended up being injured. Due to be nuetured will this help with aggression and now only going to dive him treats in his own room, but I am worried if we need to go through his room to back garden will this happen again? He is otherwise a lovely gentle dog. Loves his walks, being with us, tummy rubs, playing etc. Any advice would be welcome

    • Michelle says:

      Hi Jan, your dog sounds lovely in general. To save future heartache, you should address this aggressive behavior right away.

      I have a shepherd/akita/pit who is completely gentle and sweet with me. After 3 years, he started showing aggression towards men walking toward me on the sidewalk. We had to put a stop to it right away and worked with a behavior specialist. The advice she gave us was:
      – stimulate him physically *and* cognitively. Long walks, runs, bike rides, tricks, marrow bones.
      – also add pheromone collars for calming
      – work on increasing his “stay”, “sit”, and “leave it” commands under increasing distraction and duration. Then, when he is likely to misbehave, give those commands pre-emptively
      – in our case, she had me switch to the “nose lead” — a non-painful halter-style collar that guides the snout rather than the neck, making it easier to control lunging.

      Over the course of ~3-4 months his problem behaviors decreased by 90%. A lot of that advice seems applicable to your situation. In addition, you could introduce your son to the dog outside of his room (less territorial) over the course of many days/weeks. Let the dog approach on his own, and then drop treats without making eye contact. If you can, a really good professional can do wonders.

  9. Aimz says:

    Hi all, I took on a shepkita from my friend as he was too much for her to handle and she was having a baby. He is 1 year old and he is HUGE. He really is a cheeky chappy, he jumps up you to play and nearly knocks you flying, he nips your bum when he is in a playful mood and opens the fridge to help himself to what he likes. The concern I have though is I have a 3yr old boy and he keeps getting knocked over and nipped. the dog also leans a lot in to you to be stroked and if the 3 year old is lying next to me the dog will literally sit on him to be next to me. Its early days yet with us and he has such a character about him I’m just concerned that maybe he is a little jealous of my little boy?

  10. Pamela Lee says:

    I have a 2 year old rescue Shepkita, she’s huge! Stands at 29 inches at her shoulders and weighs 128 lbs. Super smart and high energy. She wants to be working all the time. I have a teenager, a cat, a small 7 lb dog and a new puppy rescue (rott mix) – she is wonderful with all of her family. Very protective of her territory, is very loud if anyone is near to coming in her area, however has never bitten. We do K9 scent work which is the only thing that wears her out. She loves it!

  11. Olga says:

    We got our Shepkita from a rescue about a month ago. They estimate he’s about 11 months now and was marked as Akita bread. But we had our doubts and looking at the photos, he is just like the one in the top left photo! He’s great with people and kids in general (we don’t have any kids of our own, but he doesn’t seem to be bothered by the kids running around in the park). He definitely loves water, hates bathing (good to know we only need to bathe him once or twice a year) and is absolutely CRAZY for other dogs! It may be because he’s still a pup and all he wants is to play with the doggies. Once he sees one (from quite far away), he gets so excited, he stops listening to us. We’ve booked a dog trainer to help with the problem so will see how that goes. Other than that, he is such a lovely and clever boy! So chilled at home, doesn’t chew, doesn’t bark, doesn’t steal food (despite his head being at the same level as the dining table). Highly recommend the breed as a family dog, but training and exercise is a must! He’s so eager to learn and you can really see how much he enjoys playing and running around! Glad we found this site, it has helped us to better understand what our dog is all about! Thank you!

    • Ann Thomson says:

      We had a Akita Shepherd (just like top left). We adopted him from spca when he was 12 weeks old. He was already returned once because previous owner said he was too rough on kids. Their loss our gain. We raised 6 children and 5 grandchildren until he got sick at age16. He was our best friend, he was our baby. Hope you have as much luck as we did.

