Akita Lab Mix: Family Pet Cum Guard Dog Extraordinaire

The Akita Lab Mix, or the Labrakita, is a cross between the Akita and the Labrador Retriever. They are large, powerful dogs with friendly and loyal personalities. They are 21 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 130 pounds. Akita Lab Mixes can have a variety of coat colors and patterns, including black, brown, white, and brindle. Their coats can be short or long, and they shed heavily twice a year.

Where Did the Akita Lab Mix Come From?

The Akita Lab Cross Mix is a hybrid breed of the Labrador Retriever and the Akita Inus.

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers, a popular choice for active family pets in the USA, shine as one of Labrakita’s parent breeds. Their affectionate, loving nature and ability to connect with children have earned them widespread admiration.

Known as intelligent working dogs, they can channel their smarts into various tasks. This active dog breed adds value to its role within a hybrid dog breed like Labrakita.

The Akita Inus

The Akita Inus hails as another parent breed of the captivating Akita Lab mix breed. This purebred dog breed flaunts a rich history that dates back centuries and reflects Japanese culture. The breed’s noble lineage manifests in its dignified demeanor and striking physical features.

Recognized globally for their loyal and intelligent temperament, Akitas possesses a robust guarding instinct. They win affection swiftly with their endearing personality types. But don’t be fooled by this charm; they remain highly alert to protect those they hold dear. Many people opt for an Akita Inu for reliable and excellent guard dogs and a devoted family pet blend.

Labrakita Temperament

Socializing your Akita Lab Cross Mix breeds are crucial for their overall temperament. Introducing them to different environments, people, and other animals from a young age helps them become well-rounded.

Socializing your Akita Lab Mix

Using your Akita Lab Cross Mix in social life interactions can be fun and rewarding. It’s vital to start early when they are still puppies. Pups should regularly be exposed to different experiences, people, environments, and animals.

This exposure helps them grow into well-rounded adult dogs comfortable in various situations. Take your Akita Lab Cross Mix puppy to parks and pet stores, or invite friends for socialization.

Regular training sessions and positive reinforcement go a long way in curbing potential aggressive instinct tendencies. They may exhibit this due to their Akita parental genes. First-time dog owners must show patience during this phase. It might take some time before your pup becomes fully at ease around others. 

Akita Lab Mix Personality

Labrakitas have unique and complicated personalities due to their mixed heritage. They exhibit traits from both the Labrador Retriever and the Akita Inu. Labrakitas portray intelligence, loyalty, and stubbornness. They can be both adventure companions or loving pets for families. 

Some may be super-exuberant and playful, while others may be more reserved and headstrong. Labrakitas can also be independent and might display aggression towards strangers.

These designer dogs become loving and affectionate companions with proper socialization and training. Their overall temperament makes them suitable for families with older children who understand how to interact responsibly.

Labrakita Breed Cross Check

This crossbreed between the Labrador Retriever and the Akita Inu results in a mix of traits from both parent breeds.

Akita Lab Cross Mix Weight and Height

The mix of a Labrador Retriever and an Akita is a large, big-boned gentle giant. The variety in adult size is quite significant due to the size differences of their parent breeds. Here’s a look at the typical weight range and height range for the Akita Lab Cross Mix:

Sex	Height Range	Weight Range
Male	24 to 27 inches	60 to 120 pounds
Female	22 to 25 inches	55 to 100 pounds

These figures are just size estimations, and the actual numbers can vary based on the dominant breed gene combination your Labrakita inherits. 

Akita Lab Mix Exercise Requirements

This mix of Akita and Labrador breeds has high exercise requirements. Proper exercise is essential to keep them healthy and happy. They should ideally get at least 90 minutes of exercise every day.

This can include walks or playing in a securely fenced yard. Without adequate exercise, Labrakitas may become overweight or agitated. Regular physical activity burns off excess energy and prevents destructive future behavior.

Due to their high stamina and excess energy levels, providing them with consistent exercise opportunities is important.

Akita Lab Mix Colors

The Akita Lab mix breeds come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and cream. The genetics of the Labrador Retriever and Akita parent dogs determines these coat colors.

Each Labrakita dog can have any combination of these colors, making each one unique. The dominant breed genes from both parent breeds determine the coat color of an Akita Lab Cross mix.

The coat color may change as the dog grows older. If you’re adopting an Akita Lab mix, be prepared for a devoted companion with a beautiful and diverse range of coat colors!

Akita Lab Mix Grooming and Shedding

Grooming is an important aspect of caring for a Labrador Akita Mix. This giant breed has a thick, double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Due to their shedding nature, Labrakitas can have heavy shedding periods, particularly during the warmer months.

To manage this, brush your dog at least once a week using a slicker brush or de-shedding tool. It will remove loose fur and keep their coat healthy. Frequent shampooing and bathing every 6-8 weeks control odor, prevent dry skin, and maintain cleanliness.

Akita Labrador mixes are not considered hypoallergenic due to their shedding behavior. If you have allergies, proper grooming and cleaning routines are necessary to minimize exposure to allergens.

Akita Lab Mix Health

Labrador Akita Mix are generally healthy dogs but, like any other breed, are prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns for Akita Lab mixes include hip dysplasia. It is a condition where the hip joint tissues don’t develop properly and can cause pain and mobility issues. Another condition to watch out for is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). It is a degenerative eye health issue that can lead to blindness.

Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise are key to maintaining your Lab Akita mix’s optimal health. Let’s look at some other common health concerns. 

• Entropion: This is a condition where the eyelids turn inwards. Eye issues like this cause the eyelashes to rub against the cornea, leading to pain,  irritation, and renal failure.
• Cataracts: These are cloudy areas in the eye’s lens that can cause eye issues like vision loss.
• Hereditary deafness: This condition can affect both Akitas and Labrador Retrievers. Ignored ear infections can lead to this. 
• Autoimmune hypothyroidism: This is a thyroid abnormality where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

How To Take Care Of Your Akita Lab Mix?

Invest In High-Quality Diet

Investing in a high-quality diet is crucial for the well-being of your Akita Lab mix. These dogs are active and muscular, so they need a diet with the right energy and nutrients.

Look for commercial food made with real animal protein as the main ingredient, like chicken or beef. Avoid commercial food that contains fillers or artificial additives. Feeding your Akita Lab mix appropriate portions prevent weight gain and obesity.

Supplement Your Pooch’s Diet With Multivitamins

Supplementing your Akita Lab Mix’s diet with multivitamins ensures they receive the nutrients necessary. These multivitamins contain essential vitamins like A, D3, E, B, and C.

These supplements support their immune system, promote healthy bone development, and shiny coat and healthy skin. Consult your veterinarian to determine your pup’s appropriate dosage and brand of multivitamins.

Feed Pet Plate Recipes

Pet Plate recipes are highly recommended for feeding Akita Lab Mixes. These specially formulated dog food recipes provide all the essential nutrients your furry friend needs.

With options like beef, turkey, chicken, and lamb, you can choose the flavors your Akita Lab Mix enjoys the most. Pet Plate ensures recipes are made with high-quality ingredients and prepared in a human-grade kitchen.

IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is also suitable if you prefer an alternative option for your Akita Lab Mix. Acadia Recipe Super Premium Dog food is another great option. 

Use Dental Water Additives

Using dental water additives is an effective way to maintain fresh breath in your Akita Lab Mix. These additives control plaque and tartar buildup in dogs’ mouths and prevent bad breath.

When choosing a dental water additive, look for safe ingredients that won’t harm your pet friend. Adding these substances to their drinking water can freshen their breath. Consider trying Fresh Kisses Coconut Oil Teeth Cleaning Chews as a natural option. It will keep your medium-sized furry friend’s mouth clean and their breath smelling great.

How To Pick An Akita Lab Puppy?

First-time dog owners should look for a puppy with a friendly and sociable temperament.

1. Observe how the puppy interacts with other dogs and people to gauge its socialization skills.
2. Consider the size estimations and energy level of the puppy. Determine if it matches your lifestyle and living situation.
3. Check the puppy’s parents for signs of aggression or health issues.
4. Take note of the overall appearance and structure of the puppy, ensuring it meets giant breed standards.
5. Ask about the puppy’s vaccination history and health clearances from both parent breeds.

Are Akita Labradors Good Family Dogs?

Akita Labs can make great family-oriented dogs. This mixed breed inherits positive traits from the Akita Inu and Labrador Retriever parent breeds. Labradors are friendly and gentle, making them an ideal choice for families with children. They are intelligent and easily trainable, a bonus for raising excellent family pets. 

Akitas are loyal and have protective instincts for their loved ones, providing your family with an extra security layer. Akita Labs can thrive in a loving family environment with proper socialization and training. These mixed-breed dogs also have unique characteristics that make them good family companions. Despite being large, they often have a calm and patient demeanor around kids.

Early socialization ensures this designer breed gets along well with other animals and strangers too. An Akita Labrador mix can be a wonderful addition to any family with proper care, attention, love, and guidance. A loyal breed, these dogs make an affectionate canine companion.

Lab Akita Mix Puppies For Sale

Akita Rescue of Northern California: 

This rescue organization is based in California and specializes in finding homes for Akita and Akita mixes.

Great Lakes Lab Rescue

This rescue organization is based in Texas, and specializes in finding homes for all types of dogs, including Akita Lab mixes.

FAQ

Are Akita Lab Mixes Aggressive?

Akita Lab mixes can be naturally aggressive due to their size and strength. This makes them better suited for experienced dog owners who understand how to handle their strong-willed nature.

They may display territorial aggressive behavior towards other dogs, so proper socialization is important. These mixes have a strong prey drive, so they may not do well off-leash in areas with small animals.

Does Labrakitas Shed? 

Labrakitas are heavy shedders, particularly during the summer and spring months. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily once every six months. Regular brushing your Labrakita at least twice weekly minimizes shedding.

How easy is it to train Labrakita?

Labrakitas are fairly easy to train and have an active life, thanks to their Labrador DNA. This giant breed is intelligent and quick learners, making them receptive to training. Labrakitas can easily grasp commands and basic obedience skills with consistent positive reinforcement and reward-based methods.

How Long Do Akita Lab Mixes Live?

Akita and Lab mixes have an average life span of 10-13 years, although some can live up to 23 years. This makes them relatively long-lived compared to other designer dog breed types.

How much does Labrakita cost?

Labrakita puppies typically fall between the $500 and $1,500 price range. Labrakita puppies may be hard to find since they are a relatively new designer hybrid breed. The price range is influenced by lineage, parent bloodlines, birth order, gender, and whether the puppy is intended for show.