The Akita Great Dane Mix is a cross between two large working breeds: the Akita Inu and the Great Dane.
With two large and powerful parents, you can expect the Great Dane Akita Mix to also be a large dog.
Since the parent breeds are very smart and highly adaptable, this designer crossbreed can make a great companion for many people.
Also known as the Great Akita or Great Dakita, these dogs inherit the best characteristics of their purebred parents.
Great Akitas usually get their independence from their Akita Inu parent, but also inherit their gentle and protective nature from the Great Dane parent.
If you’re interested in a Great Dane Akita Mix, there are many things you need to know about this designer dog before adding one to your family. Keep reading to find out!
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About the Akita Great Dane Mix
| Breed Type: | Mixed Breed/Crossbreed/Designer Dog/Hybrid (Akita and Great Dane) |
| Size: | Large-sized dog |
| Other Names: | Great Akita, Great Dakita |
| Good Guard Dog: | Yes, especially if they take after the Akita parent |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 110 to 160 pounds or more. Some may be on the lower end of this range, while others may exceed it, especially if they take after the Great Dane parent in terms of size |
| Average Height: | 24 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Some may be taller or shorter, depending on whether they take after the Great Dane or Akita parent more closely |
| Lifespan: | 8 to 12 years |
| Apartment Living: | No, these dogs need plenty of space to thrive |
| Ideal for: | Experienced dog owners, Active families with older children, Homes with a Yard, Active Individuals, Owners with Time for Training, Those Seeking a Loyal Companion, People Who Can Accommodate Their Size |
| Coat: | Dense, double coat or short, sleek coat |
| Coat colors: | Black, White, Blue, Merle, Fawn, Black & White, Brindle and Harlequin |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Not Recommended |
| Training: | Quite challenging since they are independent |
| Hypoallergenic: | No, not suitable for people with allergies |
| Shedding: | Moderate to Heavy |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush your Great Dane’s coat weekly with a firm-bristle brush |
| Energy Levels: | High |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 90 minutes of physical and mental exercise every day is required to prevent destructive behaviors |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Low, but if exercised properly, they can be left alone for up to 6 hours |
| Feeding and Diet: | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality food and feeding two to three times daily. Of course, this amount varies depending on the dog’s age, size, and activity level |
| Maintenance: | Low maintenance when it comes to grooming, only requiring brushing once a week |
| Possible Health Issues: | Development problems, Hip dysplasia, Gastric torsion, Bone cancer, and Heart disease, Hypothyroidism, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Von Willebrand’s Disease |
| Temperament: | Brave, Loyal, Confident, Intelligent, Independent, Protective, Strong prey drive, Alert, Stubborn (can be) |
| Cat Friendly: | No, Akitas have a strong prey drive. Proper socialization is extremely important |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, with proper training and early socialization |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, with proper socialization and training. Supervision is important to ensure safe interactions |
| Barking Tendencies: | Barking tendencies can vary, but generally, it’s moderate for Akita Great Dane mixes |
| Prey Drive: | High |
| Price: | $600 – $2000 USD, depending on the breeder reputation, location, and availability |
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What is a Great Dane Akita Mix Called?
The Great Dane Akita Mix is also known as a Great Akita or Great Dakita.
Both the Great Dane and the Akita Inu are large-sized dogs known for their strength, loyalty, and intelligence. When you combine the two together, you get a hybrid dog that is athletic, smart, and loyal to its family.
The History of the Great Dane Akita Mix
As with most other hybrid or designer dogs, we can only guess as to why and how the first Akita Great Dane Mix was created.
Chances are that someone wanted to produce a large, athletic dog with the Great Dane’s friendly personality and the Akita’s strong work ethics.
It is also possible that the first hybrid was a result of accidental breeding and that the first Great Akitas were so good that the subsequent puppies were bred intentionally.
Let’s take a look at the parent breeds to get a better idea of the possible origin of the Akita Great Dane Mix.
The History of the Akita Inu
The Ancient Akita Inu dog breed has been around for more than 10,000 years. Often known simply as the “Akita”, this breed was commonly used for hunting deer, bears, and wild boars. Their webbed paws make them great hunters.
Originally bred in Japan, the Akita finally made its way to the United States in 1937 when a lady named Helen Keller carried an Akita with her from her trip to Japan.
In recent years, Akita mixes have grown in popularity in the United States and around the world, and the Great Dakita is no different.
The History of the Great Dane
Affectionately referred to as the Apollo of dogs, the Great Dane is a gentle giant. Great Danes hail from Germany and date as far back as 400 years ago.
As with the Akita, Great Danes were used to hunt wild boars and as guard dogs.