      • Carolyn Mynatt says:

        My Toby was a Akita Shepherd just like yours. I got him at the age of 8 months. He loved children and protected them fiercely. He also protected me fiercely. I lost him at the age of 13 and 1/2 with a tumor behind his left eye that entered his brain. I still miss him and still love him. I now have a German Shepherd that for some reason is following in Toby’s footsteps. I live alone now. And Max is my companion and protector. I am the luckiest person alive to have had two wonderful dogs. I hope those of you that have either breed have patience and let them love you and you need to love them back as much as I loved my Toby.

  12. Laurie Murray says:

    I have a shepkita who is 10 years old. He is extremely loyal and protective of me. He grew up with my husbands Golden, was really just tolerant of her. He can become aggressive towards other large male and non neutered dogs. He himself is not neutered. We tried bring home my mother in laws dog to live with us, but he is not having it. He is extremely intellegent, loves attention and car rides. He was never around young children, but is fine with them. Honestly, it is the best dog I have ever owned. One thing I will say, is you need to have a strong personality. I trained my dog, as they will try to dominate you. I was strict and consistant and he accepts me as his alpha, but no one else, not even my.husband.

  13. Darlene Lankford says:

    Got a 9 year old “mixed shepherd” from a rescue earlier this year. He was picked up as stray but appeared well taken care off.Been curious about what he is mixed with but based on curved tail, nose shape & pics on this site, I think he is part Akita.
    When I take him outside (off leash on over 2 acres) he sticks close by & can’t wait to get back in house.
    He is a great dog but scared of almost any loud noises – thunder, gun shots, etc. Any suggestions on how to help him with this ?

    • Sergey Uhanov (Certified Veterinarian) admin says:

      Hi Darlene,
      You may try the following to keep your Akita from getting a little more anxious around loud noises:

      • Create a ‘safe’ place for your dog like making a room somewhat sound-proof with the windows blacked-out. Also, keep his favorite toys and treats close by and make the room as cozy as you can
      • Use an Anxiety Wrap, an anti-static vest that puts pressure on some acupuncture points, to help soothe anxiety and fear in your dog
      • Slowly introduce loud noises into his life, like dropping a tin can or playing loud music near him can help him adapt to loud noises
    • Neely says:

      My 12 year old Akita Mix is terrified of loud noises and always has been – since I adopted him at 3 months. Thunder, drones, fireworks are the 3 he has never gotten over. He completely has a meltdown and it breaks my heart.

      I’ve tried everything – thunder shirts, holistic soothing treats, etc … the only thing that has worked for me is – diazepam and turning up the TV. My vet recommended a diazepam on occasion – and it definitely helps him. any holiday with fireworks or if it’s a bad thunder storm – I’ll give him one and turn up the TV or turn on music. It muffles the sound some. Might want to discuss this option with your vet. Good luck!

  14. Leanne says:

    I Have one of these amazing dogs, she is 6 years old and has a neurological disorder, but she is the most awesome dog ever. Kota is very protective of her owners and rarely lets us pet other dogs, but given some coaxing she lets her guard down. She is not aggressive or has ever showed signs of hurting anyone or anything, very opposite its more like she pouts when she does not get her own way. We have a 11 year old Lab/Shep as well and they truly are the best of friends. I didn’t know about this mix until she came into our lives and blew us away with all her uniqueness.

  15. irma says:

    HI. I’m considering getting a shepkita. He’s 3 1/2 months old. But worried because I have a 10 and 11 year old male and female shitzu/maltese. I also have a 5 year old. Don’t know if they get along with little dogs. Any opinions.

    • Diana says:

      Hi I have had shepkita for 4 years I got him at 9 weeks old I had 5 children at the time one of which was 2 and since had another baby he has the best temperament in a dog he’s the best I’ve ever had and looking at getting another

    • Jessica Henn says:

      I’ve got one. She’s as wonderful as they come. She’s great with my shih-Tzus and other dogs (I’ve got a big pack) and she adores my boyfriends toddlers.

    • Dara says:

      My shepkita is very loving and extremely protective over my entire family. I have had him since birth though. He is great with other dogs and our cat but not well around wildlife.

