Akita Lab Mix: Training, Grooming, Health Issues, and More

Most of the time, when we are speaking of Akita Lab Mix, we mean the pups created by crossing Akita and Labrador Retrievers. 

Akita, one of the signature breeds from Japan, was created as the strong-willed, independent hunting dog. As for Labrador Retrievers, those are amongst the most affectionate breeds and practically the most popular dog in the US. 

So, fusing those two, created a fascinating combination. 

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How else do they call Akita Lab Mix dogs?

As with all other designer dogs, this Mix is known by many names. Apart from Akita Lab Mix, they often referred to Labrakita and numerous variations of parent breeds names combo.

Akita Lab: breed specifications 

Average Weight60 to 120 pounds
Average Height22 to 28 inches
Average Lifespan10 to 13 years
Easy to TrainYes
SheddingHigh
HypoallergenicNo
Energy LevelMedium
Space RequirementsLarger spaces are preferable
PersonalityLoyal, smart, independent

How big do Labrakita get?

These guys are medium to large-sized dogs, and depending on the dominant parent genes can be anywhere from 60 to 120 pounds and stand from 22 to 28 inches tall. 

The lifespan of Labrador Akita Mix

An average Akita life expectancy is from 10 to 12 years. And you can expect Labrador Retriever to live anywhere from 10 to 14 years. That leaves us with an approximate lifespan of Lab Akita Mix of 10 – 13 years.

Akita and Lab Mix temperament

The parent breeds for this Mix couldn’t be any more different. The Akita has evolved to hunt and turned out to be an excellent guard dog, very wary of the strangers. Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, believe that any stranger is a friend they haven’t met yet.  

So it’s hard to generalize and predict which temper your Larbarkita will inherit. But in many cases, these dogs are somewhere in between. They are cautious, but not very aggressive toward strangers, and they are very affectionate with the close ones.

 Both of the parent breeds are hunters, so they naturally have higher energy levels.

 The Labrakita is a fun-loving pet that does best in a house with a large yard and family members that have a lot of time to play. 

How easy is it to train Labrakita?

These dogs are super smart. So training is relatively easy. Apart from the cases and situations when Labrakita might get a bit stubborn. 

Training tips for your Labrador Akita Mix

So since the stubbornness might be an issue for the proper training process, it’s essential to start Akita Lab Mix training and socialization early on. So you’ll be able to take care of any bad habits that could develop.

This Mix likes to please and very fond of physical challenges. So keep in mind that the more exercise this breed gets, the more trainable it will become. And like all other breeds, they will respond best to positive reinforcement.  

Do Lab Akita Mix dogs shed?

Both Akita and Labrador Retriever are quite a shedders, so you won’t be able to get away for the fur. Lab Akita Mix should really make a very heavy shedder. 

Akita and Lab Mix: grooming and care

Since Labrakita will shed a lot, first and foremost, you should take care of weekly brushings. Their toenails have to be trimmed monthly or as soon as you hear the clicking on the floor. 

Also, brush their teeth 2-3 times per week to prevent dental problems.

And take care of the pup’s ears every week too. You’ll have to regularly check for ear mites, possible irritations, and wax buildup and take care of all of that when it’s necessary. 

Labrakita: possible health issues

In most cases, Akita Lab Mix would be prone to the following health problems:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Various heart conditions
  • Eye diseases
  • Thyroid issues

On the bright side, one of the most typical health issues for Labrador Retrievers is various types of cancer. And Akita dogs don’t get it that much. So you’ll have an excellent chance to end up with the more cancer-resistant pet. 

Akita Lab Mix: is it right for you and your family? 

This Mix is overall friendly, loyal, and very intelligent. They are easy to train and love to be around their “pack” playing with their family members. They are usually good with children, and the Lab Akita is said to have an affinity for smaller ones.

So if you have a large enough house with the yard, love to be active and don’t mind having a super smart and super cute furry friend around Labrakita might be the right choice for you.

A word of warning though. This Mix is very possessive of the food; anyone who approaches his bowl may be in for a vicious attack. So keep that in mind and maybe try to correct this with the training early on.

Credits: thanks for the photo to Canva and Freepik.