The Akita, also known as Japanese Bear Dog, is a large breed that can weigh up to 130 pounds. The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds. It is a powerful and compact dog that can weigh up to 70 pounds. Breeding these two dogs produces the Akita Chow Mix or Chakita, as they are also known.
The Akita Chow Mix is a large dog breed that weighs between 88 and 133 bounds and stands as tall as 25 inches at the shoulder. This mix has long, straight fur that grows in thick and in colors of brown, black, red, white, and silver. The Akita Chow Mix is wary of strangers, protective of its owners, and is considered a very loyal breed that develops a strong bond with its owners. It is also a very independent breed. This independence can sometimes be seen as stubborn.
Chakita owners love the dignified, yet playful look of this crossbreed and these dogs certainly love their owners, but are not likely to jump up and lick their owners faces like other breeds. Akita Chow Mix dogs are wary of strangers, and may not be the best choice for families with young children. Read this guide for more information on the temperament, physical characteristics, and how to care for this great dog.
Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)
Akita Chows are considered a large breed of dog. Averaging 23 to 25 inches, they weigh in between 90 and 145 pounds. The females of the breed are generally a bit smaller but not by much.
The Akita Chow’s long straight fur shines in multiple colors, including red, brown, fawn, silver, black, and white. Their coat is thick and lends them the appearance of a giant teddy bear—one of the many traits people desire when choosing the Akita Chow as their companion.
Another trait that endears the Akita Chow to many is their loyalty. While they tend to be possessive of their owners, they also have an independent side that can come across as a stubborn streak. Obedience training at an early age can help counteract this stubborn tendency.
Lifespan
Akita Chow mixes have a life expectancy of around 10 to 12 years, which is relative to their two ancestors, the Chow Chow and the Akita. While the Chow Chow has a longer life expectancy of fifteen years, the Akita averages about ten to twelve. Leaving their mix averaging the same number of years.
Like every other breed of dog, life expectancy for the Akita Chow Mix will depend significantly on the level of care they receive and their overall way of life.
Grooming Needs
Due to their long and thick coats, Akita Chow mixes require frequent brushing and regular baths. Brushing daily is a good idea; however, recommendations are that you brush your companion at least three to four times a week. Using a long bristle stiff grooming brush will produce the best results as the shorter combs will fill up with fur and require frequent cleanings.
Bathing your Akita Chow will be an experience for both master and pet. While it is essential to keep your new pet clean, recommendations are that you bath them no more than once every two weeks to avoid drying out their skin.
Unless of course, they get into something that demands a more frequent wash. Also, using a gentle dog shampoo will help to avoid extra irritation. Follow bathing with a proper brushing to help keep your companions coat shiny and tangle-free.
Dental hygiene is something that you don’t want to overlook with your new Akita Chow. Often overlooked, but essential for a pet’s health is brushing their teeth.
Just like their human best friends, dogs need their teeth cleaned to aid in the removal of plaque that causes gum disease and tooth loss. Regular visits with their veterinary will also help in the task and your beloved pet’s overall health.
Temperament
Akita Chows are an intelligent and loyal companion to have. They do have an aggressive nature, though, when it comes to protecting their owner or when dealing with strangers. It is important to introduce your pet to small groups when they are puppies to help acclimate them to being around other people.
Akita Chows should be socialized to be comfortable around people at an early age otherwise they may display aggression towards strangers.
Due to their large size and independent nature, they are not the best choice for families with young children.
Akita Chows receive the label of standoffish or unsocial due to their independent nature. They are very loyal and extremely loving animals; however, they don’t tend to show this in the way many have become accustomed.
They would rather lay on the floor near you than jump in your lap and cuddle. So, while they look like a big teddy bear, they do not like to be treated like one.
Exercise Needs
Daily exercise is a necessity for your Akita Chow mix. Their ancestry leads them to follow a broad spectrum of energy levels. The Chow Chow is better known for being less active, while the Akita side of your new pet tends to be a high energy dog. Where your friend will tip the scales depends on him.
Whether you have a companion that is always ready to go or one that is sluggish and would rather lay around all day, exercise is a must.
Taking your Akita Chow for a walk or run is a great way to give them the workout they need while burning off excess energy before it is time to settle down for the night. If there are days that walking isn’t possible, allowing your pet to run around a large yard will help to alleviate their need to run.
Working/Hunting Dogs
Drawing again on their ancestry, Akita Chow mixes are great for both working and hunting, given that you start training at an early age and keep it consistent. Because of the independent nature of these dogs, many consider them to be obstinate and hard to train. This doesn’t have to be the case if you show them from the start that you are the alpha.
Akita Chows are great for herding and hunting. They are known for incredible speed that makes them excellent companions for duck hunting and cattle wrangling. On the plus side, these activities will also help to bond their relationship with you and to use up some of their excess energy.
Health Risks
Being large dogs with hefty appetites, one health concern to watch for in Akita Chow mixes is obesity. This is easily avoidable with regulated feedings and adequate daily exercise.
