Akita Chow
The Akita Chow is a muscular and loyal breed, known for its independence and protective nature. They have a thick coat and a strong build, adapting well to colder climates.
Akita Chow Breed overview
Akita Chow is a medium-to-large breed known for their affection towards their owners and their alertness, which make them good watchdogs. They have moderate exercise and mental stimulation needs but can be difficult to train due to their headstrong and independent nature. With proper socialization and training, they can be well-behaved and obedient. They are not especially well-suited for apartment living or households with small children, due to their relatively large size and high prey drive, which can make them intolerant towards unfamiliar pets.
What To Expect When Caring For a Akita Chow
Nutrition
As a larger breed, Akita Chows may have higher caloric needs and require a diet that is high in protein and nutrients. It is important to provide them with a balanced and healthy diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level.
They may be prone to overeating, so it is important to monitor their food intake and provide regular exercise to prevent obesity.
Exercise
Akita Chows have moderate exercise needs and enjoy daily walks and playtime. However, they can also be prone to laziness, so it is important to encourage them to stay active.
They may also enjoy activities like obedience training, agility, and hiking, which can help keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.
Training
Early and consistent training is important for Akita Chows, as they can be independent and sometimes stubborn. Positive reinforcement training methods and socialization from an early age can help them become well-behaved and obedient.
They may do well with activities that stimulate their minds and provide a sense of structure and routine, such as obedience training or agility.
Grooming
Akita Chows have thick double coats that shed seasonally and require regular brushing. They may also require occasional grooming and bathing to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Their nails should be trimmed regularly and their ears should be checked for any signs of infection or debris build-up.
Health
Being a mixed breed, the Akita Chow can be prone to inherited health issues from both the Akita and Chow Chow breeds. Common health concerns may include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, allergies, eye issues, and hypothyroidism.
Regular vet checkups and monitoring for any health issues can help keep your Akita Chow healthy and happy.
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Akita Chow Traits & Characteristics
There is no breed standard for Akita Chows, as they are not officially recognized as a breed by major kennel clubs.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Akita Chow is a loyal breed that values their owners' company and can be very affectionate to them. However, they might be aloof to strangers which could come across as a lack of affection. Their bond with owners is strong, but they are not as dependent as some other breeds, hence it doesn't always manifest as outwardly affectionate behavior.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Akita Chows are not known for being especially good with children. They have a fairly high prey drive and are not always patient with younger kids. Additionally, they are relatively large dogs, which can make them intimidating to small children. It is important to monitor their interactions and socialize them around children from an early age to reduce the risk of accidents.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Akita Chows can be wary around other dogs, especially dogs they do not know. They prefer to be the alpha in any situation and may not always get along well with other dogs. Early socialization and training is necessary to train them to socialize appropriately with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Akita Chows can be very shy or standoffish around strangers. They are protective of their owners and may be skeptical of unfamiliar people or situations. This can be mitigated through proper socialization and training, but they may never be as outgoing and friendly as other breeds.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Akita Chows have moderate playfulness levels. They do enjoy playing with their owners but may not have the same endurance or enthusiasm as some other breeds. They can become easily overstimulated during play and become aggressive with children or other dogs.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Akita Chows are very alert and aware. They are independent thinkers but enjoy being near their owners, so they'll often keep a watchful eye over them. Because they are wary of strangers, their alertness can sometimes manifest as guarding behavior.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Akita Chows are not especially adaptable. They do best in homes with fenced-in yards and may have difficulty adjusting to apartment or city living. They can also become anxious or restless when their routine is disrupted and may take some time to adjust to new people or situations.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Akita Chows have a thick double coat that sheds seasonally. They will require regular grooming to keep their coat looking and feeling healthy. Additionally, during seasonal shedding periods, they may require additional attention to prevent their fur from matting.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Akita Chows have moderate grooming needs. They have a double coat that needs regular brushing to prevent matting, and they may require trimming around their paws and ears. They don't need frequent bathing and don't have many specific grooming requirements outside of regular brushing.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Akita Chows are not especially prone to drool, especially when compared to some other large breeds. They aren't necessarily dry-mouthed, but they don't drool excessively or frequently.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Akita Chows are medium to large sized dogs. They can weigh anywhere from 50 to 120 pounds and stand between 24 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder. This makes them relatively large and not as well-suited for apartment or small living spaces.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Akita Chows have moderate energy levels. They enjoy spending time outside but may not require as much exercise as some other breeds. However, if they don't get enough exercise, they can become restless and may engage in destructive behavior.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Akita Chows have moderate exercise needs. They enjoy spending time outside and benefit from daily walks or jogs. They are not known for being especially high-energy, but they may become restless or engage in destructive behavior if they don't get enough exercise.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Akita Chows are relatively well-suited for working and performing certain tasks. They have a high prey drive and can be trained in certain hunting or scent work activities. They can also work as therapy dogs, thanks to their affectionate nature and easy trainability.