Akita Bernard Dog Breed: Information, Appearance, and Characteristics
| Height | Weight | Lifespan | Colors | Suitable for | Temperament |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24-34 inches | 70 -170 pounds | 8- 12 years | Active, protective, loving | Active, protective, loving | Active, protection, loving |
Akita Bernard Dog Breed: A Loyal and Protective Companion
Brief History of Akita Bernard Breed
The Akita Bernard dog breed is a relatively new hybrid breed, originating from the crossbreeding of two purebred dogs – the Akita Inu and Saint Bernard.
The breed was developed in the early 2000s by a breeder in Japan named Yukihiro Orita.
Orita was interested in creating a new breed that would have the size and strength of a Saint Bernard with the loyalty and intelligence of an Akita Inu.
As with many hybrid mix breeds, there is much debate surrounding their creation.
Some people believe that crossbreeding two purebred dogs can result in unpredictable temperaments and health issues. However, proponents of hybrid breeds argue that they can inherit the best qualities from both parent breeds, resulting in an exceptional dog.
The Akita Bernard’s Origin Story
The Origins of the Akita Bernard Breed
The Akita Bernard dog breed is a relatively modern hybrid breed that was developed by crossbreeding an Akita Inu and a Saint Bernard. The origins of this unique breed can be traced back to the 1980s in America when breeders began experimenting with crossbreeding different dog breeds to create new and interesting hybrids.
One of these experimental breeding programs involved crossing two breeds very different in terms of their physical characteristics and temperament – the loyal and protective Akita Inu, and the friendly and affectionate Saint Bernard.
The goal was to create a new breed that combined the best traits of both parent breeds.
How the Breed Was Developed Through Crossbreeding
Developing a new dog breed through crossbreeding can take several generations, with each generation carefully selected based on specific desired traits.
With the Akita Bernard, breeders started by choosing highly pedigree purebred Akitas and Saint Bernards as the first-generation parents. Their offspring were then carefully selected based on their health, temperament, appearance, and other desirable qualities.
Over time, more second- and third-generation puppies were selectively bred until a consistent standard for the new hybrid breed was established.
Today’s well-bred Akita Bernards have many desirable traits from both parent breeds.
They are known for being extremely loyal to their families like Akitas while also having an affectionate nature similar to Saint Bernards.
Their size can vary quite significantly depending on which parent they take after more; however, they tend to have thick fur coats like both parents which makes them ideal for colder climates.
The Akita Bernard’s Origin Story
Origins of the Akita Bernard Breed
The Akita Bernard dog breed is a relatively modern hybrid breed that was developed by crossbreeding an Akita Inu and a Saint Bernard. The origins of this unique breed can be traced back to the 1980s in America when breeders began experimenting with crossbreeding different dog breeds to create new and interesting hybrids.
One of these experimental breeding programs involved crossing two breeds very different in terms of their physical characteristics and temperament – the loyal and protective Akita Inu, and the friendly and affectionate Saint Bernard.
The goal was to create a new breed that combined the best traits of both parent breeds.
How the Breed Was Developed Through Crossbreeding
Developing a new dog breed through crossbreeding can take several generations, with each generation carefully selected based on specific desired traits.
With the Akita Bernard, breeders started by choosing highly pedigree purebred Akitas and Saint Bernards as the first-generation parents. Their offspring were then carefully selected based on their health, temperament, appearance, and other desirable qualities.
Over time, more second- and third-generation puppies were selectively bred until a consistent standard for the new hybrid breed was established. Today’s well-bred Akita Bernards have many desirable traits from both parent breeds.
They are known for being extremely loyal to their families like Akitas while also having an affectionate nature similar to Saint Bernards. Their size can vary quite significantly depending on which parent they take after more; however, they tend to have thick fur coats like both parents which makes them ideal for colder climates.
| Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Temperament | |
| Affectionate with Family | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Good with Children | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Sociability with Dogs | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Friendliness towards Strangers | ⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ |
Physical Characteristics of the Akita Bernard
Size, Weight, and Height
The Akita Bernard is a large breed dog with a powerful frame. A fully grown male can weigh anywhere between 100 to 170 pounds, while females are slightly lighter, ranging from 70 to 110 pounds.
Their height ranges from 24 to 34 inches at the shoulder. These dogs are muscular and strong, with a sturdy build that allows them to be agile and quick on their feet.
They have a broad chests and shoulders that taper down to their hindquarters. The Akita Bernard’s physical appearance gives it an imposing presence.
