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

Active
Playful
Independent
Happy
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle

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

Shih-Mos are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

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

Shih-Mos aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

German Shepherd and Akita

American Eskimo, Shih Tzu

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

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

Mid 1900s

Unknown

Brown

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Akita Shepherds have medium-length coats.

Shih-Mos are known for their coat 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 Shih-Mo 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.

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

Shih-Mos are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Akita Shepherds typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Shih-Mo breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

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

Liver Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Kidney Problems
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Pateller Luxation
Bladder Stones and Infections

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

Ear Infections
Allergies
Hernia
Reverse Sneezing
Dental Problems

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

Dental Examination
Eye examination
Chest X-rays
Clinical Exam

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

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

Akita Shepherds need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Shih-Mos need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Shih-Mos 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.

Shih-Mos 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

Going for walks, Going to petco

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.

Shih-Mos 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 Shih-Mo, it's at least 5 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.

Shih-Mos require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Akita Shepherd should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Shih-Mo should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
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 18-25 pound (8 - 11 kg) Shih-Mo 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 Shih-Mo is somewhere $1.30 - $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 Shih-Mo is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $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.

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

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

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

Shih-Mos 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.

Shih-Mos have an average level of friendliness towards children.

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

Shih-Mos are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

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

Shih-Mos are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

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

Shih-Mos are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.