Labrakita – Akita Labrador Mix – Fierce Protector And Gentle Friend

Akita and Golden Retriever mix (Labrakita) is a new large designer dog breed created from two working dogs, Akita Inu and Labrador Retriever, in 2000. It is still a rare combination, and its popularity is questioned since this loyal dog breed is also highly naturally aggressive. On the other hand, it is intelligent, protective, and easy to train.

Like other mixed breeds, Akita Lab can inherit various traits, depending on the gene combination each puppy gets from its parents. Unfortunately, there is no way to accurately predict which traits from either parent dog will occur dominant. The thing is more complicated with the second generation, so choosing such a dog reminds me of gambling.

Everything You Need To Know About Labrakita:

1. History

Labrador Retriever Origin

Labrador’s ancestors were used as waterfowl retrievers during the 1800s in Newfoundland, Canada. After a long crossing with old Newfoundlands, breeders got a beautiful Labrador Retriever we know today. After coming to the US, the AKC accepted the new sporting breed in 1917. It is the most popular pet dog in the US ever.

Akita Inu Origin

Akita is a dog initially bred for hunting on the Japanese island of Honshu in the 17th century. Crossbreeding with large breeds like Great Dane improved their ability to track and hunt wild boar, deer, and bears.

After being almost extinct, Japan started an extensive reformation in the 1920s. After World War II, this unique dog came to the US and became a dedicated guard dog. The AKC recognized this breed in 1972.

Labrakita Origin

Unfortunately, there is not much information about the Akita Labrador mix’s history. This designer breed appeared within the last twenty years, probably as a result of accidental breeding.

2. Personality

There is no doubt that creating a hybrid dog breed is an excellent way to provide genetic diversity to a purebred dog breed. Labrador Akita mix is a perfect example. Unlike the Akita parent, affectionate Labrakita is not an independent creature. This loyal, family-oriented dog tends to spend time with the owner. It can suffer from anxiety, become destructive, and start chewing everything it spots if you leave it alone for a long.

There are two ways of crossbreeding this particular dog. Unlike American Labs, the English Labrakita breeding line tends to create a dog without a strong prey drive. You should choose the one that fits your temperament and personality better.

3. Temperament

Akita Labrador mix dog is a combination of two complicated temperaments, so you can expect to get a unique pet. Also, be prepared that it will be hard to predict the puppy’s future behavior when choosing your new buddy. This protective dog can be highly aggressive to strangers but kind to its family. Since there are multiple examples that both parent breeds are prepared to sacrifice their lives to protect those considering as pack members, their offspring will likely do the same.

On the other hand, you will need to spend time teaching your four-legged friend to accept your guests and family members. Unfortunately, it won’t be an easy task. This dog won’t like tolerating strangers on its territory. Even though Labrakita will probably be an excellent family companion and a perfect match with kids, you should be careful if you have toddlers. Even a well-socialized dog can react negatively to annoying small children.

Since this breed has an instinctive prey drive, it is not the best option for families with other pets, especially cats. Your new buddy will probably enjoy other dogs’ company after proper introductions. Unfortunately, it won’t be a case when the Akita Lab is more like its Akita parent. Remember that your new buddy is still an unknown mix breed, and you can’t determine traits inherited from parents. More Labrador genes will result in a kind and friendly dog, while a puppy with more Akita genes will tend to be more fierce.

4. Size And Look

Labrador Retriever size will vary depending on the dog’s age and gender. Its average height is 22 to 25 inches (56 – 63.5 cm), while the weight is in a range of 55 to 80 pounds (25 – 36 kg). An average Akita Inu weighs about 70 to 130 pounds (32 – 59 kg), depending on gender and age. The approximate height is 26 to 28 inches (66 – 71 cm).

The height of the average Lab and Akita mix is from 21.5 to 28 inches (54.5 – 71 cm). It weighs approximately 65 to 130 pounds (29.5 – 59 kg).

Lab Akita mix has short to medium coat in a few color variations, including:

In most cases, the dog’s eyes are amber, hazel, or brown, depending on inherited genes.

5. Grooming

Labrador Akita has a double coat that heavily sheds twice a year (so-called blowing the coat). The only thing that can help in such a situation is weekly brushing. This dog probably won’t have a too strong doggy odor, so there is no need to regularly bath it except when it goes dirty.

Otherwise, frequent shampooing may cause the problem with dry skin. Nail trimming should be a monthly routine, and regular checking its ears is a must to prevent ear infections.

6. Exercising

Labrakita requires at least one walk a day, but it will be happier with the opportunity to play and self-exercise in a backyard. Avoid taking your buddy off the leash since its prey drive and possible aggressiveness toward other dogs can make you trouble.

Your furry friend will enjoy fetching, hiking, running, and swimming. Without enough activity, it can potentially become anxious and destructive.

7. Training

Since an Akita parent is a willful and independent dog, your Golden Akita mix will need consistent and firm early training for sure. Luckily, Golden Retriever Akita mix is a smart dog and often easy to train.

The only thing that can make an issue is its stubbornness, so you need to find the right combination of persistency, kindness, and treats as a bribe. Plus, your four-legged friend will be more prone to training when you provide it with more physical challenge and exercise.

8. Diet And Nutrition

Since Labrakita is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, the best option is to provide food rich in fish oil and supplements containing chondroitin and glucosamine.

The precise diet will depend on the dog’s size, age, gender, and physical activity. Most of these traits depend on inherited parental genes. In other words, you should feed your dog according to its look and needs. Avoid overfeeding to prevent health issues connected with bones.

9. Possible Health Problems

Like most mix breeds, an Akita Lab mix dog will probably inherit genetic health problems their parents are susceptible to.

General Predisposition

Hip and elbow dysplasia – This skeletal disorder appears when dog’s joints fail to develop adequately. As a result, the dog suffers from joint tissue irritation and unstable joints.

Bloat – Gastric dilation volvulus is a sudden and highly painful stomach swelling and twisting. It is a potentially fatal condition.

Cranial cruciate disease – Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in a dog’s knee causes pain and lameness.

Progressive retinal atrophy – This degenerative condition that affects the retina and leads to blindness is one of the most frequent eye diseases in the Akita Retriever mix.

Glaucoma – It is an eye issue when the dog suffers from extreme eye pressure. This condition leads to optic nerve injures and blindness eventually.

Cataracts – This condition includes eye cloudiness and obstructs vision.

Genetic Predispositions

Entropion – Dogs suffering from this genetic eye defect have inverted eyelids and the problem with their rubbing over the eye surface.

Autoimmune disorders – Unfortunately, Akita Golden Retriever mix is prone to numerous disorders, including:

Renal cortical hypoplasia – Genetically undeveloped kidneys lead to renal failure over time.

Hypothyroidism – Thyroid abnormality leads to inadequate hormone production that causes low energy levels and obesity.

Besides, Akita and Lab mix can be prone to epilepsy and cancer when Labrador Retrievers traits are dominant.

Necessary Tests

The official recommendations for Akita breeders are to test parent dogs for:

Optionally, they can test parents for patellar luxation.

The official recommendations for Labrador Retriever breeders are to test parent dogs for:

Reputable Akita Lab mix breeders voluntarily test their dogs for all recommended tests.

Akita Labrador Retriever mix average lifespan is approximately 10 to 13 years.

Conclusion

Akita Labrador designer mix breed is an excellent combination of unrelated and genetically tested dogs. It is a way to suppress undesirable hereditary traits. This loyal and intelligent dog is a good match for active owners and homes without other pets.