Curious
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing

Playful
Loving
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Fearless
Brave
Bright
Reserved
Suspicious

Akita Shepherds shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Box-a-Shars are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Akita Shepherds are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Avoid Box-a-Shars as watchdogs - they're not effective.

German Shepherd and Akita

Boxer, Shar-Pei

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Mid 1900s

2000s

Brown

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Brindle
White
Silver
Fawn
Black
Red
Brown
Sable
Gray

Brown
Black
Red
Brindle
Pied

Akita Shepherds have medium-length coats.

Box-a-Shars have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

An Akita Shepherd can have a litter of 3-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Box-a-Shar can have a litter of 2-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Akita Shepherds are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Box-a-Shars are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Canine Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Von Willebrand's Disease
Degenerative Myelopathy
Congenital Heart Defect
Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Bloat
Hypothyroidism
Degenerative Myelopathy
Cancer
Aortic Stenosis

Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Pemphigus
Sebaceous Adenitis
Pannus
Perianal Fistulas
Hemophilia
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Eye Problems

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Blood
Dna For Vwd
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Full Body Physical Examination

X-Rays
MRI
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests
Blood Work
Radiography

Akita Shepherd has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Box-a-Shar has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Akita Shepherds sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Box-a-Shars have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Hike, Run, Fetch, Hikes, Walk, K9 scent work, Smart, Playful, Endless energy, Sweet, Swim, Running, Swimming, Walking, Skateboarding, Hiking, Play, Play keep away, Tug-of-war, Nap, Cuddling, Bird watching, Tag

Walk, Hike, Play, Hunt, Tug-of-war, Fetch, Brushing, Playing, Swimming, Snuggling, Wrestling, Play tug-a-war, Go to Park, Run, Frisbee, Chase, Ball throwing, Training, Cuddling, Car rides, Running, Mind games, Walks

Akita Shepherds are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Box-a-Shars are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Akita Shepherd, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Box-a-Shar, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Akita Shepherds usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Box-a-Shars usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Akita Shepherd requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Box-a-Shar has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

For an average 65-85 pound (29 - 39 kg) Akita Shepherd feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 45-65 pound (20 - 29 kg) Box-a-Shar feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Box-a-Shars have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Akita Shepherds make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Box-a-Shars have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Akita Shepherds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Box-a-Shars are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Akita Shepherds are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Box-a-Shars are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Akita Shepherds have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Box-a-Shars are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Akita Shepherds are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Box-a-Shars are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.