The German Shepherd Akita Mix, or Shepkita, is a hybrid dog breed that combines the German Shepherd and Akita breeds.
This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature, making it an ideal family pet.
The Shepkita is a giant breed with a muscular build, a thick coat that can come in various colors, and distinctive triangular ears.
BASIC TRAITS
Height
24-28 inches
Weight
75-120 lb
Lifespan
10-13 years
Group (of Breed)
Crossbreed
Best Suited For
active families with kids and other pets, experienced dog owners
Temperament
intelligent, loyal, protective, playful, active, eager-to-please
Origin
The German Shepherd Akita mix is also known as the Shepkita. It is a hybrid breed that originated in the United States in the early 2000s.
The German Shepherd and the Akita are large dog breeds with strong personalities and high energy levels.
The Shepkita is a cross between these two breeds, resulting in a dog known for its intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts.
This breed was first developed by mixing a purebred German Shepherd with a purebred Akita to create a dog with the best qualities of both breeds.
Coat
The Shepkita’s coat is medium to long and can be straight or slightly wavy.
The coat color can vary from black, white, cream, grey, or a mix of any of these colors.
Shepkita’s coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Shedding is moderate to heavy and can be managed with weekly brushing.
Temperament/Behavior
Shepkita is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protectiveness towards its family.
They can be calm and gentle with their family, but they can be suspicious of strangers and protective of their turf.
Shepkita may inherit their Akita parent’s tendency to be aloof or independent, so early socialization and consistent training are necessary.
Exercise Requirements
Shepkita dogs have high energy levels and require at least one good half-hour of exercise.
You must be willing to provide them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
These breeds love to go on runs or hikes, and if you do not have an active lifestyle, it’s essential to provide them with regular exercise.
Furthermore, training sessions are a great way to bond with this breed; consistent training is essential to keep them obedient and attentive to their owners.
The Shepkita are quick learners and willing to please, but they can also be stubborn if not trained properly.
Food/Diet
Proper nutrition is essential for this breed’s well-being.
They require a well-balanced diet high in quality protein and other essential nutrients.
Ideally, you should feed them two to three small meals daily to ensure they have enough nutrition.
As a responsible pet parent, you should always provide them with fresh water so they can always stay hydrated.
Common Health Problems
Shepkita is generally healthy, but they may inherit some health problems from their parent breeds.
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and gastric torsion are common health issues that Shepkita may develop.
Regular vet checkups and proper nutrition can help mitigate these health issues.
Conclusion
The German Shepherd Akita mix, or Shepkita, is a friendly, protective, and energetic dog breed that is an excellent family companion.
They require proper socialization, consistent training, and proper nutrition to thrive.
While they may inherit some health problems from their parent breeds, periodic vet checkups and a well-balanced diet can minimize the risk of developing these issues.
Overall, Shepkita is an intelligent and loyal breed that can be an excellent choice for experienced dog owners who can provide them with the love, care, and training needed to thrive.