The Akita Shepherd
German Shepherd and an Akita. The hybrid is actually not recocognizedby the AKC (American Kennel Club).Dog owners often choose to purchase a mongrel or mutt over a mixed breed as pure breeds can sometimes be over bred, in bred or suffer from genetic problems and abnormalities. However, with mixed breeds although the offspring can take positive genetic traits from both the mother andfather i.e. from two separate breeds from the mother and father it also works the other way round i.e. with negative traits also equally inherited by the offspring Many years ago during the second World War and after it there was a serious lack of Akitas living in the United States of America. The Akita is also considered bysome people to be aggressive at times. Consequently to counteract the aggressiveness breeders started cross breeding the breed with the German Shepherd.By mixing the genesThe Akita Inu will inherit some of the genes associated with a German Shepherd i.e. their excellent Watch Dog skills and the fact that they are also excellent dogs to have around the family.There are some size differences between the Akita and the German Shepherd - for example the Akita Inu can weigh up to one hundred and fifty pounds but the German Shepherd normally only reaches a weight of about eighty pounds maximum. The Akita Shepherd is also one of the to own if you arelooking for a strong dog that does not experience many health problems. The one problem that can occur however is hip dysplasia - so take your dog for regular check ups.If you are after a then the Akita Shepherd may not be the right dog for you. Although regular brushing can reduce the amount of hair that falls on the carpet, on your clothes and on the sofa - if you are allergic to dog hair then don't purchase this hybrid and that goes for the same with the German Shepherd (another heavy shedder).The mixed breed look similar to the Akita but have an outer coat that resembles the appearance of a German Shepherd. As previously mentioned the Akita Inu (pure breed) is not a good dog to have within a family environment or around small children - the main reason for this is that they are more loyal to a single or individual as opposed to a large family - this might be mainly due to the fact that they are notgood within a 'pack' environment. In comparison the Akita Shepherd is considered a good family dog as they are more happy within a 'pack' or family and are more happy to mix with children - this includes a better tolerance when pushed or accidentally poked by small kids. However, never leave your dog alone with a small child as you can never 100% trust any dog however long you have had it in the family.As with all dogs andpuppies you should start as soon as you take your new dog or puppy home. If you don't then you are asking for trouble - the main reason for this is that the mixed breed can become too dominant if you do not assert yourself as the 'pack leader'.If you allow your dog to become the dominant male or female within thefamily then you will be asking for trouble. To assert yourself within the 'pack' or family never feed your dog before you eat, don't let your dog go through doors before you, don't feed your dog on a higher level and never let your dog sleep in your bed or jump on the sofa. Remember in the wild and 'pack' the dominant dog or 'alpha male' is allowed to eat any other dog's food - this should be the same with your dog - this means that your dog should never show any aggression when you approach his food.If you want to get the best results when obedience training this mixed breed then you should use reward based training methods also known as this basicallyinvolves rewarding positive behavior and ignoring negative behavior.The mixed breed are normally quite good with other pets, dogs and small animals - but as with all new dogs and puppys you should start socialization from an early age.The average price of this mixed breed can vary from $250 up to a maximum of $1000 - however make sure that you purchase your dog from a recognized breeder.The mixed breed isalso known as a Shepkita and will normally weigh anywhere from sixty up to one hundred pounds. The Shepkita or AkitaShepherd obviously has a very strong bite but they are capable ofplaying and using a soft mouth - they are also not prone to an under or overbite.
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