Akita Bernard
Akita Bernard is a large to giant-sized dog breed that is a cross between the Akita and Saint Bernard breeds. These dogs are known for their loyalty, courage and affection towards their owners.
Akita Bernard Breed overview
The Akita Bernard is a large breed dog that is highly alert and vigilant. They are moderately affectionate with their families, but can be reserved and cautious around strangers. They are not excessive barkers, but will alert their owners to potential danger. Akita Bernards have a thick double-coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They are playful and active, but not overly energetic, requiring daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. Early socialization and consistent training are important for this breed. While they can be adaptable, they do best in a house with access to a securely fenced yard. With proper care, training, and socialization, Akita Bernards can make loyal and devoted companions.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Akita Bernard
Nutrition
Akita Bernards require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health. They have a tendency to overeat and can become obese if not fed a healthy diet. It is important to feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level.
It is also important to avoid feeding them table scraps or human food as this can cause digestive problems and lead to weight gain.
Training
Akita Bernards are intelligent, alert and confident. They are trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. However, they can be stubborn and may need consistent training to establish themselves as a pack leader. Early socialization and obedience training are important for this breed.
Grooming
Due to their thick double coat, Akita Bernards require regular grooming. Brushing and combing once or twice a week will help to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy and shiny. They shed heavily twice a year and require more frequent grooming during these periods.
Bathing should only be done when necessary. Too frequent bathing can strip the natural oils from their coat and skin and lead to dry or itchy skin.
Health
Overall, the Akita Bernard is a healthy breed with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, like any other breed, they are susceptible to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet are important for preventing health problems.
Exercise
Akita Bernards require daily exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They enjoy walks, hikes, and playing with their owners. This breed also enjoys swimming and can be taken to the beach or lake as long as they are supervised.
However, it is important to note that Akita Bernards may not be suitable for apartments or small living spaces due to their large size and exercise requirements.
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Akita Bernard Traits & Characteristics
Akita Bernards are a relatively new breed and there is no formal standard yet established. However, they typically weigh between 80-150 pounds and stand 24-30 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a thick double coat that can be straight or slightly wavy.
Akita Bernards have a broad head with a short muzzle and strong, muscular body. They are also known for their large, expressive eyes that are set deep inside their skull.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Akita Bernard can be very affectionate with its family members, but they tend to be less outgoing with strangers.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
The Akita Bernard is generally patient and tolerant of children, but they can be a bit too large and rambunctious for young children
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Akita Bernards are generally friendly with other dogs, especially when socialized from a young age. However, they can show dominance at times, especially with dogs of the same sex.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
The Akita Bernard tends to be reserved and cautious around strangers. However, with proper socialization, they can learn to accept new people into their circle.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
The Akita Bernard is playful and active, but not overly energetic. They enjoy playtime with their family, but will also entertain themselves if left alone.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Akita Bernards are highly alert and vigilant dogs, often used as watchdogs or guard dogs in certain situations.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Akita Bernards are adaptable and can do well in different living situations, as long as they have plenty of space and exercise.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Akita Bernards shed moderately year-round, and heavily twice per year during shedding season. Regular grooming will help manage their shedding.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Akita Bernards have a thick double-coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They also need periodic bathing to remove dirt and debris.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Akita Bernards are known for their dry mouth and minimal drool, making them an ideal breed for those who don't want a slobbering dog.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Akita Bernards are a large breed, with males typically weighing between 90-130 pounds and females between 80-100 pounds.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Akita Bernards are moderately active and require daily exercise, such as brisk walks or play sessions, to maintain their physical and mental health.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Akita Bernards require daily exercise, such as walks or playtime, to maintain their physical and mental health. They enjoy activities that challenge them both mentally and physically.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
The Akita Bernard can excel in certain working roles, such as search and rescue, guard dog, or therapy dog. Their intelligence and loyalty make them well-suited for a variety of jobs.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
The Akita Bernard does not have a strong hunting instinct and is not typically used for hunting activities.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Akita Bernards are a sturdy and robust breed, with plenty of physical stamina and endurance. They can handle moderate levels of activity and exercise without tiring quickly.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Like any breed, the Akita Bernard may be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and allergies. Regular vet checkups can help identify and treat these issues early.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Without enough exercise and a healthy diet, Akita Bernards may become overweight. Regular exercise and portion control are key to keeping them healthy and fit.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Thanks to their double-coat, Akita Bernards can handle cold weather well. However, they should not be left outside for extended periods of time in extreme cold.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Akita Bernards have a thick coat and can quickly overheat in hot weather. It's important to provide them with plenty of shade and water during warm weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Due to their size and exercise needs, the Akita Bernard is not the best breed for apartment living. They do best in a house with access to a securely fenced yard.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
