German Shepherd Akita Corgi Mix: 26 Things Every Owner Should Know

This is a bold tri-mix: the Akita, guardian of Japanese emperors crossed with the Welsh Corgi who, in folklore, pulled fairy and elf carriages, but actually drove the great cattle herds of the conquering Vikings. Then, it mixes in the German Shepherd, the most accomplished canine in the world.

In a typical mix, you have two purebred dogs as parents. Here, with the German Shepherd, Akita, Corgi mix, the mix’s traits are going to depend on which genes end up being dominant from three bloodlines. Even if your mix is half German Shepherd, for example, it could be that some of the Akita or Corgi traits end up being dominant in your dog. With this ambitious mix, you are getting a surprise package and if you are buying a puppy, and hopefully you will welcome your journey of discovering what your dog will become.

Appearance

The German Shepherd Akita Corgi mix is probably going to be medium-sized, longer than it is tall, with a long tail that is set high. It will likely be well-muscled and will carry itself confidently. It will probably have a gorgeous coat, upright ears and an intelligent, alert look.

Weight & Height
An adult German Shepherd Akita Corgi mix should be medium to large, given the fact that a Shepherd can weigh 95 lb (43 kg) and the Akita can reach 130 lb (63 kg). Its height will probably be around 15 inches (38 cm).

Here are the breakdowns of the weights of the individual purebred parents:
German Shepherd: 75 – 95 lbs (34 – 43 kg)
Akita: 70 – 130 lbs (31.75 – 63 kg)
Corgi: 22 – 30 lbs (9.97 – 13.60 kg)

Here are the breakdowns of the heights of the individual purebred parents:
German Shepherd: 22 – 26 inches (55.88 – 66 cm)
Akita: 26 – 28 inches (66 – 71.12 cm)
Corgi: 10 – 12 inches (25.40 – 30.42 cm)

Coat Color
The color will mostly be variations of black, red and brown with some white. There will be very attractive markings and lighter colors on the legs. The nose is black and the eyes round, in various shades of brown, even blue. There is often a face mask and a saddle.

Coat Length & Thickness
Your tri-mix will be double-coated with a soft and dense undercoat. Its outer coat will be straight, lying close to, or standing away from the body. There is often a ruffle around the neck, a feathering around the ears and the coat is usually shorter on the legs.

Temperament

This mix shares many temperamental traits. All have an ancestry of being working dogs. All of them will need to have jobs to do and will want to be part of a family that they will guard, protect and defend courageously if need be. All are suspicious of strangers.

Does Not Like Being Alone
This particular mix should not suffer too badly from separation anxiety, but family dogs of any age, and especially puppies, do not like being left alone beyond two to three hours. Unless they have been well exercised, they will look for things to do, which will result in destructive outcomes.

Highly Sensitive & Territorial
Your dog will want to please you and be very sensitive to your voice and body language. The Shepherd, Corgi and Akita breeds feature in German, Welsh and Japanese folklore where all are depicted as particularly close to humans. Always be calm and positive, particularly when it’s defending its territory.

Can Be Unruly or Aggressive If Untrained
Your fluffy, adorable puppy has bloodlines from powerful, independent, intimidating dogs. The Corgi is known for its large and stubborn personality. Unless you socialize it early and train it consistently, constantly teaching it how to behave, you could end up with an aggressive dog. Akitas are banned in some countries.

Preferred Climate Is Cold
Your mix will likely be double-coated and will love being outside. This is an important point for you to consider, as a double coat means double the grooming. This is a house-proud person’s nightmare because there will be a lot of shedding, and it won’t be hypoallergenic.

Companion or Suitability Factor

The bloodlines suggest this mix will be a rewarding companion. The breeds all seek to be close to their humans. It will be happy as long as it has you in sight. If you are also an action junkie, you can meet its need for competitive and challenging events.

Kid-Friendly with Caution
As part of socialization, you should teach your puppy and children how to play together safely. The Corgi loves kids; the Shepherd will be protective and the Akita will be very wary until it realizes they are part of its family. Children under 8 should never be alone with dogs.

Is Not Apartment Friendly
Unless you live on the immediate border of a designated green area that allows dogs, an apartment will be difficult with such a dog. Your dog will probably be large and will definitely prefer to be occupied outside. A farm or house with extensive, fenced grounds is needed.

Is the Perfect Watchdog and Guard Dog
This mix’s ancestry consists of alert and watchful dogs who like to be on top of any situation. It will give warning of an intruder. It will find, identify and decide if they are ill-intentioned and it will protect you and its territory. It will also attack on command.

Could Be Suitable for Senior Citizens
An older dog would be well-suited for a senior citizen if the person is fit enough to meet this mix’s exercise and heavy grooming needs, or hires someone who does. Also consider that this heavy shedding mix might make for a house that needs cleaned more often.

A Great Service Dog
This mix has great potential, especially if the German Shepherd genes dominate. If the Akita comes in strongly, it would be in its element in Search and Rescue work. The Corgi is known to be charming, playful and a bit of a clown and would excel in Emotional Support.

Tends to Get Along with Other Pets If Socialized and Trained Properly
On the whole, your tri-mix will do best as the only pet in the home. All three parent breeds tend to be aloof, especially the Akita. That being said, there are many instances of the mix enjoying other pets. You will just have to guide how your dog responds.

Intelligence & Training

You might need help with this tri-mix, unless you are an experienced trainer. The Akita and Corgi have an innate sense of their place in the world, and that is with them being in charge. The German Shepherd has a more nuanced and intellectual attitude and is easier to mold.

