For quite some time, you’ve been thinking about welcoming a canine companion into your life, possibly fueled by the constant suggestions from family members. The challenge has been deciding on the perfect breed. You’re looking for a dog that is friendly, loyal, eager to please, and requires minimal upkeep. In that case, the Akita Pit Mix could be the ideal choice for you.
The Akita Pit Mix is a delightful hybrid breed that results from the combination of the Japanese Akita and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Both parent breeds are celebrated for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts—traits that your mixed breed will likely inherit. With a life expectancy of up to 13 years and distinct facial features like slightly erect ears, you can count on your Akita Pit Mix to be a wonderful companion for many years ahead.
Don’t be surprised if people refer to your furry friend as an “Akita Pitbull” or “Pit Akita,” as these terms are interchangeable. While the Akita Pit Mix appears to be a fantastic choice, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with their needs for easier care. Fortunately, this breed isn’t high-maintenance. I’ll cover everything from their temperament and health concerns to grooming tips and dietary advice. But first, let’s explore the general physical characteristics of an Akita Pit Mix.
What Is the Size of Akita Pit Mixes??
The Akita Pit Mix typically weighs between 30 to 70 lbs and stands between 16 and 23 inches tall, placing them within the medium to large range.
While the primary distinction between female and male Akita Pit Mixes is their weight—differing by about 2 to 10 lbs—maintaining a regular exercise routine will ensure your dog remains at a healthy weight.
Physical Characteristics
In addition to their height and weight, the Akita Pit Mix boasts a strong, muscular build with a rugged appearance. Their coat is short and lies close to the body, though the fur around their neck is slightly longer. The coat can come in various colors, including cream, black, brown, tan, and white.
This hybrid breed typically has erect ears resembling the Akita and a defined snout inherited from both parent breeds. Their eyes are usually dark or brown in color.
Coat Colors and Patterns
The Akita Pit Mix showcases a stunning coat in beautiful colors like blue, black, fawn, white, or brindle, often featuring various patterns. They stand out particularly when sporting a solid color.
Conveniently, the Akita Pit Mix has a relatively low-maintenance coat, making them suitable for those with limited time for grooming.
What Is the Lifespan of Akita Pit Mixes?
Your furry companion requires as much care as you do. With the right treatment, an Akita Pit Mix can live between 10 to 13 years. However, their health must be a top priority to achieve this lifespan.
Like any hybrid breed, your dog may be predisposed to certain genetic health issues inherited from their parents. Therefore, it’s crucial to get a vet’s approval before bringing an Akita Pit Mix home. Regular check-ups are essential for monitoring their health.
Common Health Concerns
Although the Akita Pit Mix is generally healthy, they are prone to some serious hereditary conditions:
- Heart disease—issues related to heart valves and muscles
- Hip dysplasia—a common developmental orthopedic condition that may lead to disability
- Progressive retinal atrophy—gradual loss of vision
Stay calm, though! Your vet can help establish a preventive routine for these conditions if possible. It’s essential to have your dog checked for these hereditary issues before adopting.
Minor Health Issues
In addition to the major conditions mentioned, keep an eye out for these minor ailments:
- Bloating—excess gas accumulation in the stomach
- Cataracts—clouding of the eye lens
- Elbow dysplasia—abnormal tissue and bone growth causing uneven weight distribution, leading to arthritis or joint pain
- Hypothyroidism—lower energy levels and metabolism
- Pemphigus—an autoimmune skin disorder
How to Care for Your Akita Pit Mix?
Here are key considerations for properly caring for your Akita Pit Mix.
Exercise Routine
Engaging in activities like running around the block or playing in an open space benefits both you and your canine companion. If you’re not into exercise, let your Akita Pit Mix play in a safe area.
Regular exercise helps manage your dog’s energy levels effectively.
High-Quality Diet
Implementing a regular feeding schedule is key to preventing overeating, as the Akita Pit Mix is prone to gaining weight quickly. Stick to a formulated diet and limit treats.