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Akita Chows are not necessarily bred for hunting, but they do have a high prey drive and may enjoy engaging in certain hunting or scent work activities. They can be trained as hunting dogs in certain situations, but they may not always be as reliable as other breeds with more specific hunting abilities.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Akita Chows have moderate physical stamina and endurance. They enjoy spending time outside and can go for longer walks or hikes without tiring out. They may not require as much exercise as some other breeds, but they benefit from regular physical activity.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Akitas have a relatively good overall health history. However, they can be prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems, so owners should make sure to have their dogs screened by a veterinarian. They can also be prone to allergies and skin conditions, so owners should monitor their skin and coat for signs of irritation or disease.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Akita Chows are not always prone to obesity, thanks to their relatively low energy requirements. However, they can gain weight if they are overfed or don't get enough exercise. Owners should monitor their dogs' weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine as needed.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Akita Chows are relatively cold-tolerant, thanks to their thick double coat. However, they may still become uncomfortable in very cold weather or in environments where they can't stay dry and warm. They may require additional shelter, blankets, or clothing in extreme cold.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Akita Chows are not always well-suited for hot climates. They have a dense coat that can make them uncomfortable in warm weather. They should always have access to shade and fresh water, and owners should monitor them closely for signs of overheating.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Akita Chows are not always well-suited for apartment living. They are relatively large and require ample space to move around. They also enjoy spending time outside and may become restless if they can't go outside frequently.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Akitas are not known for being escape artists or wanderers. However, they do have a high prey drive and may chase small animals, so they should always be supervised when outside. Additionally, because they are wary of strangers, they may become confused or disoriented if they are lost or wander too far from home.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Akita Chows are not especially sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement. However, because they are independent and headstrong, they may not respond well to overly aggressive or forceful training methods. They require a firm but gentle hand and consistent, positive reinforcement.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Akita Chows do not always tolerate being left alone for long periods. They are social animals and prefer to be close to their owners. If they are left alone for too long, they may become anxious or restless and engage in destructive behavior.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Akita Chows are not usually prone to excessive barking. They may bark to alert their owners to strangers or unusual situations, but they are not typically vocal dogs.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Akita Chows have moderate mental stimulation needs. They are intelligent and enjoy problem-solving, but may become bored with repetitive or mundane activities. They benefit from interactive toys or puzzles and may be trained in more advanced commands or activities like agility or nose work.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Akita Chows are not always well-suited for first-time owners. They require a confident and consistent hand, and novice owners may not have the experience or confidence to provide that. Additionally, they can be headstrong and stubborn, which can be difficult for novice owners to handle.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Akita Chows are not always easy to train. They are both headstrong and independent, which can make them resistant to obedience training. Additionally, they require a firm and consistent hand and can be aggressive or stubborn when pushed too hard. Despite this, with proper training and socialization, they can be well-behaved and obedient.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Akita Chow is a loyal breed that values their owners' company and can be very affectionate to them. However, they might be aloof to strangers which could come across as a lack of affection. Their bond with owners is strong, but they are not as dependent as some other breeds, hence it doesn't always manifest as outwardly affectionate behavior.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Akita Chows are not known for being especially good with children. They have a fairly high prey drive and are not always patient with younger kids. Additionally, they are relatively large dogs, which can make them intimidating to small children. It is important to monitor their interactions and socialize them around children from an early age to reduce the risk of accidents.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Akita Chows can be wary around other dogs, especially dogs they do not know. They prefer to be the alpha in any situation and may not always get along well with other dogs. Early socialization and training is necessary to train them to socialize appropriately with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Akita Chows can be very shy or standoffish around strangers. They are protective of their owners and may be skeptical of unfamiliar people or situations. This can be mitigated through proper socialization and training, but they may never be as outgoing and friendly as other breeds.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Akita Chows have moderate playfulness levels. They do enjoy playing with their owners but may not have the same endurance or enthusiasm as some other breeds. They can become easily overstimulated during play and become aggressive with children or other dogs.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Akita Chows are very alert and aware. They are independent thinkers but enjoy being near their owners, so they'll often keep a watchful eye over them. Because they are wary of strangers, their alertness can sometimes manifest as guarding behavior.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Akita Chows are not especially adaptable. They do best in homes with fenced-in yards and may have difficulty adjusting to apartment or city living. They can also become anxious or restless when their routine is disrupted and may take some time to adjust to new people or situations.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Akita Chows have a thick double coat that sheds seasonally. They will require regular grooming to keep their coat looking and feeling healthy. Additionally, during seasonal shedding periods, they may require additional attention to prevent their fur from matting.