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Akita Rottweiler Mix: Pictures, Care, Temperament & Traits

Patricia Dickson

By Patricia Dickson

akita rottweiler mix surrounded with flowers

The Akita Rottweiler mix is a relatively new hybrid canine. It is an incredibly protective breed and will go above and beyond to protect its family and property. You can find these dogs in black, tan, brindle, and fawn colors. They usually reach 24 to 27 inches tall and weigh 70 to 130 pounds, making them medium to large breed dogs. The Akita Rottweiler’s parents are strong protective dogs, but they’re also incredibly loyal and affectionate to their families. We’ll discuss the dog’s characteristics, so you’ll know what to expect when you bring one home to your family.

Height: 24 to 27 inches
Weight: 70 to 130 pounds
Lifespan: 9 to 12 years
Colors: Black, tan, fawn, brindle
Suitable for: Active families with yards, not for first-time dog owners, families with older children
Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, loyal, highly protective, wary of strangerse

The Akita Rottweiler is a mix between a Rottweiler and an Akita. It’s not recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) but it is an excellent pet for the right owner. They are intelligent, energetic, loyal, highly protective, and wary of strangers. If you’re looking for a breeder specializing in Akita Rottweiler mixes, there are a few things you will want to know before making a final decision.

Akita Rottweiler Mix Characteristics

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

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Akita Rottweiler Mix Puppies

Although the Akita Rottweiler mix is rare, they aren’t quite as expensive as you might think. You can get an Akita Rottweiler puppy from a reputable breeder for $700 to $2,000, according to the breeder, the location you live in, and the number of breeders that are close to you in that location.

Of course, that’s not where the costs stop for this breed. You can expect to pay a few upfront costs, such as having the dog fixed, a crate, bed, food, collar, microchipping, and more, which should add up to no more than $500.

Of course, while it’s not likely, it is possible that you could pick up an Akita Rottweiler at your local rescue shelter. In most cases, they will be a full-grown Akita Rottweiler, however.

Parent Breeds of the Akita Rottweiler Mix
Image Credit: (L) maxxxiss, Pixabay | (R) Нина Игнатенко, Pixabay

Temperament & Intelligence of the Akita Rottweiler Mix

There is a bit of a debate regarding the temperament of the Akita Rottweiler mix. The parent breeds of this mix are known for being caring but also known for being alphas. The Akita Rottweiler is a very protective canine, and they are wary of strangers. The dog is also very courageous and will have no problem coming to the defense of its owners if it thinks they are being threatened in any way.

They’re intelligent and loving with children, but any interactions between the dog and kids should be monitored closely. It’s extremely important that you socialize and train this dog from a puppy if you don’t want it to become aggressive and think it runs your house instead of you.

Some consider the Akita Rottweiler to be dangerous, and they can be, if not socialized properly and trained in what they can and cannot do. However, any dog can be aggressive and dangerous if it’s not trained, socialized, or cared for properly.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Akita Rottweilers do well with active families that enjoy outdoor activities. It’s best to adopt this dog into a family with older children, as it doesn’t do well around strangers, including small children that it doesn’t know. Because of the dog’s size and strength, it’s not a good pet for those with young children. Akita Rottweilers are energetic and thrive when they have room to run and play, and a cramped apartment or home without a large backyard is unsuitable for the dog.

A home with a large backyard or a homestead is ideal for the Akita Rottweiler. They’re loyal pets that enjoy spending time with their families, and they can become bored and destructive if they’re not given enough attention or daily exercise.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

If your Akita Rottweiler has been properly trained and socialized, it can get along famously with other pets, including cats and dogs. They are natural guards and watchdogs, so socialization and training are vital. The dog does have a strong prey drive and is likely to chase or hunt small animals. Those with rabbits, rodents, or birds may want to reconsider adopting an Akita Rottweiler.

Although they can be trained to tolerate other dogs and cats, they do best when paired with pets of a similar size. However, if they’re adopted as puppies, they’re likelier to get along and eventually befriend smaller cats and dogs.

