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Welcome to the complete guide to the Akita mixed with Lab, also known as the “Labrakita”! Due to their strong hunting background, this new mixed breed is definitely not for everyone. In this article, we will find out all the characteristics of a Labrakita and help you decide if this is the right dog for you.
Let’s dive right in!
What is a Labrakita dog?
A Labrakita dog is the result of crossing a purebred Akita with a purebred Labrador Retriever. This hybrid combines two working breeds to produce a large and big-boned dog with a thick double coat.
Akita Labrador mix is a relatively new designer hybrid, so it’s not easy to find. Read on to find out all the facts about them!
How big will an Akita Lab mix get?
You can expect Labrakitas to be large in size based on the size of their parents. A typical Akita Labrador mix stands from 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 70 to 130 pounds. Males tend to be larger than females.
Coat colors
Akita mixed with Lab dogs will have a thick double coat like their parents, so that’s why they prefer cold weather. These dogs may have the Akita’s markings or be solid-colored like a traditional Labrador.
They may be one of the following colors:
- Akita black Lab mix
- Yellow Lab Akita mix
- Akita chocolate Lab mix
- Brindle Akita Lab mix
- Akita Lab mix white
- …
Appearance
Because each puppy is unique and inherits different traits from its parents, it is tough to predict their appearance. However, by taking a closer look at its parents, we can get a good idea of what our puppy will look like.
An Akita Lab can have black, pinto and/or white markings, with or without a mask. They have a square appearance with good bone structure and an upright stance.
Akita Lab mix lifespan
The average Akita Labrador mix lifespan is between 10 and 13 years. Three main factors that affect the longevity of this breed include:
- Genetic information they inherit from parents.
- Events like illnesses, injuries, and accidents happen to them during their life.
- Their nutrition and lifestyle.
If our four-legged friends receive immense love and proper care, they can live longer and be with us for many years.
Akita Lab mix temperament
Akita Lab mix temperament is intelligent, loyal, and stubborn. They tend to be independent and aggressive with strangers. These dogs can also be territorial around other dogs.
Akita and Lab mix is an excellent guard dog. They are very protective of their family and will not hesitate to make their presence known when they sense you are in danger.
Health
Like any hybrids, there is a risk that Akita Labrador mix will develop hereditary health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and excessive weight gain.
On that basis, buying Akita Lab mix puppies from a reputable breeder is now more favorable as you can avoid a potentially sick dog. A reputable breeder should provide the puppy’s health certification.
Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups to detect any health issues early and keep your dog healthy.
Exercise
Labrakitas naturally have a lot of energy because both of their parents were excellent hunters. If they aren’t given enough stimulation and exercise, they tend to become overweight, depressed, and behave destructively.
The recommended amount of exercise for an Aktia mixed with Lab is 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity every day. They like playing fetch, going for long hikes or walks, swimming, and other water activities.
Training an intelligent dog is easy but can also be difficult due to Labrakita’s stubborn temperament. They will respond best to positive reinforcement like all other dogs.
You can use high value rewards to keep your dog motivated. It can come from praise, belly rubs, favorite food, treats, and so on. Keep each training session short, fun, and consistent.
Any dog will benefit from early socialization! Akita Lab also needs it to prevent and lessen their aggressive instinct. Let’s introduce your puppy to many people, animals, sights, smells, noises, and places in a safe manner.
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 & grooming
Akita Labrador mix dogs are year-round shedders. Although Labrakitas can groom themselves like a cat, they still need regular brushing and bathing monthly to control shedding and keep their coat shiny.
You should periodically check and clean your dog’s ears to prevent ear infections. Trim their nails when you hear the clicking sounds on the floor. Also, brush their teeth at least once a week to maintain good dental health.
Feeding & diet
To give your Labrakitas all the essential nutrients, you should feed them high quality food. All ingredients need to be easy to digest. Additionally, their food must be high in protein and free of artificial additions or fillers.
It is crucial to avoid overfeeding your dog because it only makes their health problems worse. Therefore, you should follow a regular feeding schedule and avoid leaving food out all day.
Children & other pets
Strict supervision is necessary for households with young children as this large breed is not always a patient dog. Akita and Lab mix does best in a family with older children who can learn to interact with a dog appropriately.
They tend to be aggressive toward other canines, especially those of the same sex. A good rule of thumb is never to leave two males or females alone together.
Furthermore, with their hunting background, Labrakitas also have a tendency to chase small animals, including cats. But keep in mind that early socialization can help! Let’s do it as early as possible.
Lab Akita mix puppies for sale
Akita cross Labrador puppies will be a bit pricey. The price depends on their parents, the number of available puppies, and medical attention received.
Just because a breeder has puppies available doesn’t mean you should buy from them, especially if they do not use genetic testing. A reputable breeder will provide you with the results of breed-specific health examinations as required.
All of that breeder’s dogs must be kept in the best possible environment. You don’t want to spend lots of money on a sick or malnourished puppy, nor give money to an animal abuser.
Conclusion
Akita mixed with Lab, commonly called Labrakita, is a cross between a purebred Akita with a purebred Labrador Retriever. They’re intelligent, courageous, and devoted to their family. If you’re looking for an excellent guard dog, Labrakita is one of the best choices.
And before you leave, check out our best new puppy resource for new dog parents below ⇓
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