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Akita Chows have moderate grooming needs. They have a double coat that needs regular brushing to prevent matting, and they may require trimming around their paws and ears. They don't need frequent bathing and don't have many specific grooming requirements outside of regular brushing.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Akita Chows are not especially prone to drool, especially when compared to some other large breeds. They aren't necessarily dry-mouthed, but they don't drool excessively or frequently.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Akita Chows are medium to large sized dogs. They can weigh anywhere from 50 to 120 pounds and stand between 24 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder. This makes them relatively large and not as well-suited for apartment or small living spaces.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Akita Chows have moderate energy levels. They enjoy spending time outside but may not require as much exercise as some other breeds. However, if they don't get enough exercise, they can become restless and may engage in destructive behavior.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Akita Chows have moderate exercise needs. They enjoy spending time outside and benefit from daily walks or jogs. They are not known for being especially high-energy, but they may become restless or engage in destructive behavior if they don't get enough exercise.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Akita Chows are relatively well-suited for working and performing certain tasks. They have a high prey drive and can be trained in certain hunting or scent work activities. They can also work as therapy dogs, thanks to their affectionate nature and easy trainability.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Akita Chows are not necessarily bred for hunting, but they do have a high prey drive and may enjoy engaging in certain hunting or scent work activities. They can be trained as hunting dogs in certain situations, but they may not always be as reliable as other breeds with more specific hunting abilities.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Akita Chows have moderate physical stamina and endurance. They enjoy spending time outside and can go for longer walks or hikes without tiring out. They may not require as much exercise as some other breeds, but they benefit from regular physical activity.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Akitas have a relatively good overall health history. However, they can be prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems, so owners should make sure to have their dogs screened by a veterinarian. They can also be prone to allergies and skin conditions, so owners should monitor their skin and coat for signs of irritation or disease.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Akita Chows are not always prone to obesity, thanks to their relatively low energy requirements. However, they can gain weight if they are overfed or don't get enough exercise. Owners should monitor their dogs' weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine as needed.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Akita Chows are relatively cold-tolerant, thanks to their thick double coat. However, they may still become uncomfortable in very cold weather or in environments where they can't stay dry and warm. They may require additional shelter, blankets, or clothing in extreme cold.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Akita Chows are not always well-suited for hot climates. They have a dense coat that can make them uncomfortable in warm weather. They should always have access to shade and fresh water, and owners should monitor them closely for signs of overheating.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Akita Chows are not always well-suited for apartment living. They are relatively large and require ample space to move around. They also enjoy spending time outside and may become restless if they can't go outside frequently.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Akitas are not known for being escape artists or wanderers. However, they do have a high prey drive and may chase small animals, so they should always be supervised when outside. Additionally, because they are wary of strangers, they may become confused or disoriented if they are lost or wander too far from home.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Akita Chows are not especially sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement. However, because they are independent and headstrong, they may not respond well to overly aggressive or forceful training methods. They require a firm but gentle hand and consistent, positive reinforcement.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Akita Chows do not always tolerate being left alone for long periods. They are social animals and prefer to be close to their owners. If they are left alone for too long, they may become anxious or restless and engage in destructive behavior.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Akita Chows are not usually prone to excessive barking. They may bark to alert their owners to strangers or unusual situations, but they are not typically vocal dogs.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Akita Chows have moderate mental stimulation needs. They are intelligent and enjoy problem-solving, but may become bored with repetitive or mundane activities. They benefit from interactive toys or puzzles and may be trained in more advanced commands or activities like agility or nose work.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Akita Chows are not always well-suited for first-time owners. They require a confident and consistent hand, and novice owners may not have the experience or confidence to provide that. Additionally, they can be headstrong and stubborn, which can be difficult for novice owners to handle.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Akita Chows are not always easy to train. They are both headstrong and independent, which can make them resistant to obedience training. Additionally, they require a firm and consistent hand and can be aggressive or stubborn when pushed too hard. Despite this, with proper training and socialization, they can be well-behaved and obedient.
Similar breeds
History of the Akita Chow
As a relatively new mixed breed, the history of the Akita Chow is not well-documented. It is believed that they were first bred in the United States in the 1990s, but the exact origin is unknown.
Akita Chow Puppies
When getting an Akita Chow puppy, it is important to choose a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding dogs and provides proper socialization for the puppies.
Akita Chows can be strong-willed and may require patience and consistent training. Early socialization can also help them get along better with other pets and people.
They can be prone to certain health issues, so it is important to monitor their health and provide regular vet checkups. They often have a strong prey drive, so it is important to supervise them around smaller animals and young children.