Unfortunately, the Akita Shepherd is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Griffonshires are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

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

Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Sensitive
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Inquisitive
Selfish
Watchful
Companionable

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

Griffonshires shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

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

Avoid Griffonshires as watchdogs - they're not effective.

German Shepherd and Akita

Brussels Griffon, Yorkshire Terrier

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

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Mid 1900s

1980s

Brown

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Brindle
White
Silver
Fawn
Black
Red
Brown
Sable
Gray

Blue
Cream
Brown
Black

Akita Shepherds have medium-length coats.

Griffonshires have longer coats compared to most dogs.

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 Griffonshire can have a litter of 4-6 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.

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

Retinal Dysplasia
Tracheal Collapse
Portosystemic Shunt

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

Patellar Luxation
Entropion
Cataracts

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

X-Rays
MRI
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Skin Evaluation
Blood Tests

Akita Shepherds are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Griffonshires are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

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

Griffonshire has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

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

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

Akita Shepherds are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Griffonshires bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

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

Cuddling, Playing Ball, Training, Fetch, Snuggling, Running, Exploring, Cuddles

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.

Griffonshires 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 Griffonshire, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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

Griffonshires have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
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 8-10 pound (4 - 5 kg) Griffonshire feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of an Akita Shepherd is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of a Griffonshire is somewhere $0.70 - $1.40 per day.

The average per month expenses of an Akita Shepherd is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Griffonshire is between $21 - $42. This makes an average of $252 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The Akita Shepherd is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Griffonshires make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

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

Griffonshires are not suitable for children.

Akita Shepherds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Griffonshires are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

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

Griffonshires may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.