Alaskan Akita Dog Breed

The Akita Inu-Alaskan Malamute mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group--but both the Malamute and Akita parent breeds are members of the Working group in most clubs, so these hybrids would fit nicely in that category. Neither does any info exist about this mixed breed's specific origin; while an Alaskan Malamute and Akita cross has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. Whatever the case, these big, powerful, hard-working hybrids are best suited for living in colder climates; whether utilized in a working capacity (as a sled dog, for example) or as a family pet, they'll need frequent outlets for their abundant energy.

A few facts about the Akita-cross-Malamute: they're large- to giant-sized, averaging 25 inches at the shoulders in height and 95 pounds in weight; they have medium-length, thick, double-layered coats that shed heavily; and they're very energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning an Alaskan Malamute x Akita:

The Akita x Malamute mix is the offspring of two large, powerful, authoritative breeds, both of which have thick, high-shedding coats--so this hybrid will undoubtedly share those qualities. The Alaskan Akita dog is quite big, at 23-27 inches at the shoulders in height and 75-110 pounds in weight. Their dense coats come in a variety of mostly multi-colored patterns that include black, brown, white, gray, red, agouti, and more.

Perhaps the most important bit of Alaskan Akita information is that these hybrids will need a great deal of training and socialization--starting early and continuing often. Both parent breeds are fearless and have strong "take-charge" instincts, so the Alaskan Akita will follow suit. One way to temper this dominant personality trait, owners say, is through leash training: starting in puppyhood, make sure the dog walks beside or behind you on a leash instead of being allowed to lead. This, in the dog's mind, will establish you as the leader, and should make obedience training easier as the dog matures.

And a perfect time to practice leash training is on long walks--of which this crossbreed will need plenty. Alaskan Akitas, though big, are energetic and task-oriented, and will need lots of outdoor exercise on a daily basis; without it they can become destructive and even aggressive.

Bold, affectionate, intelligent, highly protective, and often stubborn and strong-willed, the Akita-Malamute mix temperament is one of confidence and quiet power. These hybrids are normally very loving with family members, and they'll instinctively protect them at all costs. This natural suspicion means owners will definitely need to act as the "alpha" in the dogs' lives. That said, a well-trained and socialized Alaskan Akita can be a peaceful pet for an experienced owner. These hybrids can get along well with kids and other pets (though they may show instinctive aggression towards other dogs, so it's best if your Alaskan Akita is part of a "one-dog" household). Having the dog grow up alongside any children or household pets, so they learn to be accustomed to one another, is recommended.

Alaskan Akitas are smart and can respond well to training, but they're also stubborn and strong-willed--so they may need some repetitions when learning commands or tasks. Firm (but gentle!), consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And the Alaskan Akita's watch- and guard dog skills are superb. Their confidence, loyalty, and natural curiosity mean they'll bark at and investigate unknown sights and sounds with no hesitation--and chances are they'll be able to neutralize potential threats like intruders, too.

The Alaskan Akita, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is pretty healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, various eye issues like cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and gastric torsion (or bloat). Potential Alaskan Akita owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Alaskan Akita is 11-14 years.