Category: mixed-dog-breed

The Akita Golden Retriever is an amazing mixed breed that brings together the strength and loyalty of the Akita and the friendly and outgoing nature of the Golden Retriever, resulting in a remarkable pet. If you are thinking about getting one of these dogs but would like to learn more about them first, keep reading as we look into their temperament, exercise needs, and training requirements to help you determine if this is the right dog for your home.

Breed Overview

The Akita Golden Retriever, or Golden Akita, is a blend of the Akita and the Golden Retriever. What makes this mix so much fun is the unique combination of traits that they inherit from their parent breeds. From the Akita, they get strength, loyalty, and protective instincts, and the Golden Retriever provides a friendly and sociable nature, resulting in a dog with a gentle and affectionate disposition and a strong and guarding presence.

Akita Golden Retriever Puppies

Akita Golden Retriever puppies are playful, cute, and curious and can be great fun, especially for children and first-time pet owners. However, early socialization with new places, people, and pets is important to help them feel more comfortable around these things as adults. They will also need plenty of behavioral training so they are easier to control.

Unfortunately, finding a breeder for this special mix will likely take a bit of research, as only a few will specialize in both parent breeds. Choosing a reputable breeder who conducts health checks on their breeding dogs is vital to minimize the risk of inherited health issues. Additionally, reputable breeders often provide ongoing support, guidance, and information about the breed that can help make raising your dog much easier. If you can’t find a breeder, you might find one of these dogs at a local animal shelter or rescue organization.

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Akita Golden Retriever

The Akita Golden Retriever is often affectionate, loving, and devoted to their families. However, depending on which parent they take after, they may also exhibit reserved or aloof behavior, particularly toward strangers. So, early socialization is essential to ensure that they grow into well-rounded and well-behaved dogs. They are generally quick learners and can excel in various training activities when you provide them with positive reinforcement methods, consistency, and patience. However, it’s important to note that they may also inherit independent tendencies from their Akita parent, which can influence their willingness to comply with commands.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Yes, Akita Golden Retriever mixes can make great family pets with plenty of socialization and supervision. Exercise and mental stimulation can help them from becoming bored, and proper training will make it easier to manage them at home and when you’re on an adventure. They are protective yet gentle and enjoy interacting with family members.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The Akita Golden Retriever mix can get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats when properly socialized from an early age. However, it’s important to remember that temperament and behavior can vary within a mixed breed, and your dog may differ from someone else’s. Always supervise interactions with other pets, especially at first, to ensure that they are getting along and that neither one is in danger.

Things to Know When Owning an Akita Golden Retriever

Food & Diet Requirements

An Akita Golden Retriever mix’s food and diet requirements will depend on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. That said, most will need a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken or turkey listed as the first ingredient. Brands containing real fruits and vegetables, probiotics, omega fats, and antioxidants are also ideal. Avoid brands that use chemical preservatives like BHT or artificial colors. Follow the portioning advice on the package carefully to help prevent weight gain.

Exercise

Your Akita Golden Retriever mix will need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. Taking brisk walks, jogging, running, or engaging in active play sessions like fetch or tug-of-war will enable them to burn off energy, preventing boredom and potentially destructive behaviors. Mental stimulation is also essential for an Akita Golden Retriever mix. Incorporate puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, obedience training, or interactive games to challenge their minds.

Training

Begin training your dog as early as possible; puppies have a higher capacity for learning and are more receptive to training. Focus on basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and leash walking before moving on to more complex commands, as these will help keep your pet safe. Positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise will help keep your pet interested in learning, and making sure the sessions are short and consistent will help get them into a routine that can carry on into adulthood.

Grooming

Due to their double coat, Akita Golden Retriever mixes require regular brushing to prevent matting and to keep their coat healthy. Brush them at least once or twice weekly using a slicker brush or a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and debris. Daily brushing may be necessary to manage the increased shedding during shedding seasons. You will also need to brush their teeth manually with dog-safe toothpaste as frequently as possible and trim their nails if they get too long. Check and clean the ears frequently to prevent infections.

