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If you’ve never encountered an Akita Mastiff mix before, the guide below will give you a good idea of what owning one of these massive pups is like, so you can know whether they would be an excellent addition to your home. Let’s dive right in!
What is an Akita Mastiff mix?
The Akita Mastiff mix is a cross between an Akita and a Mastiff, so they often inherit the best of both worlds. They’re not the most popular breed on the planet, but they can make excellent pets and powerful guard dogs.
Size
When you look at their parents, it’s no surprise that the Akita Mastiff mix is a giant. Males may be slightly larger than females. But no matter which gender you choose to bring home, you will still be dealing with a massive canine.
Appearance
One of the things that makes these canines stand out is their distinctive appearance. The alert look of the Akita Mastiff mix gives the impression that they are always on the lookout.
These dogs may have shorter, more Mastiff-like coats or longer, thicker coats like Akitas. Their fur can come in black, brindle, brown, cream, fawn, red, silver, or white.
Lifespan and health
There are many factors that affect a dog’s lifespan, such as health, diet, and exercise. However, the average lifespan of the Akita Mastiff is 10 to 12 years, which is typical for canines of this size.
Like all breeds, they are susceptible to some health issues. Not all of them will get these diseases, but if you’re thinking about getting one, you should be aware of them. Here are a few examples to look out for:
- Bloat
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Von Willebrand disease
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Heart disease
- Cancer
The good news is that regular vet visits will help prevent many health conditions before they become a problem. In most cases, proactive care outperforms a creative approach!
Temperament
The Akita Mastiff mix is perfect for protection thanks to their size as well as temperament. These canines won’t back down from anyone or anything, so they’ll make all evildoers who intend to harm you think twice.
They are very attached to their homes and families but need a lot of work to keep that devotion from going off the rails. These dogs are indeed strong, so if you don’t train them well, you could be in big trouble.
When Akita Mastiffs come of age and overcome their clumsiness and energy, they become calm and self-assured. These powerful dogs are excellent guardians, although they tend not to bark as much as other breeds.
Exercise
An hour of daily walking is needed to keep the Akita Mastiff mix in shape. Without physical activity and stimulation, they can get bored and destructive and become a nightmare.
However, you should avoid giving them exercise less than an hour after eating because it can cause bloating in large dogs. In addition, it is necessary to limit running, jumping, and hiking until they reach physical maturity at 18 months of age.
Training and socializing are the two most crucial parts of raising an Akita Mastiff mix. You’ll have a wonderful, reliable friend if you’re successful in these two areas. But if you don’t take them seriously, you could end up with a giant monster.
The quality of training and socializing makes a difference in a dog’s behavior. You will regret encouraging your Akita Mastiff’s aggressive tendencies by being violent, so positive reinforcement works best for them.
When you walk outside, you must control these dogs on a leash. Leash training should take place along with obedience training. However, if you struggle with it, you can consider hiring a private trainer or enrolling in an obedience class.
Also, don’t forget socialization, particularly throughout the first nine months of their lives. To help them stay calm and confident in unfamiliar situations, you should expose them to as many strange people and situations as possible.
Whatever your dog’s breed is, training is a must if you want to eliminate bad behavior and create the obedient, well-behaved dog of your dreams. You can choose suitable online classes from these 20 reputable SpiritDog Training courses to learn how to “successfully” train your canine using science-based positive methods, or grab the free guide below.
Shedding and grooming
Some Akita Mastiffs do most of their shedding in the spring and fall, while others shed year-round. Expect to brush your furry friends two to three times a week and stick to a daily brushing routine when the shedding seasons come.
After being outside in the rain or snow, you need to dry your dog thoroughly to prevent possible skin irritations that could become infections. It will hurt them and frequently generate foul odors.
Bathing is something you usually have to do every one or two months. If your dog enjoys getting muddy, that is an exception. You might need to bathe, as needed, in this situation.
You should cut your dog’s nails if they are long enough to click on the floor. Also, brush your teeth at least once a week to remove tartar and help maintain good oral health.
Another area that requires attention is your dog’s ears, especially if they hang down. Cleaning their ears weekly with an ear cleaner will optimize their health and prevent infections.
Related post: The 5 Best Brush for Akita – Reviews & Top Picks
Feeding
How much a dog eats depends on various factors, like size, age, metabolism, activity level, etc. Like people, every dog is unique, so they don’t need the same amount of food.
To keep your Akita Mastiff mix in the best condition possible, you should feed them high-quality food (no fluff) and watch their food portions closely because obesity exacerbates many health conditions.
Living with children
We’d likely discourage bringing an Akita Mastiff mix into a family with very young children. They are vigorous dogs, capable of doing quite a lot of damage. Moreover, it is impossible to trust small children to always behave well with dogs.
Living with other pets
While Akita Mastiffs can get along with other animals, it’s best to avoid having two puppies of the same gender (especially two females). Having different sexes in the house will lessen the possibility of fights.
Adopting
The Akita Mastiff isn’t an easy breed to have around, so they’re not a very good choice for inexperienced owners. These powerful canines need a firm master to handle, and the ideal living environment for them is a house with a large yard.
Keep in mind that this mixed breed is relatively rare. Therefore, you will need to search far and wide to find a reputable breeder and be prepared to join a waiting list (the idea of having a designer dog is more attractive these days).
Conclusion
The Akita Mastiff Mix is a naturally protective dog and has a strong sense of loyalty. The longer your dog lives in your house, the more loyal they will be. If you are prepared to handle everything that comes with ownership of an Akita Mastiff mix, you’ll find that these dogs are incredibly affectionate and fiercely protective.
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