If you’re searching for a dog breed that embodies the perfect combination of beauty, loyalty, and protectiveness look no further than the Lab Akita Mix.
This delightful dog breed brings together the best qualities of two beloved breeds—the Labrador and the Akita.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at both the parent breeds the Labrador and then the Akita and then followed up by the Akita Lab Mix.
In the last part of the article we will be exploring their training needs, socialization requirements, temperament, exercise preferences, and potential health issues.
The Akita
- Weight: 70-130 lbs
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia, PRA, hypothyroidism
- Grooming: Regular brushing
- Fur or Hair?: Double coat, heavy shedding
- Coat Colors: Red, brindle, white, pinto
- Eye Color: Typically brown
- Exercise: Moderate, daily walks, playtime
- Training: Intelligent, needs positive reinforcement
- Socialization: Crucial from early age
- Temperament: Loyal, courageous, dignified, playful, gentle
- Apartments?: Challenging due to size, prefers spacious living
The Akitas are considered one of the finest dog breeds globally. Originating in Japan, Akitas were initially bred for hunting and guarding. Known for their loyalty and courage, Akitas have become cherished companions and excellent working dogs.
Akitas excel in various roles, serving as formidable hunting partners, reliable tracking dogs, and even effective in law enforcement. Their calm and composed demeanor also makes them well-suited for therapeutic roles. A key strength lies in their trainability, as Akitas can learn and perform a =wide range of tasks with ease.
The Labrador Retreiver
- Weight – 55 – 80 pounds
- Height – 22 – 24 inches
- Lifespan – 10 – 12 years
- Major Health Concerns – hip & elbow dysplasia, retinal atrophy, obesity, & cold tail
- Grooming – 4x weekly during shedding season 2x weekly during non-shedding season
- Fur or Hair? – fur
- Coat Colors – black, tan, white, yellow, & chocolate
- Eye Color – brown
- Exercise – they need long walks and runs and playtime in the yard several times a day.
- Training – Labrador is very easy and very eager to train
- Socialization – positive exposure to other people and dogs daily for best socialization.
- Temperament – playful, loyal, even-tempered, outgoing, agile, trusting, gentle & smart
- Good in apartments? – no they need a house with a fenced in yard
America’s most popular dog breed, is the Labrador Retriever, they are an agreeable and friendly companion. This breed holds the crown as the ever-popular choice for the family pets award.
The Labrador was created and bred in Canada. They worked to help fishermen and hunters retrieve their catches. The hunters needed a friendly dog that loved fetching and being in the water at any temperature all day if necessary. They also needed the dog to be very soft in the mouth when retrieving a catch.
The Labrador was sent over to England in the 1800s by some English noblemen who had discovered the breed while visiting Canada. Those breeds began the line that is now the English Labrador Retriever, bred more for show, companionship, and conformation.
The English Labrador is shorter, stockier, thicker necked, and more mellow than their American cousins. We have an article about the difference if you would like to know more about the American Labrador VS the English Labrador.
The Akita Labrador Mix
- Weight – 70-135 lbs
- Height – 24-28 inches
- Lifespan – 10-15 years
- Major Health Concerns – Include hip dysplasia, heart conditions, bone cancer, arthritis, cataracts, bloat, VWD, and breed-specific concerns from Akitas and Labs.
- Grooming – Moderate, regular brushing for shedding
- Fur or Hair? – Double coat, short to medium length
- Coat Colors – Varied, including black, tan, white, and brindle
- Eye Color – Typically brown
- Exercise – High energy, needs regular walks and playtime
- Training – Intelligent, responds well to positive reinforcement
- Socialization – Crucial for a balanced temperament
- Temperament – Loyal, protective, confident, loving, playful, gentle
- Good in apartments? – Not ideal due to size and energy, better in spacious settings with outdoor access.
The Lab Akita mix, is a captivating blend of two distinctive breeds—the Akita and the Labrador
The Lab Akita inherits a combination of physical traits and temperamental characteristics from both parent breeds.
Typically medium to large in size, with a medium build and a distinctive coat, the Akita Labs mix is known for its loyalty, intelligence, protectiveness and friendlyish demeanor.
Training of the Akita Lab mix
Training the Lab Akita mix requires commitment, consistency, and patience. Given their intelligence, positive reinforcement methods work effectively during training sessions.
Early training is crucial to instill good behavior, and basic commands should be introduced in a positive and engaging manner.
The Labrador Akita mix natural intelligence can be channeled through training, resulting in a well-mannered companion that understands commands and boundaries.
