Introducing the captivating Akita Bernard dog breed, a harmonious blend of Akita and Saint Bernard lineage.
This unique hybrid embodies the distinctive traits of both parent breeds, resulting in a remarkable companion known for its loyalty, strength, and gentle demeanor.
From its striking appearance to its endearing personality, the Akita Bernard holds the potential to become an ideal addition to families seeking a loving and protective furry friend.
Let’s delve deeper into the fascinating characteristics that define this captivating hybrid breed.
About the Breed
The Akita Bernard breed is known to be headstrong and demanding. Still, they are loyal and protective of their families. This breed is considered independent, so they need to be trained well from puppy age. If it’s your first time getting a dog as a pet, then Akita Bernard is not recommended for you.
They are brilliant and loyal, for sure, but they tend to get aggressive around other dogs or strangers. So it’s tough for new dog parents to train such a breed. St Bernards are calm breeds, but Akita is the opposite of them.
That’s why their mix possesses more characteristics of the Akita breed. If you still want to get Akita Bernard but have no experience training dogs, then hire a dog trainer as soon as you get this breed to your home.
Akita Bernard Dog Breed History
The Akita Bernard is not purebred. That’s why they don’t have a history. But they are a mix of two individual breeds, that is, Akita and Saint Bernard.
Both the parent breeds are prominent. Akita’s origin is in Japan, where it’s mostly used as a guard dog because of its aggressive nature.
They are also considered capable of hunting prey like wild boars. The first two Akitas of the United States were brought as a gift to Helen Keller.
Now they are used as companions as well as guard dogs. St Bernard is known to be from Switzerland, but some say that Romans were the first ones to bring them there.
Well, wherever they originate from, their personality suits for a great companion. They were used to help in rescuing people who were trapped in avalanches.
Mixing these two completely different breeds, you get a whole package of qualities that make a great pet.
Akita Bernard Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
Breed Name | Akita Bernard |
Other Names of Akita Bernard Dog Breed | Akita Bernard Inu |
Type of Dog Breed | Crossbreed/Hybrid/Mixed |
Origin | DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc. |
Born of | Akita, St Bernard |
Height | 28-36 inches |
Weight | 90- 170 LBS |
Life Expectancy | 8-11 years |
Coat Type | Short to long; very dense |
Coat Colors | Grey, Orange, Fawn Brown |
Level of Grooming | Regular grooming needs |
Level of Shedding | Shed twice a year |
Persona | Protective, faithful, Loving, Fearless |
Apartment Living | Ideal for apartment living but for big spaces |
Friendly to other pets | If trained properly, then yes |
Health Concerns | Wobblers syndrome, von Willebrand’s disease, cardiomyopathy, canine hip dysplasia, demodicosis, cervical vertebral instability (CVI), osteosarcoma, and gastric torsion |
Health Expectancy | Good |
Ability to reason and understand | Quite Smart |
Ease of training | A little bit challenging to train |
Level of Vitality | Highly energetic |
Level of Exercise Ideally required | Take them on long walks to keep their energy level low |
Puppies | 5-7 Puppies |
What to know
• The Akita Bernard breed is known to be headstrong and demanding. Still, they are loyal and protective of their families.
• This breed is considered independent, so they need to be trained well from puppy age.
• If it’s your first time getting a dog as a pet, then Akita Bernard is not recommended for you.
Characteristics
Here are a few of the most important aspects of the Akita bernard breed that you should be aware of if you want to learn more about them, or if you want to buy one for yourself or someone else.
Adaptability
The Akita Bernard dog breed is extremely adaptable. The Akita’s devotion and protective instincts are married to Saint Bernard’s calm demeanor in this designer breed.
The Akita Bernard, with the right kind of training and socialization, can do well in many settings and with many people.
They are well-known for their flexibility and willingness to adapt to their owners’ lifestyles and routines, making them wonderful pets for a variety of people.
Adaptability
Adapts Well To Apartment Living
Good For Beginner Owners
Level of Sensitivity
Tolerates Being Alone
Tolerant of Cold Weather
Tolerant of Hot Weather
Friendliness
The Akita Bernard dog breed is well-known for its amiability. These dogs are known to be loving companions because of their amiability, loyalty, and gentle nature.
