Akitas and Siberian Huskies are two easily identifiable dog breeds.
When these Spitz dogs are bred together, the result is an Akita Husky Mix.
You may also hear these mixed dogs referred to as a Huskita.
This particular cross was thought to have originated in the 1990s.
There are over 2 million results for a Husky Akita Mix on Google.
In this article, we’re going to provide an insight into the Huskita, including a look at both the Akita and Siberian Husky.
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What is a Huskita?
A Huskita is a cross between an Akita and a Siberian Husky.
Other names for these mix dogs is an Akita Husky Mix or Siberian Akita.
Let’s learn a little bit more about each parent before we delve further into the world of Huskitas.
Akita
Akita Inu dog lying in the snow (Photo: Adobe Stock)
An Akita is a Japanese breed that is described as a large, working dog.
The Spitz breed are domesticated dogs that have huge cultural significance within Japanese culture.
The AKC write on their website that these dogs were powerful hunters used in packs to hunt big game such as wild boar, deer and the Yezo bear.
Often dubbed as dignified and noble, Akitas were owned by the imperial family and members of their court, which could explain their elevated standing.
One Akita called Hachiko put the breed on the global map in the 1920s and 1930s.
The dog accompanied his master Professor Hidesaburo Ueno to and from the train station every day for his master’s commute. When his owner didn’t arrive at the station following a fatal brain haemorrhage at work, Hachiko continued to wait for his master’s return. He went to and from the station every day for the next nine years.
Akitas arrived in the USA in 1937 thanks to an American lady called Helen Keller. Two years later, a breed standard had been established for these dogs.
Nowadays, there are two varieties of Akita: Japanese Akitas (Akita Inus) and American Akitas (Akitas).
Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky originate in eastern peninsula of Russia (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Siberian Huskies originated in the northern eastern Siberian penisula. They were thought to have been part of the Chukchi tribe. Their endurance and speed was used to help these nomads travel. They were an integral part of the tribal unit.
These sled dogs arrived in Alaska in the early 20th century. They took part in sled racing, where they were heralded for their ability to pull light loads over long distances.
The Siberian Husky achieved notoriety thanks to Balto, 20 mushers and 150 sled dogs when they delivered live-saving serum to Noma to prevent an incipient epidemic in 1925.
The breed was initially called Arctic Huskies when they were recognised by the AKC in 1930. Their name was changed to Siberian Huskies in 1991.
Akita Husky Mix size
Akitas are considered a large breed, while Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs. An Akita Husky Mix can have a height range between 22 and 25 inches and a weight range of 50 to 75 pounds.
Akita Husky Mix appearance
When dealing with mixed breeds such as a Huskita, it’s impossible to predict with any degree of certainty which exact traits they’ll inherit from each parent.
Usually an Akita Husky Mix will have a broad chest and powerful build.
Huskitas can come in a wide variety of colors, including any combination of white, black, gray, red, sable, brown, fawn and silver.
They’ll usually have brown eyes with a black nose.
Akita Husky Mix temperament
Again, we can only anticipate what potential characteristics a Huskita might have by looking at each parent. However, we can predict exactly what the temperament of an Akita Husky Mix puppy will be.
Huskitas like to be active dogs that have plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They’re usually smart dogs that need consistent and persistent training from a young age given both parents can have an independent streak. This may not make a Huskita a good fit for a first-time dog owner.
Just like any dog, you’ll want to socialise your dog from a young age to improve their manners and social skills.
An Akita Husky Mix dog will be a loyal dog given the role both breeds traditionally played. Akitas have a reputation for being natural guard dogs and protectors of the family. So a Huskita could have this trait.
In spite of this, both Spitz breeds have a playful nature, especially within the family environment.
Akita Husky Mix exercise
WagWalking suggest 90 minutes of exercise a day for these dogs.
So you’ll need to be prepared to take a Huskita for regular walks, jogs or runs, trips to the dog park or hikes on trails.
If you live in hot weather, you’ll want to make sure you keep your dog cool and avoid hiking in the midday temperatures.
Akita Husky Mix lifespan
The Siberian Husky has a lifespan ranging from 12 to 14 years. An Akita can live to the age of 10 to 14 years. Therefore, an Akita Husky Mix dog could live to be between 10 and 14.
Are Huskitas hypoallergenic?
An Akita Husky Mix isn’t a hypoallergenic dog given both breeds are seasonal shedders. They’ve got double coats with an undercoat that will blow out twice a year.
Having said that, Akitas do have a reputation for being fastidious.
Do Huskitas shed?
It’s a pretty safe assumption that a Huskita will be a moderate to high shedding dog.
As we mentioned above, they’ll usually shed at the changing of the season. During this time, you’ll find clumps of hair or pet hair dust bunnies around your home.
Huskitas grooming
An Akita Husky Mix dog will need daily brushing during shedding season. At other times of the year, you can reduce the grooming sessions to two or three times a week.
They only need to be bathed three or four times a year.
You’ll want to consider brushing their teeth regularly as well as checking their ears and nails.
How much are Huskita puppies
AKC breeders are usually looking to breed puppies based upon a breed standard. Therefore, it’s rare to find an Akita Husky Mix breeder.
If you’re looking specifically for this mix, your best bet may be to contact someone who already owns a Huskita on social media.
Akita Husky Mix to follow on Instagram
With that in mind, here are some Akita Husky Mixes to check out on Instagram. In our experience, dog owners on social media are usually helpful and forthcoming with information.
There are nearly 42,000 photos of Huskitas on the photo-sharing app so you’re spoilt for choice!
Here are some accounts to check out on Instagram.
1) Casper the Huskita (@casper_the_huskita)
2) Grizzly (@fluffybuttbrothers)
3) Adventures of Bella (@bellalicious_huskit)
4) Sira and Nina (@huskitabcn)
Anything else to consider?
A lot of the time, you may encounter these types of mixes in a rescue shelter, where these hybrid dogs are the result of unintentional breeding.
However, if you encounter a breeder selling a mix such as one of the dogs that we’ve named above, you should always ask to see the puppy with interact with mom, request proof of health checks and veterinarian examinations. You should ask if the breeder offers an health guarantees.
We never recommend buying a puppy online, through a third party or at a pet store.
In conclusion
So that’s our introduction to the Akita Husky Mix.
These Huskitas combine traits of both Akitas and Siberian Huskies. However, it’s not possible to predict what characteristics a puppy will inherit from each parent.
Some traits are present in both dogs such as an independent streak and need for regular exercise.