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Things to Know When Owning an Akita Rottweiler Mix:

Now that you know a bit about the Akita Rottweiler Mix, you may have decided to go ahead and give one a home. In the sections below, we’ll discuss food, exercise, training, and grooming requirements, as well as any health issues you need to watch out for.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Since the Akita Rottweiler is a large canine, paying special attention to the dog’s diet is essential. You’ll need to feed your dog 3 to 4 cups of dry food or an equivalent portion of wet food. It needs high-quality food loaded with protein to supply enough energy to keep it healthy and happy. However, the portion size will also depend on the dog’s size, age, and activity level.

Once you’ve determined how much to feed your puppy, you can divide the food into three to four meals a day. When it reaches adulthood, you can reduce the feeding to two a day. It’s best not to free-feed your Akita Rottweiler, as they are prone to obesity, as most large dogs are.

akita rottweiler mix in the garden
Image Credit: hannahsnyder, Shutterstock

Exercise 🐕

The Akita Rottweiler is an active dog, and it will need quite a bit of exercise to be healthy, happy, and not become bored. Once the dog is an adult, it’ll need at least 90 minutes of daily exercise. Long walks, hikes, and multiple play sessions will satisfy the Akita Rottweiler, but if its coat is more like the Akita’s, it should be walked early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature rises.

The dog will not do well in an apartment setting because they need to have a big yard to run around in to get the exercise they need. Training and socialization should be a big part of their exercise routine, but the Akita Rottweiler is an athlete that excels at canine sports such as agility trials, flyball, and races.

Training 🎾

This crossbreed is extremely intelligent, so you’ll want to start socialization and training exercises as soon as the puppy is old enough to listen. However, it is a stubborn, willful breed, so training may be difficult. Although incredibly intelligent, they can overwhelm first-time owners who are not firm and confident in their abilities.

Those with experience training large, stubborn canines are perfect owners for the Akita Rottweiler. They thrive when trained with positive reinforcement and don’t react well to harsh corrections.

Grooming ✂️

The Akita Rottweiler has short to medium fur in a double coat, which will shed throughout the year. Luckily, the shedding is moderate. You need to brush your dog at least three to four times a week to reduce shedding and remove any tangles or mats in the dog’s fur. Check their ears regularly, make sure to brush their teeth two or three times a week, and trim their nails every 6 to 8 weeks.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The Akita Rottweiler Mix is prone to inherit certain conditions from its parents, but the Akita and Rottweiler are relatively healthy dogs.

Minor Conditions
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Eye issues
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Blood disorders
  • Autoimmune disease

Male vs. Female

There is little difference between the male and female of the Akita Rottweiler Mix. The males are larger and heavier than the females, but both genders have similar temperaments.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Akita Rottweiler Mix

Now that you know more about the Akita Rottweiler Mix and how to care for your new friend, we’ll give you a few little-known facts about the mixed breed below.

1. Akitas Used to Be Known as Snow Country Dogs

Before they had the official name of Akita Dogs, these adorable dogs were simply called Snow Country dogs because they originated in Japan’s snowy, rural mountains. While this is an adorably cute name, we like “Akita” a little bit better.


2. The First Akita in the United States Was Brought by Helen Keller

In 1937, Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the United States. She was amazed at how gentle and loyal the dog was and inspired others to adopt the incredible dog.


3. Rottweilers Guarded Money

The Rottweiler’s ancestors were well-known for their guarding abilities. Cattlemen would put their money in a bag around the dog’s throat after selling their stock.

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Final Thoughts

The Akita Rottweiler Mix is a powerful canine developed by crossing an Akita with a Rottweiler. While these dogs are strong and energetic, they are loving, loyal, and gentle if they are socialized and trained properly. The breed is very protective of their family and wary of strangers, so it’s best to train them when they are puppies to wait for your command.

They make great pets for active families or individuals with older children and can get along with other pets if trained. The Akita Rottweiler will make anyone a loyal, loving, affectionate companion; all it asks is to be loved in return.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: hannahsnyder, Shutterstock

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