Coat Type and Color Variations
The Akita Bernard has a dense double coat that keeps them warm in colder temperatures. The outer coat is harsher than the soft undercoat, which helps repel water and snow. This breed comes in several colors such as black, brown, white, gray or a combination of two or more colors.
The color variations of their coat also depend on the parent breeds involved in creating this crossbreed. For example, if one parent was an all-white Akita Inu while another was Bernese mountain dog with distinctive tricolored fur coat then puppies may inherit any color variation between these two extremes.
Distinctive Physical Features
The Akita Bernard has some distinctive physical features that set them apart from other breeds. They have broad heads with short snouts which give them an intimidating look but also makes them prone to respiratory issues such as snoring or breathing problems during exercise. Their eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown in color which gives them an intense gaze making it easy for people not familiar with this breed to feel intimidated by the dog’s gaze.
Another distinctive feature is their floppy ears which hang down when they are relaxed but become straight and perky when they are alert. The Akita Bernard’s tail is long and bushy, curving slightly upward, which makes it easy to spot them from a distance.
Temperament and Personality Traits
| Breed Characteristics (Higher = More Suited) | |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | |
| Apartment Living | ⭐️☆☆☆☆ |
| Good For New Owners | ⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ |
| Are They Sensitivite? | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Good With Being Alone | ⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ |
| Prefers Cold / Winter Dog | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Prefers Warm / Summer Dog | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
Loyalty and Protectiveness towards their Family
Akita Bernard dogs are incredibly loyal to their family and are known for being protective of them. They will go above and beyond to keep their family safe from harm, often standing between them and perceived threats.
This loyalty can sometimes result in aggression towards strangers or other animals, so early socialization training is crucial for these dogs. It’s important to note that they are not naturally aggressive or vicious, but rather have a strong instinct to protect those they love.
Intelligence and Trainability
The Akita Bernard is an intelligent breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training methods. They are quick learners who enjoy being mentally stimulated through obedience training, agility exercises, or even simple games like hide-and-seek. However, due to their strong-willed nature, they may be challenging for inexperienced dog owners to train.
It’s essential to establish yourself as the pack leader early on in your relationship with your Akita Bernard dog. Consistency in training methods is also vital since they tend to get easily bored with repetitive activities.
Socialization Needs
When it comes to socialization needs, the Akita Bernard breed requires plenty of exposure to different people, animals, sounds, textures, and environments from an early age. Socialization helps prevent behavioral issues such as shyness or aggression towards strangers or other pets.
Puppy kindergarten classes can be an excellent way of providing your dog with proper socialization opportunities. Slowly introduce your pup into different situations while closely observing its behavior during interactions with new people or animals.
Overall, the Akita Bernard breed is a loyal companion who loves nothing more than spending time with its family members while also ensuring their safety through its protective instincts. While they need consistent training efforts due to their strong will nature — with early socialization — they can grow into well-behaved and loving pets.
Akita Bernard Training and Exercise Needs
| Trainability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease To Train | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Smart | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ |
| Potential For Mouthiness | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ |
| Prey Motivation & Frequency | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ |
| Loudness – Barking / Howling (higher = louder) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Physical Needs | Energy Level | Intensity | Exercise Needs | Potential for Playfulness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ | High | At Least 45 Minutes / Day | High |
Early socialization is crucial for an Akita Bernard dog breed. Akitas tend to be wary of strangers and can be very protective of their family.
If your dog isn’t properly socialized, he may become overprotective or even aggressive when he feels threatened. Early socialization training can help your dog learn how to interact with other people and animals in a safe and non-threatening way.
The best time to start socializing your puppy is between 4-6 weeks old. During this time, you should introduce him to as many different people, animals, and environments as possible.
This will help him become comfortable in various situations and around new people. It’s also important to continue socialization throughout your Akita Bernard’s life.
You should expose him regularly to new experiences so that he remains well-adjusted and confident. Taking your dog on walks or trips to the park can help him meet new dogs and people.
Recommended exercise routines for a healthy dog
Akitas are large dogs that require regular exercise in order to stay healthy both physically and mentally.
They have a lot of energy, so they need plenty of opportunities to run around, play, explore, etc. You can ensure that your Akita gets enough exercise by taking him on daily walks or jogging.
Aim for at least 30 minutes a day but keep in mind that this may vary depending on your dog’s individual needs.
In addition to walks or jogs, you should also provide other forms of physical activity such as playing fetch games or allowing them ample space for outdoor playtime like running around the backyard freely under supervision while wearing his leash/harness if needed.
