Akita Australian Shepherd Mix: A Complete Guide

Are you considering adopting an Akita Australian Shepherd Mix? Read our complete guide to see if this breed is right for you. We discuss the pros and cons of this breed, their temperament, grooming needs, and so much more.

What Is An Akita Australian Shepherd Mix? 

An Akita Australian Shepherd Mix is a hybrid dog that has been designed by cross-breeding Akita and Australian Shepherd altogether to originate new modern-day designer dogs that can make their position in the pet market. An Australian Shepherd Akita Mix tends to be loyal, appealing, stubborn, energetic, and friendly. 

Table of Contents

With proper training and early socialization, you will make your Akita And Australian Shepherd Mix more well-mannered. It is important to learn of the downside of adopting a hybrid dog like an Australian Shepherd Akita Mix. 

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Physical Appearance and Characteristics

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Coat 

Akitas tend to come in a double coat on their body with medium to large size hair on it, protecting them from extreme cold weather. On the other hand, Australian Shepherds also come in a double-layer coat body with big hair protecting them from sunlight, snow, and water.

So, it becomes undeniable that offspring will inherit the same from their parents. An Australian Shepherd Akita Mix is likely to be a double-coated dog breed with medium to big hair.

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Color

Akitas tend to come in a few different color combinations. It makes the offspring inherit the same color from their parent’s body. An Australian Shepherd Akita Mix is likely to come in the same color as their parent.

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Size 

When we talk about the size of the Australian Shepherd, they tend to be almost 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. On the other hand, Ankitas tends to be 2 feet to 2 feet 4 inches tall at the shoulder. 

It’s likely an Australian Shepherd Akita Mix will be 18 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Both breeds are medium to large-sized breeds and are categorized as popular pet dogs. So, the offspring is also going to be a large-sized dog breed. Talking about the breed group, the Akita is a working dog, and an Australian Shepherd is a Hound Dog. 

Breed	Height
Akita	2 feet to 2 feet,4 inches Tall At The Shoulder. (Average)
Australian Shepherd	18 to 23 inches Tall At The Shoulder. (Average)
Akita Australian Shepherd Mix	20 to 25 inches Tall At The Shoulder. (Average)

Breed	Weight
Akita	70 to 130 lbs. (Average)
Australian Shepherd	40 to 65 lbs. (Average)
Akita Australian Shepherd Mix	40 to 85 lbs. (Average)

Breed	LifeSpan
Akita	10 to 12 Years. (Average)
Australian Shepherd	12 to 15 Years. (Average)
Akita Australian Shepherd Mix	10 to 14 Years. (Average)

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix History

When we talk about the history of the Australian Shepherd and Akita mix, there is a lot missing on Google. The United States breeders have recently originated a hybrid, and there is no track record of the history of the first origin of the Akita Australian Shepherd Mix.

Akitas used to be categorized as working dogs and were once used for hunting and fighting. They were also popular as hunting and fighting dogs in Japan early, but later on, this shifted towards police work & as pets in the home. 

In 1931 the Japanese government also considered and designated the Akita Breed as their natural monument. It has been rumored that Akita originated somewhere in the mountains of northern Japan. 

Ironically, the Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia. It is believed the dog first came from Spain and when Spaniards immigrated to Australia they took their dogs to herd sheep. Then when they immigrated from Australia to the USA, they once again took their dogs to herd sheep. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1991.

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Temperament & Personality 

The behavior of an Australian Shepherd Akita Mix is unpredictable, and the behavioral traits depend upon the puppy and its ability. Sometimes the puppy inherits most of its behavioral characteristics from the parent Australian Shepherd side.

Akitas tend to be a very stubborn dog breed, but with training, they can be significantly raised faithful and loyal. On the other hand, the Australian Shepherd tends to be very protective. So, an Australian Shepherd Akita Mix is likely to be a very excellent alert dog breed. 

Adding to that, an Australian Shepherd Akita Mix will be courageous. As you know, Australian Shepherds, tend to be very active but affectionate with their family; an Akita Australian Shepherd Mix is likely to be a great companion with kids. 

Due to being affectionate, an Australian Shepherd Akita Mix can efficiently perform well in the family environment. An Australian Shepherd Akita Mix will also be very intelligent, making them easy to train dog breed. However, separation anxiety and depression can victimize your dog if they are left alone for an extended amount of time. 

Every hybrid dog is prone to being alone for an extended amount of time. Adding to that, an Australian Shepherd Akita Mix will never appreciate being ignored, whether it’s you or your family member.

It is imperative to give attention properly to your Australian Shepherd and Akita Mix as this dog requires special attention and care.

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Health Condition 

Every single hybrid dog that recently originated in the United States tends to carry some genetic health issues that they inherited from each of their pure breed dog parents. It is widespread in hybrid dogs compared to pure-breed dogs. 

Hybrid dogs are more prone to health issues than pure-breed dogs, which applies to the Akita Australian Shepherd Mix. An Australian Shepherd x Akita is likely prone to some minor and significant health concerns. Let me tell you, with proper precautions and prevention, you can keep your Australian Shepherd and Akita Mix fully healthy. 

Stay on top of visiting the vet and getting tests to see what is happening before it gets out of control. Australian Shepherd Akita Mix is prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and OCD. 

Epilepsy and deafness can also occur if an Australian Shepherd Akita Mix, inherits most of its traits from the Australian Shepherd side. Australian Shepherds are more prone to hypothyroidism and allergy, and an Australian Shepherd Akita Mix is likely to be drug-sensitive as well. 

