Akita Malamute Dog Breed Complete Guide

The Akita Malamute is a unique and fascinating dog breed that's a cross between two ancient breeds, the Akita and the Alaskan Malamute. This breed is known for its striking appearance and robust build.

They typically weigh between 70-95 pounds and stand between 23-26 inches tall at the shoulder. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them great family pets, but they do require early socialization and training to prevent behavioral issues. With proper care and attention, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.

Worth a look: Japanese Dog Akita

The Akita Malamute mix is a massive dog, easily exceeding 100 pounds in weight and reaching nearly 30 inches at the shoulder.

They are very well-built and pack a lot of muscle and strength in their frames, making them a powerful and substantial breed.

Akita Malamute mixes will always have a thick double coat, but the length can vary between quite short and dense to medium or long in length and fluffy.

Their coat can feature shades of brown and black from the Akita, as well as white from the Alaskan Malamute, and they often have multiple colors in their coat.

They usually have brown eyes with a striking mask, unless they're solid white, and their overall appearance is striking but compact.

A unique perspective: Akita Inu White

The Akita Malamute mix is a massive dog, easily exceeding 100 lbs in weight and reaching nearly 30 inches at the shoulder.

They are very well-built and pack a lot of muscle and strength in their frames. Their size is a testament to their powerful heritage.

Alaskan Malamutes typically stand between 23 to 25 inches tall, while Akita's average height range is 24 to 28 inches.

Akitas tend to be heavier, weighing between 70 to 130 pounds, while Alaskan Malamutes weigh between 75 to 85 pounds.

A different take: Are Alaskan Malamutes Good Guard Dogs

The Akita Malamute mix is a massive dog, easily exceeding 100 pounds in weight and reaching nearly 30 inches at the shoulder.

They are well-built and pack a lot of muscle and strength in their frames, making them a powerful breed.

Their coat is a thick double coat, but the length can vary between quite short and dense to medium or long in length and fluffy.

In terms of color, it's common to see shades of brown and black from the Akita, as well as white from the Alaskan Malamute, resulting in a mix of colors in their coat.

Their eyes are typically brown, giving them a striking appearance.

The Akita Malamute mix is a large and powerful breed, with a broad head, erect ears, and a curled tail, giving them a distinctive appearance.

Their coat colors can range from brown and black to white, and sometimes they have a mix of colors, making each one unique.

On a similar theme: American Akita Colors

The Akita Malamute mix has a thick, double coat that sheds heavily, especially during the shedding seasons that occur twice a year. This can be a challenge for many owners.

Daily grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling, especially if your Akita Malamute mix has medium to long-length fur. Regular brushing can also reduce the amount of hair that sheds.

You'll need to brush your dog's teeth at least three times a week and trim their nails every 2-3 months, or more often if they spend most of their time on abrasive surfaces like concrete.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Akita Malamute mixes:

Shedding is a natural process for dogs, and it's essential to understand what to expect from your Akita Malamute mix. The shedding process can be intense, especially during seasonal changes.

A double-coated dog like the Akita Malamute mix will blow its coat twice a year, releasing a lot of fluff in the process. This can be a challenge for some owners, but regular grooming can minimize the amount of hair that's shed.

Brushing your dog daily is key to reducing shedding and keeping them comfortable. You'll also need to brush their teeth daily, ideally, and at least three times a week, to prevent dental problems.

During shedding seasons, you may need to groom your Akita Malamute mix more frequently, even twice a day, to manage the amount of hair they're losing. Nail trimming is also essential, but the frequency depends on the surface your dog exercises on.

Here's a rough guide to nail trimming frequency:

Remember, every dog is different, and the shedding frequency will depend on your Akita Malamute mix's individual characteristics. However, with regular grooming and attention to their nail care, you can keep your dog healthy and happy.

Hip dysplasia is a common concern in large breeds, including the Akita and Malamute mix, and can cause lameness in either or both of the rear legs.