Health and Conditions

Male vs. Female

Like with any mixed breed, your pet’s size, appearance, and temperament will depend more on which parent they take after than whether they are a male or female. The only possible difference is that males tend to be slightly larger.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Akita Golden Retriever Mix

1. Variable Coat Colors

The Akita Golden Retriever mix can have various coat colors and patterns. While both parent breeds typically have distinct coat colors, the mixed breed can inherit a combination, resulting in diverse variations. Some Akita Golden Retriever mixes may have a solid coat color, while others may have markings or a mixture.

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2. Weather Adaptability

Due to their heritage, Akita Golden Retriever mixes can adapt to different climates. Akitas are known for their tolerance to cold weather, while Golden Retrievers are more heat tolerant. Your pet may inherit a coat that provides insulation and adaptability to cold and warm climates.

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3. Longevity

The Akita Golden Retriever mix generally has a relatively long lifespan compared to some larger dog breeds. While individual lifespans can vary, they can live between 10 and 15 years or longer with proper care, nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Final Thoughts

The Akita Golden Retriever mix can make a great pet for an experienced owner or a large family with time to spend training and helping them stay active for at least 1 hour each day. They are relatively healthy, with only a few genetic conditions to worry about, and they aren’t that difficult to maintain, only needing regular brushing, teeth cleaning, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. Early socialization with plenty of people, pets, and places will help them feel more comfortable as adults, and proper training will make them easier to control and keep them safe.

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Featured Image Credit: Mo Photography Berlin, Shutterstock

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If you’re searching for the perfect guard dog, the Akita-Rottweiler has the genetics to be just what you’re looking for. However, they need the right combination of socialization, training, and an experienced owner to ensure they thrive. Keep reading to learn what the Akita-Rottweiler has to offer and whether you can give them the home they need!

Breed Overview

The Akita-Rottweiler mix is a newer hybrid, which combines a pair of strong, powerful breeds known for their protective nature. Akitas originated in Japan, where they served as hunters and guardians for royalty. Rottweilers were developed in Germany as herding and protection dogs. Together, these breeds form a mix known for their loyalty and devotion to family. However, the Akita-Rottweiler mix isn’t the best fit for all owners, so it’s vital to research the dog carefully if you’re interested. Get started by checking out our breed profile, including what you can expect when owning the Akita-Rottweiler mix.

Akita-Rottweiler Mix Puppies

Akita-Rottweiler mix puppies may be adorable but don’t be fooled: they will grow up fast and get big! Because they’re one of the newer designer dogs, you’ll likely need to buy a puppy from a breeder. However, they may be difficult to find in your area.

Even though the Akita-Rottweiler mix isn’t common, you may be able to find one for adoption. For example, unprepared owners may surrender their puppies when they get bigger than expected.

No matter where you get your Akita-Rottweiler mix puppy from, early socialization is vital. Both parent breeds are naturally protective and suspicious of strangers, especially Akitas. Combined with their size and strength, a poorly socialized adult Akita-Rottweiler mix could pose a problem, particularly in the hands of inexperienced owners.

To ensure your dog remains calm and reacts appropriately in new situations, Akita-Rottweiler puppies should be socialized early and often. Establish routines early and expose your puppy to other pets, kids, and adults frequently.

Start puppy training early as well. Akita-Rottweiler mixes frequently weigh over 100 pounds when fully grown, and it’s much easier to teach them how to behave properly when they’re still young. Large and giant breed puppies have specific nutritional requirements to ensure they maintain the correct growth rate. Talk to your veterinarian about choosing the right diet.

While your puppy needs exercise, you’ll want to be careful not to overstress their developing joints and muscles by doing any intense activities until they’re fully grown.