Advanced training, such as obedience and agility, can be highly beneficial for mental stimulation and building a strong bond between the you and your dog. Incorporating puzzle toys and interactive games into their routine helps keep them mentally sharp and engaged
Socialization of the Lab Akita Mix
Socialization is paramount in shaping the Akita Lab mix good behavior. Exposing them to various environments, people, sounds, and animals from a young age is crucial.
Positive interactions with strangers, children, and other pets contribute to reducing any potential fear or aggression issues. Regular outings to parks, walks in different neighborhoods, and playdates can help build their confidence and social skills.
While they naturally possess a protective demeanor, a well-socialized Labrador Akita mix will if trained well, will not be aggressive towards strangers and animals. Consistent and positive socialization lays the foundation for a sociable and confident adult dog.
Exercise Needs of the Labrador Akita mix
Given their past needs to hunt and be active their energy levels will require regular exercise. This will be vital for the Akita Labrador mix, now when I say exercise I mean exercise.
Daily walks of no less than 50 min, playtime, and interactive activities help burn off excess energy, prevent boredom, which leads to frustration and maybe aggression and it also helps maintain a healthy weight and brain.
Engaging in activities like swimming, fetching, or even participating in canine sports can be enjoyable for them.
Monitoring their energy levels and adjusting the intensity of exercise based on age and health is important for a happy and contented Lab Akita mix.
Temperament of the Lab Akita Mix
The Labrador Akita mix typically exhibits a balanced temperament, combining the gentleness and agility of the Labrador and protective nature of the Akita.
They are known for being affectionate, loving, loyal, playful, and goofy side with families. Early training and socialization plays a pivotal role in shaping their behavior.
While some may be reserved or stand offish around strangers, due to the Akita side their overall temperament makes them excellent family pets.
Their friendly disposition makes them well-suited for households with children, and their intelligence allows them to adapt to various situations.
Understanding their individual personality and providing consistent positive reinforcement helps in nurturing their loving and loyal nature.
The Akita Labrador Mix Grooming Needs
Moderate grooming is necessary for the Akita Lab mix. Their short to medium-length coat requires regular brushing to control shedding and prevent matting.
Brushing two to three times a week helps maintain a healthy coat and minimizes loose hair around the house.
Routine grooming tasks, such as cleaning ears, brushing teeth, and trimming nails, should be part of a regular schedule.
Health Issues of the Akita Lab mix
- Hip Dysplasia: Labradors and Akitas are prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition affecting the hip joint.
- Elbow Dysplasia: This is a common condition in large breeds and may affect Lab Akita mixes, leading to pain and lameness.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): Deep-chested breeds like Labradors are more susceptible to bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself.
- Heart Issues: Both Labradors and Akitas may be prone to certain heart conditions, such as aortic stenosis. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential.
- Hypothyroidism: Akitas are known to be prone to hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones.
- Cancer: Large breeds, including Labradors, can be predisposed to certain types of cancer. Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection are crucial.
- Eye Issues: Akitas may be prone to certain eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular eye examinations can help detect and manage such issues.
The health of an Labrador Akita mix, like any mixed-breed dog, can be influenced by genetic factors inherited from both parent breeds.
It’s important to note that individual dogs may vary, and not all Labrador Akita mixes will experience the same health issues. However, here are some potential health concerns associated with the parent breeds that may be relevant.
Conclusion of the Akita Lab mix
In conclusion, the Akita Lab mix, with its unique blend of traits from two iconic breeds, has the potential to be an extraordinary companion.
Proper training, socialization, exercise, grooming, and health care are paramount for their well-being. The Akita Lab mix, when provided with the right care and environment, can thrive as a cherished member of the household, bringing joy, companionship, and unwavering loyalty to those fortunate enough to share their lives with this remarkable breed.
Do You Have an Akita Labrador Mix or Other Dog Breed?
If you have a Lab Akita mix and you would like to send us information, and/or a photo with your dog’s info we can post it onto our Mixed Dog Breed Photo Gallery!
More For You
If you found the article on the Labrador Akita mix interesting but over all not what you are looking for either in power or size, we have multiple other article on other types of dog breeds that you might find interesting:
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- The St. Bernard Labrador mix
- The St. Bernard Rottweiler mix
- Rottweiler Mastiff mix
- Mastiff Lab mix
- Best Hunting Dogs
- Rottweiler and Labrador Health Issues
- Rain boots for dogs
Happy Tails
The Labrottie Team