Akita Rottweiler Dog Breed

The Akita and Rottweiler mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group--but both the Akita and the Rottweiler parent breeds are members of the Working group in most clubs, so the Akita-Rottie mix would fit nicely in that category. Neither does any info exist about Rottweiler x Akita mix origin; while an Akita mix with Rottweiler may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. Regardless, these big, powerful hybrids will be loyal, protective pets, especially for those looking for a guard dog--but they'll need a lot of training and socialization.

A few facts about the Akita x Rottweiler: they're giant-sized, averaging 25 inches at the shoulders in height and 105 pounds in weight; they have short, thick, double-layered coats that shed seasonally; and they'll need extensive training and socialization to help them remain calm and peaceful.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning an Akita-cross-Rottweiler:

The Akita-cross-Rottweiler is the offspring of two breeds that are big, powerful, and confident. Sizewise, these hybrids are quite large: height at the shoulders is typically 23-27 inches, and normal weight is 85-125 pounds. Their short, thick, double-layered coats shed a lot, so they're not hypoallergenic. The coats come in a wide variety of colors, usually in multi-colored patterns; black is the most common coat color, but red, brown, cream, white, silver, and various shades of brindle are all possible as well.

Perhaps the most important piece of Akita-Rottweiler cross information is that these hybrids need a lot of training and socialization, starting as early in the dogs' lives as possible. Both the Akita and the Rottie parent breeds are extremely protective--and without proper training they can be potentially dangerous to unknown people and animals. Your Akita-Rottie mix will need firm and consistent (but gentle and respectful!) training, along with exposure to a variety of people, places, and situations, starting in puppyhood if possible. This will minimize any possibility of aggression in the dog.

An Akita-Rottie mix will be both muscular and energetic, and will need outdoor exercise on a daily basis. Consistent physical activity will keep the dog in good shape, and should help the dog remain peaceful and calm.

Protective, intelligent, affectionate to family members, and often stubborn, the Akita-Rottweiler mix temperament is one of devotion and courage. These hybrids will be very loving and loyal to those they're closest to, and will protect their loved ones at all costs--but they'll need training and socialization to curb any aggressive tendencies. Akita-Rottie mixes usually get along great with kids, and they can socialize pretty well with other pets (though their high prey drives mean they may instinctively chase smaller animals). Like their parent breeds, these hybrids might naturally be aggressive towards other dogs, too, so it's best if your Akita-Rottie mix is part of a "one-dog" household. It's a good idea for these dogs to grow up alongside any children or household pets, so they learn to be accustomed to one another.

An Akita-Rottie mix is also willing to please its owners, so the dog can respond well to training--but its potential for stubbornness means the Akita-Rottie may need a few repetitions when learning commands or tasks. Firm, consistent, gentle training methods are best.

And an Akita-Rottie mix's watch- and guard dog abilities are virtually unmatched. Courageous, alert, and powerful, the dog will bark at and investigate unknown sights or sounds, and will have the physical capability to neutralize almost any potential threats.

The Akita-Rottweiler mix, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is pretty healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip and/or elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism. These deep-chested dogs are also prone to gastric torsion (or bloat), particularly if allowed to "wolf" their food too quickly. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for these hybrids is relatively short, at 9-11 years.