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Akita Border Collie Mix – Complete Owner Guide (2024)

Last updated on March 10th, 2024 at 04:15 pm

Have you ever heard of an Akita Border Collie mix? It’s a cool hybrid dog that’s both loyal and energetic. This breed is becoming quite popular, and for good reason! They’re super unique and have a charming personality. In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about this furry friend, including how they look, their playful nature, and specific needs. By the end, you’ll know whether an Akita Border Collie mix is the perfect match for your lifestyle.

Appearance

Akita Border Collie mix

Want to know what these dogs look like? Picture a fluffy teddy bear with the smarts and agility of a sheepdog. That’s the Akita Border Collie mix for you! They’re a special blend of both parent breeds, so you’ll see some striking features in them. 

These dogs have a double coat that’s all fluffy and can come in various colors like red, black, white, or even a mix. And they might inherit the cool markings around their eyes and hold an intelligent gaze that’ll melt your heart. Depending on which parent breed is more dominant, the Akita Border Collie mix could be a medium to large-sized dog with a powerful build that matches their active personalities!

Temperament

Let’s talk about the personality of the Akita Border Collie mix! These dogs are excellent companions who love to live their life to the fullest. They are fiercely loyal like Akitas and become very protective of their family members, but they are also playful and intelligent, just like Border Collies. 

Akita Border Collie mixes love to learn new tricks and want to make their owners happy. However, every dog is different, and these mixes may have some independent tendencies. So, it’s essential to socialize and train them early to ensure they become well-behaved companions. With the right approach, an Akita Border Collie mix can be a loving and fun addition to your family, but it takes effort to shape their unique personality.

Exercise needs

The Akita Border Collie mix is a breed that loves to be active and needs plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They’re not your average lazy couch potato pet, as they’ve got a lot of energy inherited from the Border Collie and athleticism from the Akita. If you don’t give them enough exercise and playtime, they may become destructive and chew on things or bark excessively. 

To keep your Akita Border Collie mix entertained, you can do a few things. For example, take them for a walk or jog, let them explore and have fun. They’ll also enjoy playing fetch, and it’s a great way to get some exercise in. If you want to challenge them a bit more, take these furry friends to a dog park or set up an obstacle course in your backyard.

Just remember to adjust the exercise intensity and duration based on your dog’s age, health, and specific needs. As long as you give them the right amount of physical and mental stimulation, your Akita Border Collie mix will be happy and healthy!

Training & socialization

Akita Border Collie mix

If you’re considering getting an Akita Border Collie mix, remember these dogs are super bright and have strong personalities. Therefore, they need consistent training and socialization to be good pups. It’s best to use positive reinforcement when teaching them new tricks during short and engaging training sessions. 

Don’t forget that these dogs tend to be protective and independent, so socializing them early by introducing them to different people, animals, and environments in a cheerful and controlled way is vital. This will help your Akita Border Collie mix to become a confident pet who can easily navigate the world.

Many readers have loved learning how to train their dogs based on scientific methods from a free workshop conducted by Dr. Alexa Diaz (one of the top service dog trainers in the U.S.) and Eric Presnall (host of the hit Animal Planet TV show “Who Let the Dogs Out”) at the K9 Training Institute. In the free online dog training workshop, you’ll discover:

    1. How to train your dog using body language rather than verbal cues
    2. The 3 key techniques that service dog trainers use to train dogs and how you can use them too
    3. The most important step that “normal” dog owners have been missing (this is very important to get your dog’s attention, and it works 100% of the time)
    4. How to stop bad behaviors like excessive barking, pulling on the leash, jumping, etc.
    5. Why a lot of dog owners are unable to establish the amazing bond that service dog trainers have with their dogs

Etc.

Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, this pre-recorded workshop will help you train them successfully. You may not want to miss the chance to learn these groundbreaking techniques. Here’s the free workshop.

Grooming

Suppose you have an Akita Border Collie mix. In that case, you should know that their double coat inherited from the Akita side makes them prone to moderate to heavy shedding, especially during seasonal changes. The best way to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting is to brush them regularly, ideally a few times a week. To make grooming easier, invest in a good quality slicker brush that can remove loose hair and debris and a de-matting comb to tackle any tangles that might arise.

When it comes to bathing, these dogs don’t need frequent washes as they can strip their coat of natural oils. Instead, aim for baths every 2-3 months or as needed, using a gentle dog shampoo. Following these grooming tips will help your Akita Border Collie mix look and feel their best.

Nutrition

Akita Border Collie mix

The Akita Border Collie mix is an energetic dog breed that requires a balanced diet to stay healthy. As a high-energy canine, they need plenty of protein to build and maintain muscle mass. When looking for dog food, you should choose a brand with lean protein sources such as chicken or fish listed among the first few ingredients. These protein sources are essential to keep their muscles strong and healthy.

Portion control is a crucial aspect of your dog’s diet, as overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues. It’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian to determine how much food an Akita Border Collie mix needs based on age, weight, and activity level.

Finally, you have to keep your dog hydrated by providing them with fresh, clean water at all times. Water is essential for their overall health, and it helps regulate their body temperature, aids digestion, and prevents dehydration. Make sure to change the water frequently, especially during hot weather or if they are particularly active. 

Lifespan & health

Your Akita Border Collie mix is likely to live for about 10-14 years, which is pretty cool! But, like any breed, they might have some health issues. Don’t worry, though. These are just possibilities, not certainties. Some potential things to watch out for include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems. 

The best way to keep these dogs healthy and happy is to take good care of them. Make sure you schedule regular vet checkups so you can catch any problems early on. Giving them a healthy diet and plenty of exercise is also important. 

Akita Border Collie mix for sale

How about getting an Akita Border Collie mix? Here are some things to consider when searching for breeders:

  • Do your research and look for breeders who follow ethical breeding practices.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask the breeder about the parents’ health, temperament, and any genetic testing that’s been done. You can even visit the breeder’s facility to see how the dogs are raised and interact with the parents and puppies.
  • Make sure the puppies are vet-checked and up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming.

Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue is also a fantastic option. Giving a loving home to a dog in need can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you adopt or buy, ensure you’re prepared to provide them with a loving home, proper training, and all the care they need to thrive. Having a dog is amazing, but it comes with a lot of responsibility.

Becoming a dog parent is one of the most memorable moments of life. But before bringing your new best friend home, it’s vital to have all the right things to make sure the adoption is really smooth and makes them feel right. You may feel overwhelmed by tons of puppy products on sale and not sure what items your puppy actually needs. That’s why we’ve compiled this minimalist puppy checklist to help you get started.

Conclusion

Akita Border Collie mix

Akita Border Collie mix pups are intelligent, energetic, and loyal, making them great pets for the right person. But if you’re not into high-energy dogs that need a lot of attention, this might not be the breed for you.

Before you get one of these cute and charming pups, you should know that they require a lot of training and socialization to be well-behaved. They like adventure, so they need a lot of exercise and playtime to stay happy and healthy. If you’re up for it, they can make great companions who will always keep you on your toes.

About us: Pet Chao is a community for Asian dog breed enthusiasts. Our goal is to keep you and your four-legged friend healthy and happy by providing valuable resources and fostering a like-minded community.