You might also consider a vet-approved diet from Pet Plate. Their meal options provide a selection of proteins and balanced nutrition that will surely delight your puppy’s palate. Great meal options include turkey, lamb, digestive cookies, chicken apple sausage, and beef.
Multivitamins
To ensure your dog’s health, consider incorporating multivitamins into their diet. Healthy chewable multivitamins loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can support bladder health and digestion while enhancing overall well-being.
Dental Water Additives
To help prevent or manage periodontal diseases, dental water additives can be beneficial. Simply mix them into your dog’s drinking water. These additives aid in preventing gum disease, and you can consult your vet about professional dental cleanings. Additionally, brush your Akita Pit Mix’s teeth twice a week to prevent tooth decay.
Are Akita Pit Mixes Aggressive? Temperament of Akita Pit Mixes
You’ll be glad to know that Akita Pit Mixes have a reputation for being friendly and well-mannered. These dogs generally get along wonderfully with children and can coexist with other pets with proper socialization and training. While they are loving family members, they can also display protective tendencies.
Are Akita Pit Mixes Affectionate?
The Akita Pit Mix is known for being very affectionate and returns your love and attention. This breed craves companionship and remains alert to any unfamiliar individuals that approach. Due to their friendly disposition, even toward strangers, it’s crucial to train your Akita Pit Mix to discern between friends and foes.
Are Akita Pit Mixes Easy to Train?
Thanks to their intelligent parent breeds, your pup is quick to learn and adapt. This makes training easier. With proper training, you’ll find your Akita Pit Mix to be obedient and loyal. Of course, their responsiveness to training also depends on the way you treat them.
The Akita Pit Mix exhibits high energy levels and can be vigilant while your children play, motivating you to stay active as well.
While these dogs are playful, they can become lonely if left alone for extended periods. Therefore, if you must travel without your furry friend, arrange for a caretaker or pet sitter. In general, avoid leaving your Akita Pit Mix alone for more than 6 hours, as they may experience separation anxiety.
Do Akita Pit Mixes Shed? Grooming Practices for Akita Pit Mixes
Unfortunately, the Akita Pit Mix is not considered hypoallergenic, as they typically shed their coats at least twice a year.
This breed inherits a thick fur coat that helps them adapt to varying weather conditions. The coat’s thickness can vary based on the dominant parent breed.
Brushing
Use a FURminator Undercoat Tool to groom your canine companion. This tool effectively removes loose undercoat hair without damaging the topcoat or harming the skin. Avoid shaving your Akita Pit Mix, as their undercoat serves to regulate temperature and protect against insect bites and sun exposure.
Brush them once a week, and twice during shedding season in spring. Regular grooming ensures that your canine buddy’s coat remains free of tangles.
Bathing
Bathing can be done in a bathtub or outside with a garden hose. Prior to bathing, give your Akita Pit Mix a thorough brushing. Use a suitable canine shampoo, like the Pro Pet Works All Natural 5 In 1 Oatmeal Shampoo. Lather well, rinse completely, and towel dry afterward.
The natural oils in your dog’s coat protect them from freezing in cold weather. However, this does not mean you should leave your Akita Pit Mix outside during harsh conditions. Always provide a warm blanket or sweater for comfort.
In warmer months, consider applying sunscreen to sensitive areas not covered by fur, such as the nose and ears. Their shorter coat helps them remain comfortable in hot weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cost of an Akita Pit Mix? An Akita Pit Mix can be quite expensive, ranging from $200 to $500. If you’re interested in adopting one and have difficulty finding a breeder, consider checking rescue centers or adoption websites.
Do Akitas Get Along with Pitbulls? Due to the Akita’s assertive and dominant nature, they typically do not get along with Pitbulls without prior socialization training. In the event of a conflict between an Akita and a Pitbull, the Akita usually prevails due to its size advantage.
Are Akita Pit Mixes Good Swimmers? Although the Akita Pit Mix enjoys water play, they are not natural swimmers. Their heavier physique often prevents them from floating. Nonetheless, they love to splash around in mud and puddles and enjoy playing with water features.
