The Akita Chow is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Akita and Chow Chow dog breeds. Large, independent, and loyal, these pups inherited some of the best traits from both of their parents.
The Akita Chow can also be called Chakita. Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you may find these mixed breed pups in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to adopt! Don’t shop!
Akita Chows are quiet, and while they may not be overly affectionate, they are incredibly protective and loyal. Expert dog parents recommended! You will have your work cut out for you with training, as they’re known for being willful and can even be obstinate. The Akita Chow would make a great addition for an active family with older children or in a single person home, so long as they get plenty of exercise and will not be left alone for long periods.
They wouldn’t be suitable for an apartment but would love a house with a yard so they have plenty of room to stretch their legs. You’ll also need to invest a fair amount of time into their training. Akita Chows would make great walking, running, or hiking companions. This is a highly intelligent dog. Keep them stimulated and keep them content!
FunkyPaw recommends a big, spacious crate to give your big Akita Chow a place to rest and relax. You should also purchase a dog de-shedder for your high shedding pup!
See below for all Akita Chow facts and mixed dog breed characteristics!
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:23 to 25 inchesWeight:88 to 145 poundsLife Span:10 to 12 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- The Akita Chow is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Akita or Chow Chow parents.
- The main colors of Akita Chows are silver, fawn, red, brown, black, and white. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of two colors.
- While this dog is not a top choice for allergy sufferers, their coat is easy to groom and may only require a brushing three to four times a week.
- The Akita Chow’s energy levels may vary, but this dog will need a rigorous exercise schedule. 60 minutes of walking a day is a good starting point.
- When raised with children, Akita Chows can do well with them, but they’re not known to be playful dogs and may not put up with rough and tumble play from a young child.
- The Akita Chow would most likely prefer to be an only pet so they can dominate their human parents’ attention.
- Akita Chows are often described as intelligent and independent thinkers, which means you’ll have your hands full with training. When well-trained and socialized, you could not ask for a better, more obedient dog.
- These dogs do not do well when they’re left alone for long periods of time. They may get anxious and engage in destructive or unwanted behavior.
History
It is not known exactly where the Akita Chow originated, and at this point, no one is taking credit for them. There is a good chance that someone began mixing Akitas with Chows in the 1990’s in Northern America when, many groups of people were creating new designer breed dogs. It’s also possible that this mixed breed has existed naturally over the years.
This mix’s parent breeds, however, have longer and more documented histories. For example, the Akita Dog is a working dog breed that originated in the mountains of Northern Japan. They previously worked as fighting and hunting dogs, though their current duties include police and guard work.
The mix’s other parent, the Chow Chow, is one of the oldest living breeds, having originated from Mongolia and Northern China roughly 2,000 years ago and, depending who you ask, the breed may even be even 3,000 years old and hail from Arctic Asia.
The Akita Chow is currently recognized by:
Dog Registry of America (DRA)
Size
As the Akita Chow is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between the Akita and Chow Chow, you can expect Akita Chow’s to be large in size.
Most weigh in at 88 to 145 pounds and range in height from 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger than average. Males tend to run larger than females.
Personality
When it comes to this mix’s parent breeds, Akitas can be willful and cautious of strangers while Chow Chows are often described as aloof toward people they don’t know. This parental genetic combination makes Akita Chows a perfect guard dogs and companions.
Akita Chows are often described as intelligent and independent thinkers, which means you’ll have your hands full with training. When well-trained and socialized, you could not ask for a better, more obedient dog.
Don’t expect kisses and cuddles. While not big on typical dog-like displays of affection, Akita Chows are possessive of their human, which also means they are loyal to a fault. Just make sure they do not establish dominance over you, which they may push the boundaries on.
Like most dogs, the Akita Chow needs early socialization—exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences—when they’re young. Socialization helps ensure that your Akita Chow puppy grows up to be a well-rounded Akita Chow dog.
Health
The Akita Chow breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Akita and Chow also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.
Some of the more common problems Akita Chows suffer from include:
- Entropion
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Akita Chow’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
One tough job when caring for any animal will be maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as many dogs are prone to dental issues. Your vet can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly.
Since the Akita is more active than a Chow Chow, your Akita Chow mix’s energy levels may vary. Make no mistake though, this dog will need a rigorous exercise schedule for overall health and well being. 60 minutes of walking a day is a good starting point.
If you find your dog dragging their bottom or “scooting,” they may need their anal glands expressed. You can do this yourself or let your vet or groomer handle it. It’s one stinky job that may be better left to professionals.
Feeding
An Akita Chow diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with high energy and exercise needs. Look for a high quality dog food for optimum nourishment. As with most dogs it’s best to stick to a feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Twice a day feedings may be ideal.
As with all dogs, the Akita Chow’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Akita Chow’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Akita Chow coats are often a mix of their Akita and Chow Chow parents’ coats and colors. The main colors of Akita Chows are silver, fawn, red, brown, black, and white. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of two colors.
The Akita Chow has a long, thick, straight, double coat and is a heavy shedding dog. While this dog is not a top choice for allergy sufferers, their coat is easy to groom and may only require a brushing three to four times a week.
As far as extreme weather goes, the Akita Chow would not be a great choice for a hot climate. Their double coat would help to keep them warm in cold weather. It’s important to remember this is an indoor dog and needs to live indoors.
Children And Other Pets
When raised with children, Akita Chows can do well with them, but they’re not known to be playful dogs and may not put up with rough and tumble play from a young child. Akita Chows do best in families with older kids who understand how to interact with a dog.
As with any dog, always teach children how to approach and touch your dog, and supervise all interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any mishandling from either party.
Akitas are best kept as a solo pet while Chow Chows can get along with other dogs if they’re raised with them from an early age. It’s best to err on the side of caution with the Akita Chow mixed breed and not plan on getting them any fur siblings. They would most likely prefer to be an only pet so they can dominate their human parents’ attention.
Find out if this is the right dog for you by learning about their Akita and Chow Chow parents.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Akita Chows because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Akita or Chow Chow breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- Big East Akita Rescue (B.E.A.R.)
- Chow Chow Rescue of Central New York, Inc.