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Akita-Rottweiler Mix

The temperament of Akita Rottweiler mixes can be challenging to predict, but the parents are friendly to their owners and wary of strangers. Rottweilers and Akitas have working dog heritages and are eager to please their owners, but they both require obedience training to become well-behaved pets. Their puppies are likely to be incredibly intelligent since the Akita and Rottweiler are smart dogs, but they need an owner who’s experienced with large dogs.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Akitas and Rottweilers share several traits in common, but the differences make the question of whether they are good for families tricky to answer. In general, these dogs do okay with older children when properly socialized.

They are not recommended for families with younger kids, such as toddlers. In addition, Akitas do not generally do well with strange children. If the Akita-Rottweiler mix inherits this tendency, they are not a good choice for social families who frequently welcome other kids over for play dates.

As mentioned earlier, properly socializing the Akita-Rottweiler mix will help them learn to interact safely with children. You have to supervise all interactions between dogs and kids, even with well-socialized pets. Akita-Rottweiler mixes are typically affectionate with the people they know well and can make loving family pets in the right hands.

They don’t enjoy being left alone, so busy families should consider their schedules before adopting an Akita-Rottweiler mix.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Akitas don’t usually get along with other pets, while Rottweilers can generally tolerate other dogs with proper socialization and supervision. Again, it’s tough to predict how your Akita-Rottweiler will get along with other pets, given these differences. Because of their size, they may accidentally hurt small dogs even when playing.

They always do well with cats and may chase them, and because of their high prey drive, they shouldn’t be kept with small animals or exotic pets. Even if the dogs don’t try to harm the small animals, the stress of having a predator so near can be dangerous for exotic pets.

Things to Know When Owning an Akita-Rottweiler Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements

Akita-Rottweiler mixes eat a lot of food because of their size, and as adults, they typically need around 4 to 6 cups of dry food daily, divided into two meals. It’s best to serve a nutritionally balanced food formulated for your dog’s appropriate stage of life.

Ask your veterinarian for help calculating how many calories your dog should eat to avoid overfeeding. Overweight Akita-Rottweiler mixes will put extra stress on their joints and may also be prone to other health problems.

Exercise

Akita-Rottweiler mixes need daily exercise to stay healthy and mentally engaged. Plan on about 90 minutes of moderate activity each day, such as walking, jogging, hiking, or swimming. Avoid off-leash activities unless they take place in a fenced-in location.

If your dog tolerates other canines, they may enjoy participating in organized activities such as tracking or cart-pulling. Despite their exercise needs, they can usually live in smaller spaces if you can provide enough daily exercise.

Training

Training an Akita-Rottweiler mix can be unpredictable because the two parent breeds differ in how easily they learn. Rottweilers are smart and typically eager to please. While they can be stubborn, they generally respond well to firm but positive training methods.

Akitas, on the other hand, are intelligent and loyal but notoriously independent. Early and consistent training is vital but may be frustrating at times.  Because of their size, strength, and potential training difficulties, Akita-Rottweiler mixes are best suited for experienced owners. Training and socialization is a lifelong task for them, but the reward can be a calm, well-mannered, protective pet who is a wonderful companion.

Grooming

The Akita-Rottweiler is not a low-shedding dog. Both parent breeds have a double coat, but the Akita’s fur is especially thick because of the cold conditions found in their country of origin. Your dog will experience seasonal heavy shedding and will need daily brushing.

However, you may be able to get away with brushing only weekly if your dog inherits a shorter Rottweiler coat. You’ll also need to keep your dog’s nails trimmed and clean their ears as needed.

An Akita-Rottweiler will also need regular preventative dental care since Akitas are prone to periodontal disease. Brushing their teeth is typically the most effective, but you can also try dental chews or water additives. Include grooming tasks in the early training routine for your puppy to make them easier to manage when they grow larger and stronger.

Health and Conditions

Akita-Rottweiler mixes can inherit any genetic condition common in either parent. As you search for a breeder, look for one who performs all recommended health screenings and can provide a complete medical history for a puppy’s family tree, especially the Rottweiler side. Akitas and Rottweilers are both prone to joint conditions like hip dysplasia.

