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Akita Chow (Akita & Chow Chow Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Akita Chow dog breed

Height: 23 – 25 inches
Weight: 88 – 133 pounds
Lifespan: 8 – 12 years
Colors: White, red, brown, black, fawn, and silver
Suitable for: Houses with large yards, experienced dog owners, families with older children
Temperament: Independent, stubborn, intelligent, loyal, and possessive

The Akita Chow is a mix between the Akita and the Chow Chow. Both dogs can get relatively large, so it’s no surprise that the Akita Chow is a larger dog that can often reach up to 130 pounds. These dogs are intelligent and stubborn, so this breed doesn’t make a good first pet. They are easy to groom, but their coat sheds heavily, and they require quite a bit of exercise each day.divider 10

Akita Chow Puppies

Akita Chow Puppy
Image Credit: karygrabovski, Pixabay
Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

The Akita Chow has two extremely high-priced parents meaning you can expect your new puppy to cost a lot as well.

If you are not too picky, puppy adoption is a great way to acquire these dogs for far less money than is possible with a breeder. These dogs may be older, and you might miss the deadline to get them adjusted to children, but if you live alone or are a couple, adoption can be a great way to obtain one of these prized pets.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Akita Chow

1. No one knows who created the Akita Chow

It is suspected to originate in North America sometime in the 1990s. There is even speculation that it occurred naturally at some point.


2. The Akita Chow’s Chow Chow parents are known as one of the cleanest breeds of dog, and they have very little doggy odor.


3. The Akita Chows Akita parents are a Japanese dog breed that’s hundreds of years old.

A famous Akita from the early 1900s is one of Japan’s most cherished symbols.

Parent Breeds of the Akita Chow
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Temperament & Intelligence of the Akita Chow 🧠

The Akita Chow breed can be very stubborn and independent, but it’s also fiercely loyal and protective of its owners. They are not very affectionate but will guard you with their life. They are independent thinkers and make great guard dogs, but they do tend to chase stray animals that may be passing through your yard. This breed is friendly but may not like being knocked around by children and doesn’t like to share its parents with other pets and may become aggressive toward them.

We only recommend Akita Chows for homes that have no other pets, though it can work if you socialize them early.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Akita Chow is a good dog for families if you don’t have a lot of pets or small children that may try to wrestle with them or pull their hair. They will require one family member to walk and exercise with them for about an hour a day, which is a large commitment and that you must take seriously to ensure the health and happiness of your pet.

They are not suitable for apartments because they need to much space and will feel constricted in a small apartment. We recommend a house with a large yard to provide plenty of running space.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Akita Chow is not known for getting along with other pets. They tend to chase small animals like squirrels and rabbits and quickly become jealous and possessive of their owner and will often become aggressive toward other pets in a household.  They also tend to become overprotective of their owner and become aggressive toward other animals while you are walking them, so it’s best to keep them leashed at all times.Divider 4

Things to Know When Owning an Akita Chow

These are some of the things you should think about before purchasing your Akita Chow.

Food and Diet Requirements 🦴

Your Akita Chow should eat food specially formulated for large dogs. You will need to follow the instructions on the package, but it will likely require you to feed your pet about 3 cups per day spread out over a few meals.

The Akita Chow meal requirements will change as they age, and we recommend consulting with your vet to find the best brand and amount to feed your pet. You will always want to use a high-quality dog food that doesn’t contain a lot of preservatives like BHA and contains real meats and vegetables.

Akita Chow in the snow
Image Credit: Nick Chase 68, Shutterstock

Daily Exercise Requirements 🐕

The Akita Chow will require at least 1 hour of vigorous exercise per day to stay healthy and happy. Your pet’s energy level may vary from day to day, but they should always be ready to get at least that much exercise. When your dog younger, it’s not uncommon for them to seek even more playtime hours.

Training 🦮

You train your Akita Chow the same way you would any dog. Simply stand in front of your pet, repeating a simple command. When your dog complies, you give it a treat.  After repeating this step several times a day for a few days, your pet should catch on and begin to perform the trick on the first or second try.

The problem is that your Akita Chow is very strong-willed and stubborn. They quickly lose focus during training drills and will make it incredibly difficult for you to accomplish your task of teaching them a new trick. It’s not that you can’t train an Akita Chow, but if this is your first pet, you are likely to become very frustrated.

Grooming ✂️

Despite their long-haired appearance, grooming your Akita Chow is not that difficult. It will require a good brushing three to four times a week to keep the hair free of knots and mats. This brushing will also help reduce the amount of hair shed from the pet. Your Akita Chow will also require regular nail clippings and tooth brushing to help maintain long-term dental health.

A tired akita chow
Image Credit: cr-pix, Pixabay

Health and Conditions ❤️

Fortunately, the Akita Chow is a very fit animal with very few serious health issues affecting it. Let’s take a look at the few that do.

Minor Conditions
  • Entropion

Entropion is a condition that can affect some Akita Chows. What this condition does is cause the eyelid to roll toward the eye, causing fur and eyelashes to rub the eye. This condition is very painful and can lead to more serious problems down the line, including eye ulcers.

Signs of the entropion condition include watery eyes, red eyes, rubbing their face, and recurring eye infections.

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy is a condition common in Akitas and can transfer to the Akita Chow. This disease causes a degeneration of the sensory cells that line the back of the eyeball. It affects dogs in their prime and always results in blindness.

Serious Conditions
  • Obesity

Obesity is one of the only health problems an Akita Chow faces, and the cause of it is mostly a lack of the proper amount of exercise provided by the pet owner. We can almost entirely eradicate this health concern by making sure your pet gets at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day. Making sure they eat a healthy brand of food formulated for large dogs will also help.

  • Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is another common problem that affects many large dog breeds, including the Akita Chow. This condition is brought on mostly by their large size and active lifestyle, but it worsens with obesity. Signs of hip dysplasia include decreased activity, decreased range of motion, pain, and stiffness.

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Male vs. Female

The female Akita Chow is slightly smaller than the male Akita Chow, but it’s a very minute difference, and you may not know which is which, even when standing next to each other. The temperament is also very similar between the male and female Akita Chow.

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Summary

Hopefully, our in-depth look at the Akita Chow has taught you some new things you have not heard before about these fascinating animals. If you are a seasoned pet owner looking for a pet that will challenge and reward you, the Akita Chow is a perfect choice. If we have got you thinking about purchasing an Akita Chow, please share this short guide on Facebook and Twitter.

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Featured Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock

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