Akita Chow Mix: The Ultimate Guide to the Chakita Dog

Are you fascinated by the majestic looks and brave, loyal nature of the Akita and Chow Chow dog breeds? Then you may be intrigued by the Akita Chow mix, also known as the Chakita. This relatively new designer dog combines the most impressive qualities of its purebred parents into one striking, wolf-like package.

But with great looks also comes a strong-willed personality that requires an experienced, committed owner. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about the Akita Chow mix, from its history and physical characteristics to its temperament, training requirements, potential health issues and more. By the end, you‘ll have a clear idea if this powerful, independent-natured hybrid is the right dog for you and your lifestyle.

What is an Akita Chow Mix?

The Akita Chow mix is a cross between a purebred Akita and purebred Chow Chow. Like all mixed breed dogs, each Chakita inherits a unique combination of traits from its parents. In general though, you can expect a large, muscular dog with a bear- or lion-like head, erect ears, dark almond-shaped eyes, and a long, dense double coat in colors like black, red, fawn and cream.

Some key facts about the Akita Chow mix:

• Height: 22-28 inches
• Weight: 70-130 pounds
• Lifespan: 9-12 years
• Coat: Thick double coat, sheds heavily seasonally
• Grooming Needs: Brush several times per week, more during shedding
• Exercise Needs: Moderate, at least an hour per day
• Trainability: Intelligent but independent, requires patient training
• Ideal For: Experienced dog owners, homes with securely fenced yard, guard dog

Akita Chow Mix Temperament and Personality

Both the Akita and Chow Chow breeds have reputations for being stoic, independent, and protective. Chakitas definitely inherit these strong guarding instincts – they are loyal and devoted to their families but aloof and suspicious towards strangers.

Like their parent breeds, Akita Chow mixes are not typically outgoing, affectionate dogs. They bond closely with their owners but are content to sit quietly by your side rather than demand attention. Many have a cat-like nature and prefer to come to you for petting on their own terms.

Early, extensive socialization is a must for the Akita Chow mix. Their natural wariness can easily tip over into aggression without exposure to many different people, dogs, and situations starting from puppyhood. They also have a high prey drive, so they‘re not a good fit for homes with small pets like cats or rabbits unless raised with them from a young age.

While they can get along with older, respectful children, Akita Chow mixes are not the best choice for families with babies or toddlers. Their large size and low tolerance for rough play means there is a high risk of accidental injury. They may also try to dominate kids or resource guard food and toys.

That independent spirit and confidence also means Chakitas are intelligent but not the most obedient dogs. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise is the best way to motivate them in training. Harsh corrections will make them shut down. First-time dog owners may struggle with their stubborn streak, so enrolling in obedience classes with a professional trainer experienced in independent breeds is recommended.

Akita Chow Mix Care and Grooming

With their thick, plush coats, Akita Chow mixes look high maintenance in the grooming department. In reality, their coats are fairly easy to care for, although they do shed prolifically once or twice a year as the seasons change. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath is sufficient to keep their skin and coat healthy.

However, Chakitas do need a lot of exercise for such a large breed. While they have bursts of energy and enjoy romping and playing, they‘re not an ideal running or biking companion. Two moderate-paced walks per day plus some backyard playtime is enough to keep them fit. Mental stimulation with puzzle toys is important too to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Akita Chow‘s large size and strength also mean leash training is a must. Even as puppies, they can easily drag you down the street if allowed to pull. Take the time to teach loose leash walking skills early on before your Chakita reaches their full size and power.

Akita Chows can adapt to apartment living as long as they get out for regular walks. However, a home with a securely fenced yard is ideal to provide a safe space to burn off steam. Dog parks are not recommended since many Chakitas don‘t appreciate the overly friendly, in-your-face play style of other dogs.

Akita Chow Mix Health and Lifespan

As a relatively new mixed breed, there is limited data on health issues specific to the Akita Chow. However, they can potentially inherit genetic disorders common to their parent breeds such as:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma
• Thyroid disorders
• Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus)
• Skin conditions like sebaceous adenitis
• Certain cancers like osteosarcoma

Choosing a Chakita puppy from a reputable breeder who health tests the parents can reduce the risk of inheriting many of these issues. Keeping your Akita Chow mix at a healthy weight, feeding a quality diet, providing appropriate exercise, and scheduling regular vet check-ups also play an important role in increasing their lifespan, which is typically between 9-12 years.

Finding an Akita Chow Mix

If you‘re interested in adding an Akita Chow mix to your family, be prepared to do your research to find a responsible breeder. Because Chakitas are still fairly rare, you may need to join a waiting list or travel to find the right puppy.

Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $2000 for an Akita Chow mix puppy, depending on the breeder‘s reputation and location. Avoid buying from a pet store or online seller, as these puppies often come from cruel puppy mills. A good breeder will have health certifications for both parents and will insist you meet the puppy in person before taking them home.

Alternatively, you may be able to find an adult Akita Chow mix in need of a new home through a rescue organization or animal shelter. Adopting an older dog allows you to skip the intensive puppy training stage. However, it‘s important to find out as much as you can about the dog‘s history to ensure their temperament and energy level will be a good fit for your household.

The Bottom Line

The Akita Chow mix is a striking, noble-looking dog that exemplifies the best qualities of its parent breeds. Brave, loyal, and protective, they are an excellent choice for an experienced owner seeking a watchdog and devoted companion. With their strong-willed, independent nature, they‘re not the easiest dogs to train. But for the right person willing to put in the time and effort, the Chakita is a calm, quiet breed that will be your fearless guardian for life.

While the Akita Chow‘s fluffy teddy bear looks may be irresistible, this is not the dog for everyone. Their large size, high exercise needs, heavy shedding, and standoffish demeanor make them ill-suited for novice owners, small living spaces, and homes with young children or vulnerable pets.

Only consider an Akita Chow mix if you have experience with independent breeds and the commitment to provide lifelong training, socialization, and a securely enclosed space for a powerful, unwaveringly loyal protector. If you can meet the breed‘s needs, you‘ll be rewarded with a courageous, discerning companion like no other.