When well-socialized, they can get along well with people and other animals. Akita Bernards are a popular choice for families and individuals looking for a caring and amiable canine companion due to their cheerful and kind nature.
Friendliness
Loves to Be Around Family
Friendly with Kids
Amicable Toward Dogs
Friendly Toward Strangers
Personality
The Akita Bernard breed is energetic and protective but loving and friendly. at the same time ⌛. They’re not naturally friendly with other people or dogs? so you need to train them how to socialize in public and be calm.
Their parents’ history as guard dogs makes them alert around unknown areas, so they might growl or bark. However, if properly trained, your Akita Bernard can become a very well-behaved dog.
Temperament
They are noted for their faithfulness, affection, and tolerance, and they often have a demeanor that is peaceful and gentle. They make wonderful additions to families and are typically quite protective and vigilant of the people in their lives.
Friendly with kids
Akita Bernard is a great family dog because he is calm around kids, strong enough to withstand the hugs and pets they give him, and doesn’t bat an eye when kids run and shout around him.
Amicable to other pets
Proper training makes Akita Bernard peacefully coexist with children and other pets. When this crossbreed learns to socialize from a young age, they become calm and lovable around strangers. Take your pet to dog parks for socializing.
Barking tendencies
The Akita Bernard breed is not known for excessive barking. While Saint Bernards tend to be reclusive and quiet, Akitas are noted for their poise and dignity.
This means that the Akita Bernard mix is more likely to have moderate barking behavior, wherein the dog barks only when necessary to alert the owner or convey vital information.
Possibilities of staying alone
The length of time an Akita Bernard can stay at home alone depends on the dog’s temperament, level of training, and specific needs.
Some Akita Bernards can thrive when left alone for long periods, but others suffer from separation anxiety and need companionship.
To maximize the likelihood of successful alone time, it is vital to offer them appropriate mental and physical activity, and a comfortable atmosphere, and to progressively acclimatize them to being alone.
Their health, freedom, and self-sufficiency can all benefit from regular exercise and training.
Pros and Cons of Akita Bernard Dog
Pros
- Akita will develop strong attachments to its human family.
- This is a social breed that thrives in the company of familiar faces.
- CourageousThe Akita is not one to back down easily from a fight.
Cons
- Although the Akita is extremely devoted to its pack, it takes some time for the dog to warm up to new people.
- Issues with health and growthThe big size of this breed might be an issue, especially when it’s young.
- The dog’s wanderlust and high intelligence make it vulnerable to the negative effects of boredom.
Male vs. Female Attitude
Both male ♂️ and female ♀️ Akita Bernards have the same personality. However, some minor differences can be seen depending on their training, environment, and owner.
Appearance
General Appearance
Akita Bernards are large, powerful dogs of the spitz breed. Akita Bernards can range in height from 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder and are available in a variety of coat colors, including white.
It has a broad, robust head that is countered by a long, coiled tail. The breed is characterized by its attentive demeanor, which is seen in its perked ears and dark, gleaming eyes. Akitas are low-key, meticulous pets.
Coat Color
Akita Bernard’s parents have thick coats, so this crossbreed needs regular maintenance. They have long hair, so daily brush your pet to keep your house clean of their fur shedding.
Don’t over-bathe them, as their skin can get dry. Giving baths twice or thrice a month is enough to keep them well-groomed.
Shedding
Due to their long hair, they tend to shed a lot, so make sure you’re brushing them daily. Invest in a good vacuum cleaner also to keep your house clean from their fur.
Size
Both Akita and St Bernard are large dog breeds, so it’s obvious for their mix to surpass 100 pounds in weight.
The most common colors of Akita Bernard are white and tan, but their parent breeds have a variety of colors, so this mix can have any color combination.
This breed is full of energy, so it’s not child’s play to handle Akita Bernard. Because of their huge size, it’s advised to keep children and small puppies away from this breed until they’re properly trained.
If you’re a stay-at-home owner, then find ways to keep your dog busy because they tend to get bored easily.
Take them on long hikes to utilize their energy. in a good way. You can also get a dog walker to keep your dog busy while you’re out at work.