Cancer, such as a bone tumor called osteosarcoma, is common in Rottweilers. They can inherit a genetic mutation that causes Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy (JLPP) and are also prone to inherited heart conditions.

Akitas and Rottweilers are prone to inherited eye conditions and should be certified by a veterinary ophthalmologist before breeding.

Male vs Female

Male Akita-Rottweiler mixes are generally taller and heavier than their female counterparts. They may also be naturally more dominant and aggressive, especially when they aren’t neutered. Females will go into heat about twice a year and should be kept away from any male dogs during that time to prevent accidental breeding.

If you want to spay or neuter your Akita-Rottweiler mix, talk to your veterinarian to determine the best age to perform the procedure. Recent research suggests there are health benefits to waiting longer to spay or neuter some breeds.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Akita-Rottweiler Mix

1. It’s a New Breed With an Ancient History.

Rottweilers are thought to be descended from guard dogs first developed during the Roman Empire. On the other side of the world, Akitas were first bred in early 17^th-century northern Japan. Deliberately mixing these two dogs may be a recent development, but the foundation breeds have existed for centuries.

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2. They Partly Owe Their Existence to Helen Keller.

Helen Keller is believed to have brought the first Akita to the United States after visiting Japan in 1937. American troops returning from World War II brought more Akitas with them, and the breed became established in the U.S. after that. Akita-Rottweiler mixes came later, but we don’t know exactly when they were first bred.

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3. Their loyalty Is the Stuff of Legend and Hollywood.

A famous Akita named Hachiko from the 1920s once waited 9 years at a Japanese train station for his owner (who had died suddenly) to come home. His story was later made into a 2009 movie starring Richard Gere called Hachi: A Dog’s Tale.

Final Thoughts

The Akita-Rottweiler mix is a big, powerful dog that shows great loyalty and love to their families. However, their natural suspicion of strangers and protective instincts mean they need careful training and socialization to prevent bad behavior or even aggression. Not all breeds are a good fit for every living situation, especially this one. Families with other pets and young children should think twice before choosing an Akita-Rottweiler. Experienced owners with the time and patience to give their dogs the training and exercise they need are the best fit.

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Featured Image Credit: hannahsnyder, Shutterstock

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An Akita Corgi mix isn’t a dog breed you see every day, but that doesn’t mean they’re not a great choice for you. They’re a diverse breed with different personality traits from dog to dog, and part of the fun of owning them is figuring out exactly who they are and how they behave! If you want to learn a little more about Akita Corgi mixes, you’re in the right place.

Breed Overview

The Akita Corgi mix is a combination of two different breeds, the Akita and the Corgi, and because both parent breeds are so drastically different, an Akita Corgi mix itself can present a wide range of physical attributes and personalities.

But while this makes them a bit more challenging to own, there’s still no doubt that they’re loyal and loving breeds, and they’re extremely adorable too, of course. They’re great pets for experienced owners but be ready for lots of training and discovery as you figure out which breed your Akita Corgi mix takes after in each area.

Akita Corgi Mix Breed Puppies

If you’re looking for a specific breeder with Akita Corgi mix puppies, they’re not always easy to track down. In fact, most Akita Corgi mix puppies contain at least one other breed, which can play a big role in their size, temperament, and personality.

However, if you can find a breeder that breeds purebred Akitas and purebred Corgis, you get more consistency and predictability with the puppies. Like with all puppies from a breeder, ensure you do research and get a thorough medical background of both parents before bringing your puppy home.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Akita Corgi Mix

The temperament of an Akita Corgi Mix varies depending on which parent breed they take after, so you can’t always count on how they’re going to act. If they take after their Corgi side, they’ll be extremely loving and eager to please, while the Akita side is stubborn and doesn’t demand as much affection.

But no matter which breed they take after, they’re extremely intelligent and can learn a wide array of tasks. The parent breed they take after just determines how much training and consistency you’ll need to give them.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

While the Akita Corgi mix can be good with smaller children, we recommend plenty of socialization and proceeding with caution before bringing them around smaller kids. While both parent dog breeds can get along with kids with proper socialization, they’re not the most family-friendly dogs out there.