While the Akita Bernard is not known for wandering, they do have a strong prey drive and should be kept in a secure area or on a leash.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Akita Bernards can be sensitive to harsh criticism or punishment in training, but they respond well to positive reinforcement and praise.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Akita Bernards can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so they do best in homes where their owners are home for most of the day.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Akita Bernards don't tend to be excessive barkers, but they will alert their owners to potential danger with a loud, deep bark.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
The Akita Bernard is an intelligent and curious breed that benefits from mental stimulation, such as training exercises, puzzles, or interactive toys.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Akita Bernards can make good pets for first-time owners as long as they are willing to put in the time and effort for training and socialization.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
While intelligent, Akita Bernards can be stubborn and independent in training. They require a firm and consistent training approach, as well as early socialization.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Akita Bernard can be very affectionate with its family members, but they tend to be less outgoing with strangers.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
The Akita Bernard is generally patient and tolerant of children, but they can be a bit too large and rambunctious for young children
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Akita Bernards are generally friendly with other dogs, especially when socialized from a young age. However, they can show dominance at times, especially with dogs of the same sex.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
The Akita Bernard tends to be reserved and cautious around strangers. However, with proper socialization, they can learn to accept new people into their circle.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
The Akita Bernard is playful and active, but not overly energetic. They enjoy playtime with their family, but will also entertain themselves if left alone.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Akita Bernards are highly alert and vigilant dogs, often used as watchdogs or guard dogs in certain situations.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Akita Bernards are adaptable and can do well in different living situations, as long as they have plenty of space and exercise.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Akita Bernards shed moderately year-round, and heavily twice per year during shedding season. Regular grooming will help manage their shedding.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Akita Bernards have a thick double-coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They also need periodic bathing to remove dirt and debris.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Akita Bernards are known for their dry mouth and minimal drool, making them an ideal breed for those who don't want a slobbering dog.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Akita Bernards are a large breed, with males typically weighing between 90-130 pounds and females between 80-100 pounds.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Akita Bernards are moderately active and require daily exercise, such as brisk walks or play sessions, to maintain their physical and mental health.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Akita Bernards require daily exercise, such as walks or playtime, to maintain their physical and mental health. They enjoy activities that challenge them both mentally and physically.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
The Akita Bernard can excel in certain working roles, such as search and rescue, guard dog, or therapy dog. Their intelligence and loyalty make them well-suited for a variety of jobs.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
The Akita Bernard does not have a strong hunting instinct and is not typically used for hunting activities.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Akita Bernards are a sturdy and robust breed, with plenty of physical stamina and endurance. They can handle moderate levels of activity and exercise without tiring quickly.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Like any breed, the Akita Bernard may be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and allergies. Regular vet checkups can help identify and treat these issues early.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Without enough exercise and a healthy diet, Akita Bernards may become overweight. Regular exercise and portion control are key to keeping them healthy and fit.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Thanks to their double-coat, Akita Bernards can handle cold weather well. However, they should not be left outside for extended periods of time in extreme cold.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Akita Bernards have a thick coat and can quickly overheat in hot weather. It's important to provide them with plenty of shade and water during warm weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Due to their size and exercise needs, the Akita Bernard is not the best breed for apartment living. They do best in a house with access to a securely fenced yard.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
While the Akita Bernard is not known for wandering, they do have a strong prey drive and should be kept in a secure area or on a leash.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Akita Bernards can be sensitive to harsh criticism or punishment in training, but they respond well to positive reinforcement and praise.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Akita Bernards can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so they do best in homes where their owners are home for most of the day.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Akita Bernards don't tend to be excessive barkers, but they will alert their owners to potential danger with a loud, deep bark.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
The Akita Bernard is an intelligent and curious breed that benefits from mental stimulation, such as training exercises, puzzles, or interactive toys.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Akita Bernards can make good pets for first-time owners as long as they are willing to put in the time and effort for training and socialization.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
While intelligent, Akita Bernards can be stubborn and independent in training. They require a firm and consistent training approach, as well as early socialization.
Similar breeds
History of the Akita Bernard
As a relatively new breed, the history of the Akita Bernard is still being written. However, both parent breeds, the Akita and Saint Bernard, have rich histories. The Akita is a native Japanese breed that was originally used for hunting and guarding. The Saint Bernard, on the other hand, is a Swiss breed that was developed for search and rescue.
The Akita Bernard was created as a cross between these two breeds, resulting in a dog that is loyal, protective, and possesses the best qualities of both parent breeds.
Akita Bernard Puppies
Akita Bernards can have litters of 5-10 puppies on average. They are born with a thick coat and will need to be socialized from a young age to grow into well-adjusted adult dogs. They can live up to 12 years and make excellent family pets.
It is important to choose a reputable breeder when looking for an Akita Bernard puppy to ensure they are healthy and have been properly socialized.