Shakita, Akiba, or are they Shibakita? <\/p>\n

When you blend Shiba Inu adorability with Akita power, then add the legendary loyalty and intelligence in both breeds, you may find the mix irresistible, whatever the name.<\/p>\n

A Match Made In Tengoku<\/h4>\n

Hachiko, the faithful Akita who met his late master\u2019s train for nine years, defines his breed. <\/p>\n

Intelligent, protective and powerful, Akitas are faithful and loving companions, but their size and needs can prove too much for many dog lovers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, Japan has also given us the Shiba Inu, with all the loyalty and energy of its bigger cousin, in a smaller, friendly, foxy package.<\/p>\n

Shiba Inu Akita Mix – Appearance<\/h3>\n

Both breeds come from the beautiful Spitz family, featuring upright triangular ears, almond shaped eyes, and luxuriantly thick, soft coats. <\/p>\n

They\u2019re compactly built and strong, and carry their tails in a graceful curl over their backs.<\/p>\n

At the large end of the Spitz family tree, Akitas can weigh over 100 pounds, too much for small spaces, and expensive to care for. <\/p>\n

Shiba Inus are much smaller, averaging 20 pounds and standing just about a foot and a half tall.<\/p>\n

While they\u2019re easier to manage, there\u2019s no doubt the Akita provides better protection, if a guard dog is what you need.<\/p>\n

However, a mixture of both of them will produce a medium-sized dog of 30-45 pounds guaranteed by both parents to have a wolf-like beauty and intelligent, alert expression.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Left: Beagle, Right: Shiba Inu<\/p>\n

Shiba Inu Akita Mix – Temperament<\/h3>\n

Thanks to the many statues and movies made to honor Hachiko, the Akita family has had the last word on loyalty. <\/p>\n

Your Shibakita will have this trait from both parents<\/span><\/span>: strongly attached \u201chis\u201d people, and not always friendly to strangers.<\/p>\n

Intelligence is another gift both breeds share, whether in training or participating in agility class, and so your mix will learn quickly. <\/p>\n

Hachiko\u2019s persistence would not have lasted nine years, however, without an astounding degree of stubbornness, and this is an issue that often arises in any Akita mix.<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

Firm, consistent discipline is key.<\/p>\n

The Shiba Inu Akita Mix At Home<\/h4>\n

Your dog\u2019s keen intelligence is a double-edged sword in other ways. Intelligent dogs with nothing to do because they\u2019re trapped inside, or because their family is away during the day, can quickly become bored. <\/p>\n

Bored dogs are often depressed, destructive, difficult, and unhappy. Single-human homes with long working hours may not be the best home for this particular mix.<\/p>\n

Likewise, those soft, lusciously thick coats are a delight to cuddle, but they shed, sometimes profusely. <\/p>\n

Consider your furniture, clothes, car, and available time for housework and grooming.<\/p>\n

Then, consider the time left for exercise. Alertness and playfulness are the positive points in a high-energy dog. <\/p>\n

The dark side means that yours will need room to run, and a high fence to prevent climbing or jumping to escape, because wandering is common in both Akitas and Shiba Inus. <\/p>\n

Walks will be long, fast, and frequent, but not to the dog park, as your mix may not play well with others: that\u2019s just the downside to his wonderful loyalty to family.<\/p>\n

Shiba Inu Akita Mix – Health and Wellness<\/h3>\n

Power and energy like this require a high-protein diet and lots of exercise, and with these, your friend will likely live a happy 10 to 12 years. <\/p>\n

Sadly, hip dysplasia is a problem common to both parents\u2019 breeds, so researching breeders and bloodlines is essential.<\/p>\n

Eye problems are also common, especially progressive retinal atrophy, which can leave a dog blind. <\/p>\n

As with any pet, regular vet visits and healthy practices at home will alert you to any issues early, and hopefully, prevent many others.<\/p>\n