Akita are a popular Japanese breed but these large dogs can be mixed with other breeds.
If you’ve encountered an Akita before, you’ll more than likely be able to remember their trademark physique and colorings.
There are two different types of Akita: the American Akita and the Japanese Akita.
However, these Japanese dogs can be crossed – both intentionally and unintentionally – to create a variety of Akita mixes.
In this article, we’re going to look at Akita cross dogs to see what different mixes exist in the dog world.
Before we look at some Akita Mixes, let’s learn a little more about the Akita breed.
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What is an Akita?
Akita Inu Masami (Photo: @masamiakitainu / Instagram)
The Akita is a breed that originated in Japan. These purebred canines are a Spitz-type dog.
The American Kennel Club describe the Akita as “Japan’s entry in the ancient canine clan of spitz-type dogs”.
Akitas were thought to have been created by an exiled nobleman in the 17th century in the Asian country.
These large dogs were bred to hunt large game such as deer, wild boar and the Yoze bear.
Akita are commonly described as a dignified and noble breed.
They were companion dogs and guardians of the family amongst the Japanese nobility.
Some Akita ended up being crossed with western breeds in the early 20th century.
Measures were taken to protect the pure Akita bloodline due to the influx of western breed.
However, World War II impacted the Akita numbers. An American lady called Helen Keller brought the first Akitas to the United States of America.
There are two varieties of Akita: the American Akita and the Japanese Akita.
The breed standard for Akita
Japanese Akita Inu puppy (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Kennel Club outline the general appearance for Japanese Akita as:
Large, well-balanced, sturdily built dog of Spitz type. Very slightly longer than high.
With regards to the Akita Inu’s character and temperament, the Kennel Club add:
Alert and agile. Thick triangular ears, pricked and inclined forward. Dark eyes, set and shaped to give a distinctive appearance. Stand off coat with brilliant colours and defined markings. Tightly curled tail… Dignified and composed with a courageous character.
The Kennel Club outline the general appearance for Japanese Akita as:
Large, powerful, alert, with much substance and heavy bone.
With regards to the Akita’s character and temperament, the Kennel Club add:
Large, broad head, with relatively small eyes and erect ears carried forward in line with back of neck; large, curled tail, in balance with head…. Dignified, courageous, aloof; tends to show dominance over other dogs, though the trait is not encouraged.
Akita Mix
There are a variety of different Akita mixes. As we mentioned above, the arrival of western breeds in Japan led to some Akita being mixed with other dogs such as the German Shepherd.
As with all mixed breeds, it’s impossible to predict what traits a cross dog will inherit from reach parent.
Akita Husky Mix (Huskita)
The Huskita is a mix between Akita and Siberian Husky. The cross breed can grow as tall as 22 to 25 inches and weigh between 50 and 75 pounds.
The Akita Husky Mix can come in a variety of different colors, including white, black, gray, red, sable, brown, fawn and silver.
Akita Malamute Mix
Another relatively common mix is the Akita Malamute cross. These are a combination of Japan’s large dogs and the impressive sled dogs.
Akita Labrador Mix (Labrakita)
The Labrakita is a mix between Labrador Retriever and Akita. Usually these dogs will be an energetic breed that require quite a bit of exercise.
WagWalking have the following to say on the Labrakita:
The secret to keeping this dog on the level is to provide plenty of activities for them to do. Socializing is essential, especially if your dog takes after the Akita side of the family. They need to mix with people to become confident.
Akita Saint Bernard Mix
As we’ve mentioned already, the Akita is a large dog. They can be crossed with a Saint Bernard to produce an Akita Saint Bernard Mix.
Akita Newfoundland Mix
Like the Saint Bernard, the Newfoundland breed is another big adept at mountainous terrain. This isn’t a very common mix, so you may encounter the cross breed at a rescue organization.
Akita German Shepherd Mix (Shepkita)
The German Shepherd were crossed with the Japanese Akita when western breeds first arrived in Japan. It partly explains why the American Akita has a more bear-like appearance than fox-like appearance.
WagWalking suggest that the Shepkita first originated in the first half of the 20th century. However, they’re not a common mix breed.
Akita Chow Mix
The Akita Chow is a cross between an Akita and Chow Chow.
They’re relatively big dogs with a height range between 23 and 25 inches and weigh between 88 and 145 pounds.
Given both Akitas and Chow Chow dogs have a reputation for being independent and strong willed then the mixed dogs could be difficult to train.
Akita Poodle Mix (Akipoo)
The Poodle is crossed with many different breeds intentionally to create a hypoallergenic dog.
People who suffer with allergies to dogs often seek out a hypoallergenic breed. The American Kennel Club insist that there’s no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog breed.
Some Akita and Poodle mixes could be more hypoallergenic if they inherit the coat and produce little dander like Poodles and some Poodle mixes.
The Aki Poo dog can have quite a big weight range: 45 and 120 pounds. In terms of height, they can grow to between 18 and 25 inches.
Regardless of what you read, mixing an Akita and a Poodle doesn’t necessarily guarantee a hypoallergenic dog that won’t trigger allergies.
Akita Shar Pei Mix
Akita and Shar Pei are sometimes crossed intentionally or unintentionally.
They have a similar temperament: they’re both natural guardians and loyal pets. However, they may struggle in homes with other dogs or small pets.
Anything else to consider?
Like we’ve already mentioned, a lot of the time you’ll encounter an Akita mix at a rescue shelter.
Most breeders are looking to adhere to a breed standard, so a lot of mixed dogs aren’t planned.
So your best bet if you want to find an Akita mix could be a dog shelter.
In conclusion
Japanese Akita Inu (Photo: Adobe Stock)
So there you have it, we’ve gone through some Akita mixes.
These Japanese dogs can be crossed with other dogs, resulting in some unique mixes.
If you want an Akita or Akita mix, you would be wise to contact a current owner on Instagram to learn more.