Australian Shepherd Akita Mix will also be prone to gum diseases and dental problems due to being a hybrid dog.

Akita Health Issues (Expected)

• Hip dysplasia
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus
• Hypothyroidism
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Sebaceous adenitis (SA)

Australian Shepherd Health Issues (Expected)

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• Deafness
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
• Progressive
• Distichiasis
• Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
• Hypothyroidism
• Allergies
• Drug Sensitivity
• Cancer
• Nasal Solar Dermatitis
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Detached Retina

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Health Issues (Expected)

• Hip dysplasia
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus
• Allergies
• Eye Problems

Pros & Cons Of Keeping An Akita Australian Shepherd Mix

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Pros 

• Does great in any weather
• Easy to train dog breed 
• Energetic breed

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Cons 

• Require intense exercise, making them unsuitable for senior citizens
• Tend to bark and howl, making them unsuitable for people with issues with their neighbors 
• Has high prey drive making them dangerous for small animals 
• Doesn’t do well when alone and is prone to separation anxiety along with depression
• Is not suitable for apartment living 
• Not great for novice owners
• The general health condition of an Australian Shepherd Akita Mix is not good

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Grooming Needs

It is very important to learn about the grooming requirement of an Akita cross Australian Shepherd because it will have an impact on their physical appearance and health.

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Grooming Tools 

It is very important to choose an ideal brush that perfectly suits your Akita Australian Shepherd Mix’s coat. Not all brushes available in the market are going to suit your Akita cross Australian Shepherd’s coat and its skin.

You must choose a brush that can help you distribute their natural oil to another part of their body which helps moisturize their skin.

You must choose a brush that is reliable and durable. If you are not confident with the brush then here is what I would recommend to you.

Whenever we bathe a dog, it becomes very important to bathe them properly with the organic shampoo that has been a specialist for hybrid dog coats and skin.

Chemically treated shampoo available in the market is going to disturb their natural hair and coat. Make sure you’re choosing the right shampoos that I have recommended you to look at.

How to Brush Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Coat Effectively? 

Always brush your Akita Australian Shepherd Mix’s coat in the direction of their hair growth to make the whole brushing experience less painful.

Make sure you brush your Akita Australian Shepherd Mix coat every day.

How to Bath an Akita Australian Shepherd Mix for the Best Results? 

Always remember to keep the bathing schedule of your Akita cross Australian Shepherd to a minimum. It is recommended only to bathe your Akita Australian Shepherd Mix once a month or when needed if your Australian Shepherd Mixed with Akita gets stinky outside.

But always try not to make it a habit. When you bathe a dog, its skin becomes dry, and frequent baths dull its coat quality. Make sure you are cleaning your dog properly with the help of organic shampoo and conditioner.

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Dietary Requirements 

Bad Foods for Akita Australian Shepherd Mix (Avoid These Foods)

You must avoid feeding your Akita Australian Shepherd Mix any food that contains grain. It has been found that grains are harmful to most hybrid dogs and a few pure-breed dogs, and they can increase the chances of gum disease and dental problems in dogs, especially in hybrids. 

Best Foods for Akita Australian Shepherd Mix

The best food for their Akita Australian Shepherd Mix is the food that has been specialized and prepared by specialists.

However, you can choose from what is available for sale at pet stores. Make sure it contains the right balance of nutrition needed for your dog to fulfill its nutritional need.

Best Supplements For Akita Australian Shepherd Mix

The best supplement that I found to be helpful is Omega 3 fatty acid supplement. It will significantly impact their coat condition and skin health.

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Adaptability to Apartment Living 

They are not suitable for apartment living because of their size and exercise needs.

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Adaptability to Hot Weather 

An Akita Australian Shepherd Mix adapts well to hot weather due to having a thick coat with light fur, helping them regulate its body temperature according to seasonal changes. They can easily keep their body cool on hot sunny days without trimming their coat.

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Adaptability to Cold Weather 

As you know, during shedding season, an Australian Shepherd cross Akita will change their coat and develop thick hair on it. Akita x Australian Shepherd is suitable for cold temperatures. They can adapt well to cold weather due to their thick hide.

Cost of Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Ownership

Requirements	Potential Cost
Adoption Cost (Initial Cost One-Time)	$1000-$2500 (Average)
Health Checkup & Insurance (Initial Cost One-Time)	$100-$250 (Average)
Diet (Foods, Supplements & Snacks)	$300-$700 (Average)
Toys	$25-$85 (One-Time)
Grooming Accessories & Tools	$100-$250 (One-Time)
Spay / Neuter (One-Time)	$35-$400 (Average)
Vet Checkups	$45-$65(Per Visit)
Miscellaneous	$100-$200
Total Cost For The First Year	$1600-$2500 (Average)
Average Annual Cost (First Years Afterward)	$485-$965(Average)

Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale

Here are a few websites to find Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Puppies available for adoption.

Websites

Pet-Finder

Adopt-A-Pet

Mutt-Rescue

A-Forever-Home

Puppy-Find

Should you adopt Akita Australian Shepherd Mix Puppy? I would highly recommend you avoid this if you don’t have the budget or can’t fulfill the requirement needed to keep your puppy healthy and happy. Besides, hybrid puppies are never recommended for senior citizens or novice owners because they don’t know how to manage this kind of puppy. 

We also experienced some difficulties Australian Shepherd x Akita parents faced when we interviewed some Australian Shepherd x Akita owners. They had to say that the health issues and the budget seems to be the primary concern when keeping this breed of dog in their home.