    • stan hunt says:

      Hi I had a shepkita for 14 years he was good around dogs and kids

    • Andreia Havas says:

      We adopted our shepkita at 3 months old. 3-6 months is the perfect age when you have other pets and or children. Our shepkita is now 5 yrs old. When we adopted him I had a yorkie mix, a beagle, a cattle dog mix and 2 cats. Our beagle, yorkie and one of the cats were at end stage of life. Our shepkita puppy was playful yet respectful. A shepkita is likely to have largely Akita traits, which means you the owner are always being the alpha with ongoing reminders to the shepkita that he is the protector companion of the pack and not to dominate the other pack members including your small dogs. Our shepkita has been great with all of our pets. I would be very hesitant to bring small pets into our home now that he’s an adult. Akita’s consider small animals prey or nuisance animals. When our neutered male shepkita was 2, our neighbors cocker spaniel came into our back yard through a small hole near our gate that we were unaware of. Our shepkita killed the dog in seconds. There was no barking or growling. I didn’t see or hear this happen, but my neighbor told me she saw her dog slip through the hole and tried to stop him. Our neighbors son who happened to be visiting owned 2 Akita’s and he told me that was very predictable and normal territorial Akita behavior. Akita’s are silent hunter guardians. Since the incident, we check our fence continually. We do not allow our dog to roam or run in a pet populated park and of course always walk our dog on leash. My daughters were 16 and 18, both living at home and very petite when we adopted our shepkita. They are still petite less than 120 pounds while our shepkita is 140 or so pounds. He adores our kids, is loving and gentle to all extended family and friends who regularly come over. Our shepkita is pair bonded to our cattle dog mix who is only 55 pounds. He continually grooms her ears and she lays across him. He’s the most loyal family dog I’ve ever had.

  16. Nikeisha K. Williams says:

    I just got my shepkita 2 days ago and I’ve already noticed his chew on EVERYTHING in sight attitude but I’m working on that as I understand where that is coming from but how do I get him to use the outdoors and not my rug as his bathroom… someone recommended taking him to the sight, let him see it get rough with him about it but I have 2 problems with that, suppose I do it then he gets scared and becomes terrified of me and the other is suppose he sees aggression as ok and becomes aggressive… HELP me!!

    • Allan says:

      I also have an Akita Shepherd mix and we found substitution works for the chewing. If they’re chewing on something they’re not supposed to tell them no (but don’t yell at them) and then give them a toy they can have and praise them when they chew on it. As for potty training know your dog should only hold it for a number of hours equal to how many months old they are +1. Get them on a good schedule for potty breaks and make sure you’re not making them hold it too long. Most of the time accidents may be your fault for not taking them our enough or setting a schedule. Also know throwing their nose in their accidents and especially getting rough with them can lead to fear of you and possible aggression in the future. I’ve personally found more success in using positive reinforcement by praising them when they’re doing right instead of yelling or getting violent for doing something wrong.

    • Shep says:

      Frozen marrow bones. They’ll sit for hours in the garden chewing one of those

  17. Dianne says:

    Hello,
    Our Shep/Akita Gunnar is 10. He was food agressive as a pup but we cured him of that. He is protective of us and rarely likes others patting him etc, so he’s a loner however he has 5 cats he lives with and loves! We got him at 8 weeks and he was the only one in the litter that ran to greet us when we arrived little did we know he was checking us out! He may not like the vet and is leary with strangers, but we have learned to give him a great life, his acre yard is fenced in, he has toys and his “fur family” and his “cookies” when he does something good, life with Gunnar is great (although UPS and the oil man are glad he’s inside when they deliver).

    • Susan Kohkonen says:

      How did you cure him of food aggression? I am having trouble with my 11 month old. She’s a great dog over all but she has attacked our Carin Terrier who’s 13 over a French fry and now she tries to boss her around all the time then last night she took a piece of meat out of my 140lb Akita mouth, and he didn’t like that, so they got into it. We got her as a pound puppy at 3-4 months old and she used to inhale her food so I got her a dish that slowed her down. She now will leave food in her dish if she’s full but is still very guarded about it, except with me I can take it away and she wont budge, she is very loving and friendly except for this problem. I just put 2+2 together and figured out she’s crossed with a shepherd due to her size, and certain facial features that are just not true Akita, her nose is slender and she has the famous tear drops of the shepherd. So when I googled it and I saw the picture I knew yep she’s a Shekita.