Intelligence
Stanley Coren is the intelligence “guru” and in his evaluation of “training intelligence,” he puts the German Shepherd 3rd (Bright), the Pembroke Corgi 11th and the Cardigan Corgi 26th (Excellent) and the Akita 54th (Average). You can improve their intelligence score by the way you interact with them.

Training Could Be Challenging
Your mix should be eager to train despite the Akita’s stubborn streak and the Corgi’s need to be the boss. Consider joining your local kennel club, attending their puppy socialization classes, and then moving onto basic obedience courses. You will enjoy a gratifying mutual bonding with your dog.

Physical Needs

The German Shepherd Akita Corgi mix is an extremely active dog that thrives on working hard and working out. Extreme canine sports and obstacle courses are great options that this dog is sure to love. You will need to keep it fueled up on a high-quality diet.

Adults Eat 1-1½ Cups of High-Quality Dry Food Per 22 Lbs (10kg) Per Day
Your mix will probably be a high-energy dog. It will need food with a high fat and protein content containing glucosamine and chondroitin. Use raw vegetable treats and avoid obesity. A lot will depend on how big your mix grows. Discuss dietary issues with your veterinarian at the first check-up.

Needs At Least 60 Minutes Exercise Every Day
The German Shepherd Akita Corgi mix should have two walks every day where it can be off-leash most of the time. It will also need extra outdoor activities at least three times a week such as jogging, hiking, and canine sports. Its lifespan is 12 to 16 years.

Grooming
Your dog will probably have a luxurious, beautiful coat. Investigate a veterinarian recommended food supplement to keep it in good shape. Check the ears weekly and clean as needed. Brush its teeth three times a week. Always check an active dog for any injuries.

Shedding & Bathing
You will need to brush your mix for 10 minutes every single day. You will probably have a high shedder and will need a powerful vacuum for all its hair. It might “blow” (or shed) its undercoat twice a year. Bathe your mix only when needed.

Background & Pricing for a Puppy

This is a new designer breed but one with increasing popularity. No one has yet come up with a catchy name, but the designer was obviously trying to bring the most admirable, attractive and loyal traits together in an energetic, intelligent dog. Below is a brief description of the heritage.

German Shepherd Background
Captain Max von Stephanitz spent 35 years breeding the perfect herder starting with a wolfish-looking dog named Horand von Grafrath he picked up at a dog show in 1899. He aimed for “intelligence, agility, speed, stealth and authority.” His military connections meant his dogs were used during WWII and Corporal Lee Duncan picked out two pups at a bomb-riddled breeding facility in France and took them home. One was destined to be the famous “Rin Tin Tin.”

Akita Background
The first Akitas were “silent hunters” of black bears found in the prefecture of Honsū in Japan in the 15th century. Originally only owned by royalty, they are courageous, dignified and profoundly loyal. They have sumptuous, plush coats, massive heads balanced by bushy, high-set tails that curl over the back. Known for their calm, regal demeanor, they will tolerate no challenges. Their bite force is 350, versus 238 for German Shepherd. They were first brought to America by Helen Keller in 1939.

Welsh Corgi Background
An ancient breed steeped in mystery, the Corgi was brought to Wales with the Celts in 1200 BCE. Parents used to tell their children that fairy folk used Corgi to pull their carriages and rode them into war. There are two kinds: the Cardigan Corgi (with a long tail) and the Pembroke Corgi (with a stubby tail). Corgi were loved by Queen Elizabeth II, who received her first Corgi, Rozavel Golden Eagle, from her father, King George VI, in 1933.

Price for a Puppy
If you can find an ethical breeder, be prepared for anything from US$400 to US$1,250. This is a beautiful mix but not really for novice owners. Visit a few shelters and rescue kennels. You are sure to find the perfect young dog and it will have been assessed by staff.

Health Issues

A tri-mix is the latest “in thing,” and a huge advantage is that the larger gene pool often results in a very healthy dog. You will need to make sure to feed it an age-appropriate high-quality diet, control its weight and give it sufficient exercise to keep it healthy.

Bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
The stomach fills with air, causing pressure that stops blood from returning to the heart. This induces shock. The stomach also twists, cutting off blood to the pancreas which releases a toxic hormone that will stop the heart. This is a medical emergency. You MUST get to a veterinarian immediately.

Signs of bloat are hardening of the abdomen, dry retching, salivation and restlessness. Risk factors include dogs with a high height-to-width ratio, deep-chested dogs, dogs whose parents bloated, being male, fast eaters and dogs fed all their food at one meal each day.

Hip Dysplasia
This is a genetic problem in small and large breeds. It occurs when the head of the femur bone does not fit snugly in the pelvic socket. The breeder should check the parents and be able to produce test results of both parents showing that they were cleared for breeding.

Signs of dysplasia are decreased activity, dislike of stairs and “bunny hopping” in walking. This usually develops by the time the dog is 18 months. See your veterinarian if you spot any signs. The sooner it is treated, the better. Be careful not to let young dogs play until exhaustion.

Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s bleeding disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern which means one copy of the altered gene can cause the disorder. It affects German Shepherds, Akitas and Welsh Corgis. A knowledgeable breeder of this crossbreed should have had the parents tested before breeding. The normal range is 70-180.

It causes spontaneous bleeding from nose, mouth, urinary, reproductive and intestinal tracts. It can also cause excessive bleeding during teething or minor surgery, like removing a dew claw. Infections and certain medications can also cause bleeding. Your dog must not have aspirin, heparin or sulpha-type antibiotics. This is not Hemophilia.