Huskita – Akita Husky Mix: Here’s What You Need To Know

There are a lot of mixed breeds nowadays. It seems that people enjoy looking for something new and unique. Some of these combinations are failures, while others are fortunate to inherit their parents’ best traits. When it comes to these breeds, the challenge is the uncertainty of the results but also the joy of discovering new possibilities.

Akita Husky Mix (Huskita, Siberian Akita) is one of these new mixes obtained by crossing Siberian Husky and Akita. Most breeders agree that this new designer breed inherited both of their parents’ best qualities. This dog is loyal, affectionate, and protective, but it is not recommended for families with toddlers and other pets or novice owners. Let’s see what to expect.

Everything You Need To Know About The Huskita:

1. History

Even though no one can say for sure when the designer dog Huskita origin, it seems that it sporadically bred since the late 1900s. It was the period when both parent breeds became popular in the US. However, Huskita standards have never stabilized, and the American Kennel Club hasn’t recognized this hybrid dog yet.

2. Siberian Husky Origin

Many people believe that the Siberian Husky is a wolf or some hybrid of this wild animal. However, it is not true. Its ancestors belong to a lineage dating back at least 4,000 years. The first owners were the Churchi tribe members living in northern Siberia who kept this dedicated breed as a sled dog and great companion for their kids.

People became interested in them in the early 1900s when Siberians began winning sled races. In 1925, Gunnar Kaasen with his Huskies crossed 674 miles (1,085 km) in five and a half days to bring 300,000 units of serum to Nome and helped in stopping the diphtheria epidemic. That was a moment for the world to recognize all the value of this breed.

AKC recognized this breed in 1930. Eight years later, the Siberian Husky Club of America was established and very active to this day.

3. Akita Origin

This working breed was developed in the early 17th century. One wayward nobleman came to Japan’s Akita prefecture after the emperor banished him. He spent his days encouraging the barons to breed an ultimate versatile hunting dog.

After generations of selective breeding, Akita was established as a fearless hunter that could fight fearsome Yezo bear, wild boar, and deer. Nowadays, Akita is well-known as a dedicated, world-class family guardian.

An Akita figurine is a usual gift in Japan when a new child comes home. It signifies long life, happiness, and prosperity, mostly thanks to Hachiko, a famously loyal dog that waited for its owner Hidesaburo Ueno for nine years after he died.

After a turbulent history, the breed was on the verge of extinction several times. In 1927, the Japanese national breed club was founded with the goal to ensure Akita’s survival. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the US in 1937, but the AKC recognized the breed only in 1972. Nowadays, you can find two recognized lines, the Japanese and American Akita.

4. Personality

Please pay attention to your pup’s early socialization, and expose it to people and other pets’ company on time. Unfortunately, this dog can be challenging to handle, so it is not a good match for first-time owners regardless of its good nature.

This territorial and possessive animal is often the one-person dog, so you should be careful if you plan to have a family in recent future. Sometimes, this buddy will be overprotective and loyal only to you and hardly accept new people in its territory.

The best part is incredible dedication and loyalty to its human pack after learning rules. Unfortunately, it will rarely enjoy sharing its owners’ love with other animals, especially cats and other dogs. Plus, it may consider small animals as prey. If you decide to have only this dog, it will be a playful and happy creature full of bursting energy.

5. Temperament

Keep in mind that Huskita is probably not the best choice for you if you have a baby or toddler. On the other hand, this large-giant creature is intelligent and affectionate, and it can become a real family dog after consistent and firm training.

Even though well-trained and socialized Huskita will be a kind and careful playmate for your kids, it is wise to supervise their interaction. Unfortunately, children, particularly toddlers, can mistreat the dog and provoke it to attack and even endanger child’s life.

The best option is to teach your offspring how to treat the dog, and your furry friend will become the best possible nanny.

Don’ expect your Husky Akita mix breed to be kind to strangers. This animal is a hunter and guardian, so you should be aware that you will get an intimidating guard dog once it comes into your home. Therefore, you should think twice about such a choice before adopting one.

6. Size And Look

Huskita is a large-sized dog. An average Siberian Husky weighing about 40 to 60 pounds (18 – 27 kg) and is approximately 20 to 24 inches (51 – 61 cm) high, depending on its age and gender. On the other hand, most Akitas are 55 to 75 pounds (25 – 34 kg) heavy, depending on their physical activity. It is usually 24 and 28 inches (61 – 71 cm) high on its shoulders.

As a result, your Akita Husky Mix can weigh in a range of 55 to 110 pounds (25 – 50 kg). It will be approximately 22 and 27 inches (56 – 68.5 cm) high.

When dealing with this mixed breed, you can’t precisely predict its appearance. In most cases, this powerfully builds dog will have a double coat of medium length in white, silver, red, agouti, sable, fawn, brown, gray, and black color. You can often find puppies in pinto or multi-color combinations, as well.

7. Care

Since this dog is prone to weight gain, you should let it exercise, walk, and run at least an hour a day. Regularly check its ears and trim its nails at least once or twice a month. Unfortunately, Huskitas are high shedders, so you need to brush your furry friend at least three to four times a week and bathe it occasionally.

8. Diet And Nutrition

Since Huskita is a large dog, you should provide at least 4 to 5 cups of dry dog food for it daily. Always divide this amount into two, sometimes three well-balanced portions. The portion size should depend on your four-legged friend’s gender, age, weight, and activity level.

Keep in mind that this is an energetic breed with high exercise needs. Therefore, you should modify its meals and determine them to fulfill individual demands. Otherwise, your dog may suffer from obesity.

Both parental breeds enjoy eating raw meat, so you should consider including meat in their baby’s diet. One more thing! Huskita has no clearly defined characteristics, meaning that it can inherit the parents’ traits in a different ratio.

When the Husky genes are dominant, your mixed breed dog won’t need too much food. On the other hand, muscular Akita has a significantly bigger appetite, so its genes will bring a better appetite to its offspring.

9. Possible Health Problems

Huskita mixed breed predisposes the same inherited genetic medical concerns the Husky and Akita parents also suffer from. You can expect that your dog is generally healthy, but you should pay attention to common problems, including:

Obesity – Huskita is a highly energetic dog with a significant appetite. If it is inactive and doesn’t get enough exercise, it will have an obesity problem, which often shortens its life span.

Bloat – Both parents are prone to this possibly fatal condition. When fed with inadequate food, your dog will have an issue with gas accumulation in its stomach. The pressure on other organs may lead to breathing difficulties and irregular blood flow to the heart.

Eye issues – Huskies are susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, and their offspring may inherit these medical problems.

Skin disease – Akitas often suffer from Sebaceous adenitis, followed by a matted coat, alopecia, and mild scaling. Another severe skin issue is zinc responsive dermatosis followed by significantly stunted growth, skin crusts, and cracked footpads. It is not uncommon for their mixes to inherit any of these health concerns.

Hypothyroidism – This severe condition causes the occurrence of weight gain, mental dullness, and excess shedding. It can be fatal without adequate treatment.

Huskitas can also suffer from other medical conditions, including:

These dogs are not hypoallergenic and can live approximately 10 to 15 years.

Conclusion

Huskitas are excellent watchdogs that require a house with a backyard. Ensure a healthy diet, regular grooming, and enough exercise, and your buddy will be satisfied and happy while sharing home with you.