      • Diane says:

        The problem is she doesn’t believe you to be a pack later what you need to do is the moment she shows any type of aggression with her food bowl you take her food bowl put it up on top of the refrigerator where she can see it and leave it there for an hour and then put it back down on the floor if she’s aggressive again then you simply repeat rinse and repeat you have to keep doing it quite a bit depending upon how stubborn your dog is but eventually they’ll get the hint that you’re in charge and that if they are aggressive with their food that they’re going to lose it

        • Kitalover says:

          On top of what you said it’s good to hold the food where they can see not taunting but asserting your pack leader also have the dog sit before giving the food initially you must be struck or training will wear off

      • Dm says:

        Every time you dog shows food aggression you take the food away put the ball app on top of the refrigerator where they can see it but don’t give it to him for an hour let them think about what they’ve done give it back to them if their aggressive take it away put it back up on top of the fridge it’s a real pain in the butt but it works

  18. Roxanne says:

    We raised our children with pure bred Akita’s and they were wonderful with them. Akita’s are natural babysitters. A very sweet nature and strong protective instincts never left me worrying about the safety of my children. We have just added two Akita/Shepherd puppies to our home and although it’s only been a short time, their personalities are already showing distinct differences. Proving, life really is like a box of chocolates! Both of these babies are adorable and precious, already showing to be very trainable. They join our 8 y/o lab/golden mix rescue that we have had since he was 4 weeks old, surprisingly he is the one showing some aggression even though he was raised as being very submissive to our older dog who passed away about a year ago. We look forward to the joy our new family will bring.

  19. Ethan says:

    Our Shepkita has one blue eye and one brown so I strongly suspect her supposed Japanese Akita father was crossed with a Siberian Husky. She’s called Meika and she’s two years old. She has food aggression but other than that she’s the sweetest dog I’ve ever seen. We had a friend come over when she was about 1 and a half and he had a young child aged 6 and he was a nightmare! He would smack Meika in the face and pull her ears rawr at her and chase her around the house and garden. This was the first time she had met a child and was so loving towards the little brat and just sat there allowing him to terrorise her. She also really enjoyed being chased! She wasn’t trained to be gentle around kids so it must have been instinctive behaviour which doesn’t add up with what has been said on this website. I would say that anyone who is thinking of avoiding this breed because of how they are with children should give them a chance to be honest! She is such a quick learner and knows how to do a variety of ‘tricks’plus she’s the absolute double of the dog in that picture 🙂

    • Roxanne says:

      I would also suspect a Husky mix in there somewhere. I agree, I’m not sure where all the negative talk about being bad with children is coming from. Both breeds are known to be exceptional family dogs. Having had Akita’s for over 20 years, I would agree that there are bad lines of Akita’s just like all large aggressive dogs, that were intentionally bred for aggression and fighting and these lines can produce dogs not compatible with children or other pets. Getting to know about both of these breeds will help anyone with their new dog.

      • Ethan says:

        Would you like a picture of her?She’s a very pretty dog! ????

        • Whitney says:

          Picture yes please????

        • Todd says:

          You should really Che k out our boy Alfredo. Adopted from Best Friends in LA he is now 6. Loves babies, small dogs and the ladies. Very sociable but very protective of the little ones. Typical Akita he has no toy drive but plays with a purpose. His Facebook is Alfredo Woof. Best dog ever!

    • Amanda says:

      I have one as well with one blue and one brown eye. We have 4 kids and he does great with all of them even though twins who are 4. We also have a Male German Shepherd who he does well with. Cats in the other hand are a no. We are working on it though.

