How long does a Australian Shepherd Akita Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Akita (10–13 years).

Is a Australian Shepherd Akita Mix easy to train?

Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Australian Shepherd Akita Mix

A Australian Shepherd Akita mix is a cross between a Australian Shepherd and a Akita. Most grow into large dogs of 55–100 lb and live 11–14 years.

Australian Shepherd, a purebred dog — Australian ShepherdPhoto: Christoph Aeschlimann, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Akita, a purebred dog — AkitaPhoto: TsutsuiKennel, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight55–100 lbcan be 40–130 lb

Height21–26 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–14 years

SizeLarge

How big does a Australian Shepherd Akita Mix get?

Australian Shepherd40–65 lb

The mix55–100 lb

Akita70–130 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Australian Shepherd Akita Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 21–26 inches at the shoulder, against 18–23 in for the Australian Shepherd and 24–28 in for the Akita.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Moderate

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

High

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Very high

The Australian Shepherd rates very high and the Akita very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low to high

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is usually described as smart, work-oriented, exuberant. The Akita as courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Australian Shepherd vs Akita vs the mix

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Australian Shepherd Akita Mix	Akita
Weight	40–65 lb	55–100 lb	70–130 lb
Height	18–23 in	21–26 in	24–28 in
Lifespan	12–15 yr	11–14 yr	10–13 yr
Shedding	moderate	moderate	moderate
Energy	high	high	high
Group	Herding	mixed	Working

Questions about the Australian Shepherd Akita Mix

How big does a Australian Shepherd Akita Mix get?: Most grow to 55–100 pounds and 21–26 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 40–130 pounds.
How long does a Australian Shepherd Akita Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Akita (10–13 years).
Does a Australian Shepherd Akita Mix shed?: Shedding is moderate. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Australian Shepherd Akita Mix easy to train?: Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Australian Shepherd mixes

Other Akita mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.