Akita Chow Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

40-60 kg

Height

58.5-63.5 cm

Lifespan

8-12 years

Jump To

About the Akita Chow

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

Who wouldn’t want a teddy bear running around their house? These pooches are big, fluffy, and as protective and independent as they come. They are a wonderful breed but may not be suitable for everyone. They sure do make a great companion and guard dog!

This guide tells you all you need to know and more about these big fluffy pooches!

What is the history & origin of the Akita Chow?

The history and origin of the Akita Chow are not certain. It is believed that someone started mixing Chows and Akitas in North America in 1990. But there is also a chance that they merely started to exist naturally.

The parents of this breed have a much more extensive history. The Akita dog originates from the mountains of Northern Japan. They were initially working dogs and went hunting and fought. Currently, they do guard and police work.

The other half of the Akita Chow mix is the Chow Chow. They originate from Northern China and Mongolia and are about 2000 years old – they are one of the oldest dog breeds. They may even date back 3000 years and come from Arctic Asia.

The Dog Registry of America recognizes them as a breed.

What is an Akita Chow breed?

An Akita Chow is a mixed breed; they are a cross between Chow chows and Akitas. They are a designer breed and are also known as Chakita’s.

They have very long and thick coats, so they are primarily indoor dogs and will not do well in the heat.

The Akita Chow is an excellent mix of two very special types of dogs.

Who is an Akita Chow best for?

An Akita Chow is best for an experienced pet owner. These dogs can be very difficult to train; they are known for being obstinate and willful. They are also well suited to active families, preferably with older children. These pups love being active and need tons of exercise.

They are also great dogs for single owners. They will need a house, though; they will not be happy in a small apartment since they love running around and stretching their legs. They make great hiking, running, and walking companions.

It’s a good breed but does tend to be afraid of younger children. They also don’t want to be shared by owners who have another pet as they can get quite aggressive. It is best for them to be in households that don’t have other pets, or they should be socialized early on.

Akita Chow Grooming & Shedding

An Akita Chow is a heavy shedding dog. They have a thick double coat. However, it is relatively easy to groom. Give their coat a good brush 3-4 times each week to avoid matting and knots. Brushing also reduces shedding.

It would be best if you had a good care and grooming routine for your pooch. You should trim their nails once or twice each month and brush their teeth daily to maintain good oral health.

Do Akita Chows bark a lot?

Akita chows are a very quiet dog breed, so they do not bark very much. They may bark to communicate or if they feel threatened or need to protect. But they are not likely to be nuisance barkers.

What is the average weight & height of an Akita Chow dog?

Since the Akita Chow breed is a mixed breed, they are relatively big dogs, and there are some standards when it comes to their weight and size.

Most Akita Chows weigh around 40-60 kg and will usually be about 58.5-63.5 cm in height and about 90-110 cm in length.

However, this is just in general. Some can be smaller than this, while others may be slightly bigger. A male Akita Chow will be bigger than a female.

Are Akita Chows easy to train?

Training isn’t always easy for this big, stubborn breed. Set up rewards-based training programs with your pup from time to time, but without the use of force. Make sure your pup has been socialized before introducing to large groups.

This will help the dog develop a better tolerance for others and helps him be more friendly toward humans. Obedience training is essential. Teach your pup specific commandments and how to follow the rules from a young age.

They also tend to get distracted and lose focus quickly, so you need to be patient with them. Treats and touch are the best ways to reinforce and teach positive behaviour.

How do Akita Chows behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Akita Chow gets some of its personality traits from its Chow Chow parent and some from its Akita parent, making it a mix of two wonderful breeds.

An Akita Chow is loyal, and they have a very protective nature. They are not overly affectionate and are generally relatively quiet. However, they are very intelligent and do require a lot of mental stimulation.

They are independent but have the tendency to become very attached to their owners; this can make them quite possessive. They are not playful dogs and can be somewhat stubborn; their protective nature can also lead to dominant behaviour.

But all in all, they love their owners and want to protect them.

Does the Akita Chow have any common health issues?

Akita Chows are prone to the same conditions that their parents face. They can suffer from health problems such as:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative eye condition that can lead to vision loss over time.
Entropion: A condition where the eyelids roll inward, potentially causing irritation and discomfort.
Hip Dysplasia: A joint issue where the hip doesn’t fit properly, which can lead to pain and arthritis.

Taking them for regular vet checkups can help ensure good health.

But all in all, they are very healthy dogs, and they suffer from very few serious health problems. One serious problem, though, is obesity. It can easily be avoided with a healthy diet and adequate exercise.

What is the lifespan of an Akita Chow?

An Akita Chow has a relatively good lifespan. They can live to be anything between 8-12 years old. However, this does depend on how they are cared for, their diet, and their lifestyle.

How much does an Akita Chow need to be fed?

Since they fit into the category of large dog breeds, they should be given a suitable diet that is appropriate for their energy level and exercise needs. Feed your Akita Chow high-quality dog food and have a proper schedule with feeding times.

Their diet should also depend on their health, energy levels, metabolism, age, and weight. But generally, an Akita Chow should eat three cups of good-quality food per day, and it should be spread between two meals.

How much can you expect to pay for an Akita Chow in Australia?

The parents of the Akita Chow are two incredibly high-priced breeds, so you can expect to pay a couple of thousand dollars for an Akita Chow puppy. The cost will also vary depending on the breeder.

You could be looking at about $2000 and up. Some Chow Chows can cost around $8000, and Akitas can go for $4500, so looking at these prices, it is clear that Akita Chow puppies will come at a price.

An adult Akita Chow can cost you even more, but this does depend on how old the dog is and if it is suffering from any health issues.

Make sure that you buy your pooch from a registered and reputable breeder; this way, you can be sure that you are buying a good and healthy pup.