  20. Faith bailey says:

    I have a rescue dog of this type that is now 17/18 months old. I’ve had him since February. He’s a wonderful dog – so affectionate and good with my other dogs. He like to harass the cats but hasn’t eaten them yet. However he is terrible for chewing. I can’t leave him in the house for long unattended (like a child) has he has chewed two big holes in my leather sofa. I’ve tried everything to stop it but when the novelty wears off he is back to his old tricks. Any suggestions? I’m hoping he is still in puppy phase to an extent and maybe he’ll grow out of it!!! Fingers crossed!!
    I do love him though – he is possibly the most handsome dog you’d ever see. His name is John 🙂

    • Sergey Uhanov (Certified Veterinarian) admin says:

      Hi there,
      The intensified chewing phase in puppies usually ends when they are six months old. However, some may enter another teething phase at seven months and may display destructive chewing. Here are some tips you may follow to prevent your Akita Shepherd’s inappropriate chewing behavior.
      • Provide John with plenty of inedible chew bones and toys. Rotate the chew toys or offer something new every two to three days so that your dog does not lose interest in the old toys.
      • Offer some edible items like rawhide bones, bully sticks, pig skin rolls, pig ears, or other types of natural chews.
      • Give him puzzle toys stuffed with delicious treats at times when he chews the most.
      • Discourage destructive chewing by spraying household items with chewing deterrents.

      • Faith bailey says:

        Thanks. Yes I’ve done all of the above with the exception of rotating the toys/ chews. I’ll try that and I’m also going to try him in a room with no couch!! 🙂

  21. Brandon says:

    Completely opposite description to my Shepkita

  22. Clinton Broomfield says:

    I’d just like to point out that the photo of the German Shepherd Akita you have is my family’s dog. Feel free to use it! It just made my day to see Abby on the front page of Google

    Cheers! Clint.

  23. Shannon says:

    What is mixture of Shepherd to Akita mix are you referring to here 50:50?

    • Sergey Uhanov (Certified Veterinarian) admin says:

      Hi Shannon,
      The first generation, 50% Akita Inu and 50% German Shepherd mix is an F1 Akita Shepherd. The breeding of two Akita Shepherds also produces a 50:50 cross, but the animal is an F2 Akita Shepherd or second filial generation of Akita Shepherd. An F2 Shepkita bred to another F2 Shepkita produces an F3 Shepkita. F3 and subsequent generations of crosses are known as “multigenerational” crosses.

      • Shannon says:

        Interesting, I have a pure bred white shepherd of good lines. But, he is a throwback to earlier version of breed. Big square head, very square back and strong prey drive. I was thinking of Japanese Akita cross as it likely produce a powerful hunting and working dog.

  24. brianna says:

    why do shepkitas love water so much mine is 12 weeks old and she tries to lay in her water bowl when she takes a nap she always puts her front paws in the water. her ears wont even point up should i take her to the vet to get her checked out.

    • Sergey Uhanov (Certified Veterinarian) admin says:

      Hi!
      Being descendant of Akita and German Shepherd, the Shepkita usually inherits its parents’ working and guarding abilities. Since most Akitas enjoy swimming, it is likely that your pup instinctively loves water.

  25. Sam says:

    I am having a very hard time potty training my 8 week old Shepkita.
    we feed him twice a day morning and around 8PM.
    We Take him out to potty 20 minutes after he eats and drinks, then an hour. Take him out as soon as he wakes up, but he still poops and potties in the house.
    He is very smart and I feel he is doing it to be spiteful …

    • Sergey Uhanov (Certified Veterinarian) admin says:

      Hi!
      For an 8-week-old Shepkita, it’s too early to expect him to go out potty on his own. Your pup will inevitably have accidents but you will have to try and prevent him from having accidents. You can be successful in your efforts if you follow some simple tips, including:
      • Designate a spot as his “potty spot” and take him here.
      • Reinforce him for “going” outside to poop. A belly scratch or food treats are memorable for most pups.
      • Watch him closely. When he feels an urge, he will let you know by squatting, sniffing, circling, scratching, and whining.
      • When you aren’t close to him, confine your pet to a crate. Dogs usually do not mess up the place where they sleep.

