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The Akita Golden Retriever is an amazing mixed breed that brings together the strength and loyalty of the Akita and the friendly and outgoing nature of the Golden Retriever, resulting in a remarkable pet. If you are thinking about getting one of these dogs but would like to learn more about them first, keep reading as we look into their temperament, exercise needs, and training requirements to help you determine if this is the right dog for your home.
Breed Overview
Height:
22–26 inches
Weight:
70–100 pounds
Lifespan:
10–13 years
Colors:
White, silver, red, fawn, gold, black
Suitable for:
Active families, experienced dog owners, large homes
Temperament:
Loyal, intelligent, stubborn, friendly
The Akita Golden Retriever, or Golden Akita, is a blend of the Akita and the Golden Retriever. What makes this mix so much fun is the unique combination of traits that they inherit from their parent breeds. From the Akita, they get strength, loyalty, and protective instincts, and the Golden Retriever provides a friendly and sociable nature, resulting in a dog with a gentle and affectionate disposition and a strong and guarding presence.
Akita Golden Retriever Puppies
Akita Golden Retriever puppies are playful, cute, and curious and can be great fun, especially for children and first-time pet owners. However, early socialization with new places, people, and pets is important to help them feel more comfortable around these things as adults. They will also need plenty of behavioral training so they are easier to control.
Unfortunately, finding a breeder for this special mix will likely take a bit of research, as only a few will specialize in both parent breeds. Choosing a reputable breeder who conducts health checks on their breeding dogs is vital to minimize the risk of inherited health issues. Additionally, reputable breeders often provide ongoing support, guidance, and information about the breed that can help make raising your dog much easier. If you can’t find a breeder, you might find one of these dogs at a local animal shelter or rescue organization.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Akita Golden Retriever
The Akita Golden Retriever is often affectionate, loving, and devoted to their families. However, depending on which parent they take after, they may also exhibit reserved or aloof behavior, particularly toward strangers. So, early socialization is essential to ensure that they grow into well-rounded and well-behaved dogs. They are generally quick learners and can excel in various training activities when you provide them with positive reinforcement methods, consistency, and patience. However, it’s important to note that they may also inherit independent tendencies from their Akita parent, which can influence their willingness to comply with commands.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Yes, Akita Golden Retriever mixes can make great family pets with plenty of socialization and supervision. Exercise and mental stimulation can help them from becoming bored, and proper training will make it easier to manage them at home and when you’re on an adventure. They are protective yet gentle and enjoy interacting with family members.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
The Akita Golden Retriever mix can get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats when properly socialized from an early age. However, it’s important to remember that temperament and behavior can vary within a mixed breed, and your dog may differ from someone else’s. Always supervise interactions with other pets, especially at first, to ensure that they are getting along and that neither one is in danger.
Things to Know When Owning an Akita Golden Retriever
Food & Diet Requirements
An Akita Golden Retriever mix’s food and diet requirements will depend on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. That said, most will need a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken or turkey listed as the first ingredient. Brands containing real fruits and vegetables, probiotics, omega fats, and antioxidants are also ideal. Avoid brands that use chemical preservatives like BHT or artificial colors. Follow the portioning advice on the package carefully to help prevent weight gain.
Exercise
Your Akita Golden Retriever mix will need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. Taking brisk walks, jogging, running, or engaging in active play sessions like fetch or tug-of-war will enable them to burn off energy, preventing boredom and potentially destructive behaviors. Mental stimulation is also essential for an Akita Golden Retriever mix. Incorporate puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, obedience training, or interactive games to challenge their minds.
Training
Begin training your dog as early as possible; puppies have a higher capacity for learning and are more receptive to training. Focus on basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and leash walking before moving on to more complex commands, as these will help keep your pet safe. Positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise will help keep your pet interested in learning, and making sure the sessions are short and consistent will help get them into a routine that can carry on into adulthood.
Grooming ✂️
Due to their double coat, Akita Golden Retriever mixes require regular brushing to prevent matting and to keep their coat healthy. Brush them at least once or twice weekly using a slicker brush or a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and debris. Daily brushing may be necessary to manage the increased shedding during shedding seasons. You will also need to brush their teeth manually with dog-safe toothpaste as frequently as possible and trim their nails if they get too long. Check and clean the ears frequently to prevent infections.
- You might want to check this out: 11 Best Dog Wipes: Reviews & Top Picks
Health and Conditions
- Elbow dysplasia is a developmental condition affecting the elbow joints, potentially causing lameness, pain, and arthritis. Both parent breeds can be predisposed to this condition, so monitoring and appropriate care are essential.
- Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic eye disease that can lead to progressive vision loss and in some cases, blindness. It is more common in the Akita breed, so getting regular eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist is a good idea.
- Hip dysplasia involves abnormal hip joint development, leading to pain, lameness, and mobility issues that can seriously disrupt your pet’s quality of life. Akitas and Golden Retrievers can be prone to this condition, so ensuring proper breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups is crucial.
- Akitas and Golden Retrievers can also be prone to hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, resulting in weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring of thyroid levels are vital for early detection and management.
- Akitas and Golden Retrievers are predisposed to certain types of cancer, including lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection can play a significant role in managing this disease.
Male vs. Female
Like with any mixed breed, your pet’s size, appearance, and temperament will depend more on which parent they take after than whether they are a male or female. The only possible difference is that males tend to be slightly larger.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Akita Golden Retriever Mix
1. Variable Coat Colors
The Akita Golden Retriever mix can have various coat colors and patterns. While both parent breeds typically have distinct coat colors, the mixed breed can inherit a combination, resulting in diverse variations. Some Akita Golden Retriever mixes may have a solid coat color, while others may have markings or a mixture.
2. Weather Adaptability
Due to their heritage, Akita Golden Retriever mixes can adapt to different climates. Akitas are known for their tolerance to cold weather, while Golden Retrievers are more heat tolerant. Your pet may inherit a coat that provides insulation and adaptability to cold and warm climates.
3. Longevity
The Akita Golden Retriever mix generally has a relatively long lifespan compared to some larger dog breeds. While individual lifespans can vary, they can live between 10 and 15 years or longer with proper care, nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups.
Conclusion
The Akita Golden Retriever mix can make a great pet for an experienced owner or a large family with time to spend training and helping them stay active for at least 1 hour each day. They are relatively healthy, with only a few genetic conditions to worry about, and they aren’t that difficult to maintain, only needing regular brushing, teeth cleaning, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. Early socialization with plenty of people, pets, and places will help them feel more comfortable as adults, and proper training will make them easier to control and keep them safe.
Featured Image Credit: Mo Photography Berlin, Shutterstock