Hip dysplasia occurs when the thigh bone is prevented from sitting neatly in the hip joint, which can lead to arthritis.

Hip dysplasia is a debilitating condition that can affect a dog's quality of life, including lameness and an inability to walk.

Some other health conditions to be aware of in the Akita Malamute mix include hypothyroidism, which affects the thyroid gland and can cause weight gain, dry skin, and fur loss.

Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects many systems in the body, including metabolism and growth.

Day blindness, or achromatopsia, is a condition that reduces a dog's ability to see in the light or daytime, and can be painful and decrease the quality of life.

Bloat and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) are conditions that affect many deep-chested dog breeds, including the Akita Malamute mix.

Bloat can be caused by exercising after a meal or gulping too much water, and can be a life-threatening emergency if it progresses to GDV.

Here are some common health conditions to look out for in your Akita Malamute mix:

Akita Malamute mixes are incredibly affectionate and loyal to people they trust, thanks to the affectionate tendencies of both parent breeds. Akitas get their protective nature from a love of their families, and Malamutes have a strong pack mentality and love to be around people.

They are naturally great guard dogs, suspicious of strangers and having an imposing appearance. This means they'll be wary of new people and pets, but can be trained to behave.

Akita Malamute mixes are very independent thinkers, which can make them seem stubborn. Both parent breeds are independent by nature, and this mix is no exception.

Additional reading: Malamute Mixes

Akitas and Malamutes are both working dog breeds, so you can expect the Akita Malamute mix to have working dog traits and characteristics.

The temperament of the Akita Malamute mix cannot be guaranteed, but we can look at the temperaments of both breeds to determine their likely temperament.

Akita Malamute mixes are high-energy pups and will need rigorous training to channel their energy positively.

Suggestion: Husky Mix Dogs

They can be as silly and carefree as they come, but they may also develop stubborn streaks if not well trained.

Akitas are naturally great guard dogs, suspicious of strangers, and have a very imposing appearance.

Akita Malamute mixes are incredibly affectionate and loyal to people they trust, thanks to the affectionate tendencies of both parent breeds.

They'll enjoy participating in mental stimulation games, as both Akitas and Malamutes are dogs that like to work.

However, they can be independent thinkers and seem stubborn, especially during obedience training.

Both parent breeds are independent by nature, which means they're not particularly interested in pleasing their owners.

Akita Malamute mixes require lots of socialization and training from a young age to lay down a good foundation for these large dogs.

They'll need at least 2 hours of exercise per day to keep them happy and healthy.

So, if you're considering bringing an Akita Malamute mix into your family, be prepared for a high-energy companion that needs lots of attention and exercise.

Prey Drive is a significant trait in Akita Malamute mixes. Both parent breeds have a high prey drive, making it a challenge to train away.

They will instinctively chase small animals, and recalling them during this time is extremely difficult. This is why early socialization with cats is crucial to prevent chasing behavior.

Their high prey drive can be a concern, especially if you have other pets in the household.

Training the Akita Malamute mix requires patience and consistency, as they can be stubborn and independent, making training difficult from an early age.

They need rigorous training to channel their high energy levels, but with the right approach, they can thrive.

Akitas and Malamutes are both working dog breeds, which means they have strong work ethic and drive, traits that will likely translate to their puppies.

Their intelligence is often underestimated due to their independence and stubborn streaks, but they are very intelligent nonetheless.

With proper training and socialization, Akita Malamute mixes can be loving and loyal companions to their families, especially with older children.

A different take: Alaskan Malamute Training

Training an Akita Malamute mix can be a challenge due to their strong will and independent nature. They won't go out of their way to cause trouble, but they do like to have their own time.

Both Akitas and Malamutes are intelligent breeds, but they don't rank highly on conventional dog intelligence tests. This is because they're not always eager to please their owners.

To succeed with training, it's essential to start from a young age and be consistent. The Akita Malamute mix is a high-energy pup that requires rigorous training to keep them engaged and focused.

