Akita Shepherd Dog: The Ultimate Guide to Care, Behavior, Diet, Interacting, Costs, and Health Care

Are you considering bringing an Akita Shepherd dog into your family? These beautiful and majestic creatures are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. However, taking care of an Akita Shepherd involves much more than just providing food and shelter. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into various aspects of Akita Shepherd dog care, including their behavior, diet, interacting tips, costs, and health care.

Understanding the Akita Shepherd

Before diving into the specific care requirements, it's essential to understand the breed itself. The Akita Shepherd is a crossbreed between an Akita and a German Shepherd. This hybrid mix results in a dog with a unique combination of traits from both parent breeds. They are large-sized dogs known for their muscular build, alert expression, and thick double coat.

Akita Shepherds are highly intelligent and have a strong protective instinct. They make excellent guard dogs and family companions when properly trained and socialized. Despite their fierce loyalty, they can be independent and might show some stubbornness. To ensure a happy and harmonious relationship with your Akita Shepherd, establishing yourself as a confident and firm pack leader is crucial.

Akita Shepherd Dog : Akita Shepherd Dog Care, Behavior, Diet, Interacting, Costs And Health Care

by Vally Mulford(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1249 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	16 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Akita Shepherd Dog Care

Training and Socialization

While Akita Shepherds are naturally protective, it's important to channel their instincts in a positive way through structured training. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded and friendly dogs. Expose them to various people, animals, and environments to help them develop confidence and reduce any tendencies towards aggression.

When it comes to training, using positive reinforcement techniques is highly recommended. They respond well to rewards such as treats, praise, and playtime. Consistency, patience, and firmness are key to training an Akita Shepherd successfully.

Grooming and Coat Care

Akita Shepherds have a thick double coat, which requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from mats and tangles. Weekly brushing using a slicker brush or an undercoat rake will help prevent excessive shedding and keep the coat in good condition. During seasonal shedding, daily brushing may be necessary.

Bathing should be done only when necessary to avoid stripping the natural oils from their coat, as it can lead to skin dryness. Regular inspection and cleaning of their ears and teeth are also essential parts of their grooming routine.

Exercise and Energy Requirements

Given their size and energy level, Akita Shepherds require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks or runs, interactive playtime, and obedience training sessions are necessary to meet their physical and mental needs. Providing them with puzzle toys and interactive feeders can also help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Diet and Nutrition

Providing a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for the overall well-being of your Akita Shepherd. High-quality dog food, preferably formulated for large breed dogs, should be the main component of their diet. It's important to feed them the appropriate amount based on their age, weight, and activity level to prevent obesity.

Consulting with a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your Akita Shepherd is highly recommended. They may have certain dietary restrictions or require additional supplements for optimal health.

Interacting with Your Akita Shepherd

Akita Shepherds thrive on strong human connections and are incredibly loyal to their families. Bonding and spending quality time with your dog is important for building trust and maintaining a healthy relationship.

Regular playtime, training sessions, and fun activities such as agility or obedience competitions can be beneficial both for their physical and mental well-being. Interaction and positive reinforcement strengthen the bond you share with your Akita Shepherd.

Costs Associated with Akita Shepherd Care

Bringing a dog into your family involves certain financial considerations. When it comes to an Akita Shepherd, it's essential to be aware of the costs associated with their care.

The initial cost of acquiring an Akita Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder can range from $800 to $1500. Additionally, you will need to account for ongoing expenses such as food, grooming supplies, toys, training classes, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and regular veterinary check-ups.

It's important to remember that owning a dog is a long-term commitment, both emotionally and financially.

Health Care and Common Health Issues

Akita Shepherds, like all dog breeds, are prone to certain health issues that owners should be aware of. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify and address potential health concerns early on. Common health issues observed in Akita Shepherds include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Autoimmune disorders
• Thyroid problems
• Allergies

Thoroughly researching reputable breeders and ensuring the health history of the parents is crucial to minimize the risk of inheriting these conditions. Providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can also contribute to reducing the likelihood of these health issues.

Bringing an Akita Shepherd into your family can be a rewarding experience, but it requires dedication, commitment, and responsible care. Understanding their unique traits, providing proper training and socialization, meeting their exercise and dietary needs, and ensuring regular veterinary care are essential for the overall well-being of your Akita Shepherd.

Investing time and effort into caring for your Akita Shepherd will not only result in a happier and healthier dog but also strengthen the bond between you and your loyal companion. So, go ahead and embark on this exciting dog ownership journey with your Akita Shepherd!

Akita Shepherd Dog : Akita Shepherd Dog Care, Behavior, Diet, Interacting, Costs And Health Care

by Vally Mulford(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1249 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	16 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

If you want a guard dog who will treat their duties with the weight and gravitas that they deserve, the Akita Shepherd is hard to beat. These dogs, a cross between a German Shepherd and an Akita Inu, are solemn and serious when on guard, but they also know how to let their hair down and have fun.
Because Akita Shepherds are a relatively uncommon breed, you may not know much about them. Don't worry, that is about to change with the help of this guide.