Health Issues in Akita Bernard Dogs
| Health and Grooming Needs (Lower The Starts = The Less) | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ |
| Drooling | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ |
| Grooming Difficulty | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| General Health (higher = better) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Weight Management (Potential for weight gain) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Size | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Common Health Issues in the Breed
While the Akita Bernard breed is generally healthy, like all dog breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common health issues in Akita Bernards include hip dysplasia, eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, and thyroid disorders.
Hip dysplasia is a condition where a dog’s hip joint doesn’t develop properly and can lead to arthritis and mobility issues later in life. Eye problems such as cataracts can cause vision impairment or even blindness if left untreated.
Thyroid disorders can affect a dog’s metabolism and cause weight gain or loss, skin issues, and other problems. It’s important to choose a reputable breeder who has health screenings done on their breeding dogs to minimize the risk of these health issues.
Tips for Maintaining Good Health
To keep your Akita Bernard healthy and happy throughout their life, there are several things you can do. First of all, provide them with regular exercise to keep them at a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related health issues. A daily walk or jog will suffice.
Regular veterinary check-ups are also crucial for early detection of any potential health problems. Additionally, ensure that your dog receives vaccinations on schedule to protect against deadly diseases like rabies.
Proper nutrition is another key factor in keeping your Akita Bernard healthy. Choose high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs according to their age and activity level.
Avoid table scraps as much as possible because it may upset their stomachs or even lead to obesity if given too often.
Overall, staying proactive about your Akita Bernard’s healthcare by providing exercise routine vet exams while maintaining proper nutrition will help ensure they live a long happy life without much trouble from common health conditions associated with this breed.
Living with an Akita Bernard Dog Breed
Ideal living conditions for an Akita Bernard dog breed owner
Living with an Akita Bernard requires a certain level of dedication and responsibility. These dogs can be loyal and protective, but they also have specific needs that must be met in order for them to thrive.
If you’re considering getting an Akita Bernard, having a spacious home or yard where your dog can move around freely is important.
They need plenty of space to run around and exercise, so a small apartment or condo may not be the best option. You should also plan on spending plenty of time with your Akita.
They are highly social animals and crave attention from their owners. If you cannot provide the necessary attention and care, then this breed may not be right for you.
Living with an Akita Bernard Dog Breed
Ideal living conditions for an Akita Bernard dog breed owner
Akita Bernards are large dogs that require considerable space to move around comfortably. As such, they thrive in environments with plenty of room to run and play, such as a spacious backyard or open fields. These dogs also need mental stimulation, so it’s important for owners to spend quality time playing with them and engaging in activities that challenge their minds.
While these dogs love spending time outdoors, they also require regular access to indoor areas where they can relax and unwind after a long day of running around. It’s important for owners to ensure their homes have adequate space for the dog’s bed, toys, and feeding bowls.
Feeding Requirements
As large dogs, Akita Bernards require a significant amount of food daily- typically between 4-6 cups per day depending on the dog’s age and activity level.
It’s important not to overfeed these dogs as obesity can lead to serious health issues later on.
When choosing food for your Akita Bernard, look for high-quality kibble that is formulated specifically for large breeds. A raw food diet can also be an option but should be carefully researched beforehand as it requires careful planning and consideration.
Owners should always ensure their dog has access to clean water at all times throughout the day.
This is especially important during hot weather when dehydration can quickly become a problem.
Conclusion
Overall, the Akita Bernard dog breed is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants a loyal, loving, and protective pet.
Originally bred in Japan and then crossbred with the St. Bernard in Europe, this breed has unique physical characteristics and personality traits that make it stand out from other breeds.
One of the most notable features of the Akita Bernard is their loyalty and protectiveness towards their family.
They have a strong instinct to guard their loved ones which makes them excellent watchdogs.
However, this same instinct means that they require early socialization training to ensure they don’t become overly aggressive towards strangers or other animals.
In terms of physical characteristics, the Akita Bernard is a large dog with thick fur that comes in different colors, from black to white.
They have strong legs and are very active which means they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
When it comes to health concerns, the Akita Bernard is generally a healthy breed but can be prone to hip dysplasia or joint issues as they get older.
It’s important to maintain regular check-ups with your vet and provide nutritious food and regular exercise to keep them strong.
If you’re considering adding an Akita Bernard dog breed to your family, be prepared for an incredibly loyal pet who will always be there for you.
With proper training and care, they can make wonderful companions for years to come!