Train your dog to socialize from a young age so that when they grow older and bigger, they don’t scare other people or dogs.
Male | Female | |
---|---|---|
Height | 27-29 inches | 25-27 inches |
Weight | 45-59 kgs | 32-40 kgs |
Health
The parent breeds of Akita Bernard are generally healthy, but one can’t possibly say that they can’t get ill.
You need to be aware of these health issues that this crossbreed can suffer from ⬇️
Health Problems |
---|
Elbow Dysplasia |
Hip Dysplasia |
Heart Defects |
Bloat |
Fecal Infection |
Glaucoma |
Arthritis |
Health Test |
---|
Hip Evaluation |
Elbow Evaluation |
Ophthalmologic Examination |
Urinalysis |
Fecal Examination |
Health And Grooming Needs
Amount Of Shedding
Potential to Drool
Easy To Groom
Overall/General Health
Possibilities of Weight Gain
Size
Maintenance and Care
As mentioned earlier, this crossbreed is packed with energy ⚡, so you need to take extra care of them. If you’re not able to play or do any activities with them, then at least make sure you’re taking them on hour-long hikes. or walks.
This way, their energy gets utilized properly, and they don’t feel aggressive throughout the day. They grow big as they age, so make sure your apartment is big enough for them to roam freely around the house.
Grooming
The thick, double coat of an Akita Bernard requires regular cleaning to keep it in good condition and avoid matting. Twice a year, Akitas goes through a major shedding period, therefore, extra brushing is required then. If necessary, bathe them clean their ears clip their nails, and look for signs of skin problems or parasites.
The Akita Bernard coat benefits greatly from regular brushing, which also strengthens the attachment between the dog and the owner.
Food and Nutrition
High energy levels mean more appetite, so make a proper diet plan for this crossbreed. Their food gets digested easily, so they feel hungry early, which can lead to overeating and obesity.
To avoid that, you can get your pet filled-bones or puzzle feeders to keep them busy and full. All breeds have unique dietary needs, and this is a crossbreed, so it’s best to consult your vet before making any major diet changes.
Food Cost
The typical monthly cost of premium dog food for an Akita Bernard is between $50 and $100. Feeding them healthy, well-rounded food will benefit their bodies and minds in the long run.
The specifics of your dog’s food can be determined through regular consultations and exams with your physician.
Exercise and Activity Level
Intense exercise is needed to maintain the energy of this crossbreed, but long walks also work as a good exercise session for them.
Physical Requirements
Energy Level
Strength/Intensity
Exercise Needs
Potential For Playfulness
Trainability
It is well known that Akita Bernards are exceptionally trainable dogs. These dogs are eager to please their owners and learn quickly with the help of positive reinforcement.
Akita Bernards can do exceptionally well in obedience, agility, and other activities with constant training, socialization, and gentle direction.
Their eagerness to please their owners and learn makes them ideal canine companions for people who want to challenge and stimulate their pets.
Trainability
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Easy To Train
Level of Intellect
Potential For Mouthiness
Drive Toward Prey
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
The Potential to Want to Travel
Conclusion
They are brilliant and loyal, for sure, but they tend to get aggressive around other dogs or strangers.
So it’s tough for new dog parents to train such a breed. St Bernards are calm breeds, but Akita is the opposite of them.
That’s why their mix possesses more characteristics of the Akita breed. If you still want to get Akita Bernard but have no experience training dogs, then hire a dog trainer as soon as you get this breed to your home.
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FAQs on Akita Bernard Dog Breed…
What is the Akita Bernard dog breed?
The Akita Bernard, also known as the Akita Saint Bernard mix, is a crossbreed between the Akita and Saint Bernard dog breeds. It combines the traits and characteristics of both parent breeds.
What does an Akita Bernard look like?
The appearance of an Akita Bernard can vary depending on the traits inherited from its parents. Generally, they are large dogs with a sturdy build, a thick coat, and a bushy tail. Their coat can come in various colors and patterns, often taking after the parent breeds.
What are the common health concerns for Akita Bernards?
Like all breeds, Akita Bernards can be prone to certain health issues, which may include hip dysplasia, bloat, eye problems, and joint issues. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can contribute to their overall health and well-being.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.