Another health concern directly related to the size of this breed is elbow and hip dysplasia. Due to the strain on the bones from the rigorous work out given due to high levels of energy and the overall size, older pets may experience these ailments more often than their younger counterparts.
Akita Chows may also see some other ailments that require a visit to their veterinarian. Some of these include cataracts, patellar luxation, distichiasis, as well as varying eye issues. These cases are generally minor; however, they need to be watched for and treated as soon as possible.
Feeding
Ensuring that your best pal maintains a healthy weight will be dependent on the amount of food and type of food you feed it.
While most dog foods have a recommended feeding amount based on size, speak with your Akita Chow’s veterinary about their feeding requirements. Your vet will advise what foods will provide the best level of nutrients for your companion’s energy and dietary needs.
Keep in mind that as they grow older, these needs will change and another discussion with your vet will be necessary.
Are Akita Chows Protective?
Due to their possessive nature, Akita Chow mixes make excellent guard dogs. They have a long history of being utilized for this purpose that dates back to the eighteenth century
With this in mind, ensure that friends are introduced slowly and with a reassuring affirmation to your companion. Teaching them who is acceptable and who is not will go a long way towards reducing the aggression shown to visitors to their domain.
How Much Does an Akita Chow Cost?
The price of your new Akita Chow companion will vary depending on where you get him/her and whether you adopt or buy.
Adopting an Akita Chow will cost you the minimal fee charged by the adoption facility you choose. Adoption fees generally range between fifty and one hundred dollars. However, this will depend on the services provided before adoption and your specific location.
Buying an Akita Chow from a reputable breeder too will vary in price. The dog’s lineage, breeder, papers, and prior vaccines will make a considerable difference in the amount you pay for your new best friend.
The average for an Akita Chow ranges between 1500 dollars and up to 4000 dollars. When buying, make sure you have done your homework before choosing a breeder and animal to be your companion.
Is an Akita Chow Right for Me?
While deciding whether an animal is right for you is a very personal choice, here are some thoughts to consider before choosing an Akita Chow as your pet.
Consider the amount of time you will have to devote to the care of your companion. The Akita Chow needs daily exercise and bi-weekly baths to help keep it fit and happy. Also, consider whether you want an animal that will give you space while protecting you or if you prefer one to snuggle with.
If the former is what you are looking for, then the Akita Chow is a good option for your needs.
Best Climate for an Akita Chow
Due to their heavy coats and natural insulation, Akita Chow mixes are great cold-weather dogs. That is not to say they cannot live in warmer climates, only that they are more susceptible to heat stress and require climate control, shade, and an abundance of water in hotter climates.
The Attention an Akita Chow Needs
While the energy levels of the Akita Chow may suggest that they require much attention, this is not always the case. They do like to be loved on and need to be walked and socialized; however, they are very independent and would prefer lying at your feet doing their own thing.
The Akita Chow likes to go on walks and a fenced-in yard will keep the dog safe and happy and serves the breed’s independent spirit well. Despite their bursts of energy, the Akita Chow also enjoys laying around from time to time and might need to be coaxed into exercising. This tendency towards laziness can vary by individual dog.
The Akita Chow has long thick hair that requires regular brushing as much as four times per week. This helps keep the coat looking clean and healthy. The nails should be trimmed when they become too long and teeth should be brushed regularly.
Due to the stubborn nature of this breed, both of these grooming tasks can be difficult. It is best to get your dog comfortable with nail trimmings and teeth brushing at a young age.
It’s important to teach Akita Chows obedience early as well. This will help limit any signs of aggressive behavior when you need them to do something they may not want to do.
Akitas are very intelligent dogs and as a result, they can get bored easily. A bored dog can be hard to motivate. It also makes it more difficult to moderate their behavior so having a diverse routine can be beneficial.
When an Akita Chow becomes bored they may act out by barking, digging, and chewing. Like most dogs, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Daily walks on a leash should keep them happy and limit any destructive behaviors from developing.
Compatibility with Kids
Akita Chow mixes are great dogs to have around children. They will protect them and do whatever they can to keep them safe. With this in mind, ensure that your children have adequate supervision during playtime with their Akita Chow companion, as their energy levels and sheer size can lead to unintentional accidents.
Older children can be taught to be firm with the Akita Chow while younger children may feel intimidated by its size and temperament. Supervision and socialization at an early age can help both kids and animals learn to respect each other.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Akita Chow mix is a naturally aggressive breed that is not overly compatible with other animals. They are also not very compatible with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. This makes them better suited for one-dog families.
While training helps, especially when introduced as puppies, to work well with other animals, their dominant nature will cause them to be aggressive towards other pets in the household.
Choosing to bring an Akita Chow mix into your home will provide you with loyal protection that isn’t needy and demanding. In your new pet, you will find a companion that stands up to the best, while requiring minimal upkeep.
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Mike is the Founder of Familylifeshare. Mike is well-knowledged in marriage, parenting, dogs, blogging and committed to sharing his knowledge and expertise with his readers. Know more about Mike from here.