Their working background has given them incredible focus and drive, which can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to training. They'll need patient and positive reinforcement to help them learn.

While they can be stubborn at times, Akita Malamute mixes are not malicious, and they'll eventually come around to pleasing their owners. With time and effort, you can develop a strong bond with your dog and help them become a well-behaved companion.

When deciding who is better, Alaskan Malamutes or Akitas, it's essential to consider their training requirements. Both breeds are intelligent and can be trained with consistency and positive reinforcement.

Alaskan Malamutes, for instance, are known for their strong will and independent nature, making them more challenging to train. Akitas, on the other hand, are highly trainable and thrive on structure and discipline.

Their intelligence and trainability make them both excellent companions for active families or experienced dog owners. Both breeds require early socialization and training to ensure they grow into well-behaved adult dogs.

However, Akitas are often described as fiercely loyal companions, which can make them excellent guard dogs.

The Akita Malamute mix is a loyal and loving companion, but it's not ideal for every family. They can be quite protective of their family members, so socialization from a young age is crucial.

A family with very young children might find it challenging to care for an Akita Malamute mix, as they require a lot of exercise and can be difficult to train. They need to be exercised daily, which can be tough to fit into a family schedule.

Worth a look: Are Alaskan Malamutes Good Family Dogs

The Akita Malamute mix is highly intelligent, but it can be stubborn at times. They need patient owners who can start training from a young age and provide consistent guidance.

Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if an Akita Malamute mix is right for your family:

If you're an active family with older children who can participate in training and provide the necessary exercise and attention, the Akita Malamute mix can be a wonderful companion.

If you're considering bringing an Akita Malamute mix into your family, you should be aware of their size and energy level. They're large dogs that require a lot of exercise and may not be suitable for families with very young children.

To ensure a smooth transition for both your family and the dog, it's essential to socialize your Akita Malamute mix from a young age. This means introducing them to new people, other animals, and environments to help them become confident and calm in new situations.

Akita Malamute mixes can be protective of their family, which is a great quality, but it also means they may be wary of strangers. With proper socialization, however, they can learn to distinguish between friends and foes.

One thing to keep in mind is that Akita Malamute mixes can be stubborn and difficult to train, especially if they're not started early. Be patient and consistent, and you'll be rewarded with a loyal and loving companion.

Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if an Akita Malamute mix is right for your family:

Overall, Akita Malamute mixes can make wonderful family pets for active families who are willing to provide the necessary exercise, training, and socialization.

Owning an Akita Malamute mix can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to be aware of the responsibilities that come with it. They are a large breed, and their size will depend on the Akita parent, with American Akitas generally being larger than Japanese Akitas.

You'll need to provide a spacious apartment or a house with a yard for your Akita Malamute mix to exercise and live comfortably. A yard is a must for this breed, as they need to get some fresh air and stretch their legs daily.

Daily walks of moderate length are sufficient for your Akita Malamute mix, but they'll also enjoy going on long hikes and trails with you, as long as it's not too hot outside. They have thick fur, so they can easily overheat.

In terms of exercise, it's recommended to provide around 60 minutes of activity per day, which can be a combination of walks, hikes, and playtime. However, they don't need excessive exercise, and a brisk walk or short jog can be sufficient for them.

Here's a rough guide to their exercise needs:

Remember, every dog is different, but with patience, socialization, and proper exercise, your Akita Malamute mix can thrive as a loving and loyal family member.

To keep your Akita Malamute mix healthy and happy, it's essential to provide them with high-quality dog food tailored for large dogs. They require a complete diet formulated for large breeds to meet their nutritional needs.

A big, active dog like the Akita Malamute mix needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy. Regular walks and playtime are a must.

Growing too quickly can affect bone growth and cause joint issues in large-breed dogs, so it's crucial to monitor their food intake. A dog food brand that's specifically designed for large puppies is a good choice.

Because Akita Malamute mixes can suffer from joint and mobility problems, a diet rich in omega-3 and six fatty acids can help protect their joints and keep them moving.