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The Akita is a large and powerful breed with a dignified and intimidating appearance. You may not be aware, but this noble dog is also available in a smaller version. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find information about the mini Akita, even from reputable kennel clubs. So, in this article, we’ll cover the miniaturization process and why it’s such a controversial topic in the canine community. Let’s dive right in!
What is a mini Akita dog?
The mini Akita is not an official breed. In fact, they are a smaller version of the standard Akita. But before we look at ways to create mini Akitas, let’s learn the basics of the breed itself.
- The Akita is a large Spitz breed with a striking appearance that reflects the cold-weather adaptations necessary for their original function.
- Males stand from 26 to 28 inches tall and weigh between 100 and 130 pounds. Females stand from 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.
- Akitas are famous for their devotion and protection of those they love. They are alert, brave, and incredibly loyal.
Why is the mini Akita so attractive?
The miniature Akita attracts people for many reasons. First, a larger version of this powerful dog will be difficult to handle, but a smaller one is manageable.
Lack of space could be another factor. Not all Akita lovers live in an ideal condition to keep a large dog, like a big house with a backyard, so small Akitas are more suitable for tiny apartments or houses.
How do you get miniature Akitas?
Fortunately, another alternative to the miniature Akita also exists: the Shiba Inu. They are much smaller but similar in appearance to Akitas. That is why so many people confuse these two breeds.
However, if you still want a dog with Akita blood, there are three ways that have proven to be successful: crossbreeding, introducing dwarfism, or breeding from runts. They all have pros and cons, and we’ll discuss them in more detail in the next section.
Crossbreeding
Mixing with a smaller breed is the most common and humane method to create a smaller version of a large breed. The problem with this approach is that you never know what you’ll get when you mix two distinct canines.
There are many potential outcomes here. For example, the offspring can be smaller but won’t inherit any physical or behavioral characteristics of an Akita. On the other hand, there’s a possibility that the puppies won’t look like their Akita parents and instead end up being the same size.
The following Akita mixes could create a miniature Akita:
Introducing dwarfism
Bringing the dwarf gene into combination is another way breeders can create a mini Akita. Dogs with dwarfism, also known as chondrodysplasia, cannot grow to the breed standard.
This method can produce an Akita with shorter legs, but that is not always the case. Sadly, it also causes skeletal anomalies, enlarged joints, and problems with the spine and limbs.
Breeding from runts
Another method to get a mini Akita is to breed runts repeatedly. Let’s clarify what a runt is! In a nutshell, it is the smallest and weakest animal of a group born to the same mother at the same time.
It makes sense to eventually create a mini Akita by continually breeding smaller dogs. But a side effect of this approach is that when two dogs who were runts are mixed, it increases the likelihood of passing on health problems to their offspring.
Is a mini Akita right for you?
Before deciding to get a mini Akita, you should check to make sure that you’re allowed to keep an Akita where you live. Now let’s dive deep into their details to help you decide if they are right for you.
Appearance
This breed has a dignified expression thanks to their small almond-shaped eyes and erect ears. They also have muscular bodies, straight legs, and plush tails that curl over their backs.
Akitas look just like bear cubs as puppies, especially if they are white. Only slightly longer than their height, their appearance is very well-balanced and elegant.
Size
The miniature Akita is usually the same size as the Shiba Inu. Males stand 14.5 to 16.5 inches tall and weigh about 23 pounds. Females are smaller, standing between 13.5 and 15.5 inches tall and weighing about 17 pounds.
Coat and colors
Akitas have a thick double coat with a dense undercoat and a short topcoat. There is a full range of Akita colors you can choose from, such as brindle, white, sesame, fawn, and many other shades.
Grooming
Mini Akitas shed more in the spring and fall, so you should be prepared to brush your furry friends regularly at these times. In an ideal world, maintaining a daily brushing routine when the shedding seasons arrive will help control shedding and keep your house clean.
Temperament
The miniature Akita inherits all the temperamental traits found in the standard Akita. They are alert, intelligent, fearless, and surprisingly faithful. Since these dogs are highly protective and wary of strangers, they need socialization and training from an early age.
Training and socializing are the two most important parts of raising a mini Akita, so you should start early. Then you will have a wonderful and reliable friend, not a troublemaker.
Positive reinforcement is the method we recommend. Keep in mind you must be respectful during the training because that is what your mini Akita will give you in return.
Also, don’t forget to socialize your dog by exposing them to various people and situations to help these alert pups stay calm and confident.
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.
Exercise
All dogs need exercise to be happy and healthy. While the effects of their boredom aren’t as destructive as those of the standard Akita, you still want your dog to get adequate physical activity with an hour of walking every single day.
Feeding
Like people, every dog is unique, so they don’t need the same amount of food. How much a mini Akita eats depends on many factors, including size, age, metabolism, activity level, etc. You should consult your veterinarian or nutritionist for diet recommendations.
Living with children and other pets
With proper training and socializing, small Akitas can get along with children and other pets. But when they’re playing together, you should always keep an eye on them in case something unexpected happens.
Adopting a miniature Akita
Since the mini Akita is not an officially recognized breed, it may be challenging to find a reputable breeder who has them. Therefore, you’ll need to search far and wide and expect to be added to a waiting list.
Alternatively, if you choose a Shiba Inu, you can have a dog that most closely resembles an Akita in appearance and temperament. Other than that, no miniaturization-related issues will occur.
So now that you’ve learned a lot about the mini Akita, what do you think of them? Are they a good fit for you? Anyway, the decision is up to you. We wish you luck in your search for an adorable furry friend!
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