Also, remember that it’s common for these dogs to bond more with one person than anyone else, which can make it a bit more challenging to train them when the person they bonded with the most isn’t there.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Just like this dog can get along with kids with proper socialization, the same is true with other pets. An Akita Corgi mix can get along great with other pets, but it’s important to give them a ton of socialization before you bring them around other pets.

That’s because while these dogs can get along great with other dogs and pets, there are some individuals that don’t. Slowly introduce new pets with your Akita Corgi mix to ensure they get along before letting them loose with each other.

Things to Know When Owning an Akita Corgi Mix:

If you’re thinking about getting an Akita Corgi mix, they’re similar to other dog breeds in quite a few ways. With that in mind, there are still a few things you should be aware of so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into before you bring an Akita Corgi mix home!

Food & Diet Requirements

While we typically give recommended food amounts here since an Akita Corgi mix can range between 25 and 100 pounds, that isn’t feasible. Instead, it’s important to note that the quality of the food you give them will have a huge impact on their long-term health. While you might be able to save a little money on food now, you’ll be spending more over the long run if you don’t invest in better quality food upfront.

Exercise

Both the Corgi and the Akita have moderate exercise requirements, and to meet their daily needs, you need to get them out for at least 1 hour each day. Your dog will enjoy even more time outside if you can give it to them, but as long as they have space to move throughout the day and you get them out for at least an hour, you shouldn’t have any problems.

However, we do recommend having a fenced-in yard since this will make it a lot easier to meet their daily exercise requirements and keep them happy!

Training

The training requirements for an Akita Corgi mix will vary quite a bit from dog to dog, depending on which parent breed they take after. While the Corgi is eager to please, the Akita has a notorious stubborn streak.

Either way, we recommend a training session each day, although each training session should only last between 15 and 20 minutes.

Grooming

While an Akita Corgi mix takes after two drastically different breeds when it comes to how much they shed, both breeds have moderate to light care requirements for their coat. As long as you brush them out a few times a week, you shouldn’t have any issues.

However, if they take after an Akita, they will shed far more than if they take after a Corgi. In addition to their coat maintenance, you must brush their teeth daily and clip their nails as needed.

Health and Conditions

While an Akita Corgi mix can develop health conditions from either parent breed, the truth is that they’re less likely to develop any individual condition. Akita Corgi mixes tend to be pretty healthy dogs, especially if you get them from a reputable breeder and ensure both parent breeds come with a clean bill of health.

Male vs Female

Typically, there’s not much of a difference between male and female Akita Corgi mixes. Males from the same litter tend to be a little larger than females, but the parent breed they take after will make more of a difference in their size than their gender.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Akita Corgi Mix

1. Hellen Keller Brought the First Akita to the United States

Hellen Keller might be famous for quite a few different things, but she also brought the first Akita to the United States in 1937.

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2. Corgis Are Herding Dogs

Corgis have herded for decades, and they still maintain quite a few of those roots today. This also means if your Akita Corgi mix takes after their Corgi heritage, you’ll need to be extra careful with them around cats and other smaller pets.

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3. They’re Extremely Loving Dogs

Whether your Akita Corgi mix takes after their Akita or Corgi heritage, both parent breeds love their owners and can’t get enough of them. This is a great feature to have for any dog, and it’s part of the reason an Akita Corgi mix is such a loved and sought-after breed.

Final Thoughts

While an Akita Corgi mix might be a complicated breed to own and raise, they’re also extremely rewarding and have some of the most loving and interesting personalities. We recommend them for experienced owners, but if you have a little extra time and patience, they’re great dogs.

Just ensure you have plenty of space and time for them and give them tons of socialization before you bring them around other people and pets.

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Featured Image Credit: (L) Olga Aniven, Shutterstock | (R) Ivana La, Unsplash

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