    • Karen says:

      The general rule to to give them the opportunity to do their business a hour for each month of age. So for a dog two months old, one gives them the opportunity to do their business outside every two hours. I doubt that 20 minutes or even one hour is long enough for the food to pass through his digestive system or liquid to be absorbed into the blood stream, filtered by the kidneys, and be ready to pass out of the bladder. I would allow more time between dinner and bedtime – maybe at least four hours – taking him outside and giving him the opportunity to do his business every two hours. When he does his business outside, I would say in a high, happy tone, Good business one!” or “Good business two!” as appropriate. That way he’ll learn the meaning of each and later when you take him out and say, “Do business one (or two)” he will do what it if he has to. If he accidentally goes inside, I would wipe it up or collect it up and put it outside, letting him see you do it and saying in a cheerful, matter-of-fact speaking voice, “Business goes outside.” Dogs are very smart and will learn anything one is capable of teaching them.

  26. raff says:

    hello some advice please i have a shepkita and she is one years old got her from a family with a male she is great with me and my son but very nervous of other people which is not in its self a bad thing my problem is she is very nervous and wont go out for a walk a few yards and she becomes petrified and wants to go back home she hates cars and just dont know if it a time thing and don’t know how to help her i live very close to a large lee valley park and can walk for miles but to get her there and back is a problem wont get in car without a lot of stress so i’m only walking her short times if at all so not to stress her out can anyone offer any advice please she is a lovely dog and want her to live a nice life and not scared all the time

    • Akita 4444443 says:

      Hello my Best advice is for you to stop visualizing how the walk and the fear ov cars is going to happen ,dogs pick up on this things , before walking your dog .find a way to drain some ov the energy with some kind ov physical activity ,then relax ur self calm go with a positive idea about going for a walk keep a straight up posture and ur head high , and really believe in your self ,and ur dog will eventually wil follow ,just stick at it ,and try not to get stressted and it will work.

  27. Trisha says:

    I strongly disagree with Shepkita’s not being good with children. I had gotten my shepkita when i was 7 years old, it past away when i turned 21 years old. I had small neices and nephew’s that where ages 9months to 5 years old that would either live with us or visit every day at the time my shepkita was 1 to 2 years old. They climbed on our shepkita, pulled his tail, grabbed and tugged his ears, tugged at his fur coat and there was nothing a child could do to that dog that would make him anything less then gentle and caring. In fact he acted like he was their Nanny or litter. Very protective ocer them and when he sensed the children where doing something that was not safe he would grab them by the back of the pants or diaper and pull them near him , closer to the house and big glass back door and would keep the children very close to him. The children would fall asleep on him as if he put them down for a nap and he would be loyal to stay by their side and comfort them until we went inside or they woke up. He did however show aggression to any adult (mostly males) that came close to the children or I that he was not familiar with and crossed territory and we had a couple times we had to go to court when a man would raise his voice or show anger around him towards us, which was good for my mother when a man tried to repo her car ( TRIED BUT DIDNT SUCCEED). My shepkita was a true shepkita and was the best dog any parent could ask for. We always said if anything ecer happened to us and the children were left alone with the dog we know for a fact they would probably be better off then with a babysitter and felt our family and children were 100% safe because of our shepkita. I am now 33 and have my own children and have never been able to find a breed that came close to being as good with children as the shepkita i grew up with.

    • Sergey Uhanov (Certified Veterinarian) admin says:

      Hello,
      Your dog, specifically, was probably well-trained and was good with the kids. However, what we mentioned here is about Shepkitas in general. Shepkitas are naturally not much comfortable with young children, however, if they are trained and brought up with kids from a very young age, they wouldn’t have that issue.

      • June says:

        I agree with Trisha I have a Shepkita and she will be 12 in January and she has always been good with my daughters and nieces and nephews they would sit on her lay on her and never did she ever show aggression and now that she is older and has arthritis in her back legs my 2 yr old grandson will lay on her as a pillow and she loves it she is constantly kissing him and has alway been good with kids in fact I have come across many owners of these dogs and aal state that they are great family dogs.

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