Surprisingly, these two breeds have different personalities. Read on to find out the temperament of the Great Dane Akita Mix.
What Does A Great Dane Akita Mix Look Like?
As with all designer dogs, there are no guarantees when it comes to the overall appearance of a Great Dane Akita Mix. Your dog could resemble one of the parent breeds or be a perfect combination of the two.
Generally, the Great Dane and Akita mix will have a strong, muscular body. They are typically shorter than the average Great Dane and taller than your average Akita Inu.
To get a good idea of their appearance, check out this cute Great Dane Akita Mix picture here.
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How Big Will A Great Dane Akita Mix Get?
Considering the size of the parent breeds, you can expect a full grown Great Dane Akita Mix to be a very large dog. At maturity, they stand between 24 to 32 inches tall and weigh around 110 to 160 pounds.
Coat and Coat Colors
An Akita Great Dane Mix will either inherit the dense, double coat of the Akita or the short, sleek coat of the Great Dane parent.
These dogs typically come in black, white, blue, merle, fawn, black & white, brindle and harlequin.
Great Dane Akita Mix Temperament & Personality Traits
The devoted and family-oriented Akita Great Dane Mix inherits the Great Dane parent’s gentle personality and the Akita’s territorial nature.
The result is a dog that’s gentle, friendly, and loving in nature. Great Akitas are devoted to their owners and make excellent watchdogs.
They are also very protective of their owners and can become aggressive toward strangers, especially if they are not well socialized from a young age.
Due to the Akita’s genes, the Great Dane Akita Mix can be aggressive if not well socialized.
Are Great Dane Akita Mixes Protective?
Yes. These dogs make excellent watchdogs because they are loving, affectionate, and loyal to their owners.
Are Great Dane Akitas Good For First Time Owners?
Great Dane Akitas make great dogs for the right family, but their massive size, strength, and exercise needs make them a poor choice for inexperienced owners. These dogs need a lot of exercise to burn off any excess energy and to keep them happy and healthy.
Are Great Dane Akitas Good with Other Dogs?
While properly socialized Great Akitas get along well with other dogs, they can also be aggressive toward starnge dogs.
The parent breeds’ history as hunting dogs and guard dogs make them wary around strange dogs. The good news is—with proper specialization at a young age, they will most likely get along with other dogs in the family.
Are Akita Great Dane Mixes Good with Cats and Other Pets?
The Great Dane Akita Mix should get along with cats and other pets that they have been socialized with from the get-go. However, the Akita parent has a strong prey drive, which can make them aggressive toward cats and other small animals. The importance of early socialization cannot be overemphasized. .
Do Great Dane Akita Dogs Do Well In Apartments?
The Great Akita makes a poor choice of dog for apartment dwellers. These pooches require a lot of exercise and space to run and play around.
Are Great Dane Akitas Good With Kids?
When properly socialized, the Great Akita can get along well with children. Nonetheless, this hybrid dog may not be ideal for living with small kids. These large dogs may accidentally knock down kids.
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Exercise Needs
Akita Great Dane Mixes generally need about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. You can also take your dog for daily walks around the neighborhood in addition to regular visits to a nearby dog park.
These highly intelligent dogs also need interactive dog toys and games to keep them busy and mentally stimulated. The best dog toys will help prevent boredom and destructive behavior by keeping them busy and entertained.
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Training
Although the Great Dane mixed with Akita is an intelligent dog, housetraining can be challenging because the Akita side of the crossbreed has an independent and stubborn temperament. Also, their large size can make them difficult to control when they get older.
Obedience training is also necessary to prevent aggressive or destructive behavior. However, the Great Dakita should eventually master things with consistent and firm training sessions.
Since Great Akitas are likely to have a strong prey drive, it’s vital to start obedience training and leash training early. That way, you can control your dog around other people and animals that they might see as prey.
It’s recommended to divide the training sessions into short, frequent ones instead of longer ones. These dogs also respond best to compliments, treats, and other positive reinforcement methods.
It’s important to avoid negative training methods such as hitting or scolding, as these could make them aggressive. As with other dogs, we also recommend early socialization for your Great Akita puppy. This includes exposing your dog to different people, pets, and situations positively.
With proper socialization, early training, and guidance, your Akita Great Dane Mix will develop into a well-mannered dog.
Does A Great Dane Akita Mix Shed a Lot?
Yes! The Great Dane Akita sheds throughout the year. Fortunately, you can reduce the shedding with regular grooming and brushing. Proper grooming will help keep your pup’s coat clean and healthy.
Grooming
Both Great Danes and Akitas are easy to maintain. Regular brushing will help minimize the shedding.
The Akita parent also has little doggy odor and tends to be clean. Therefore, you don’t need to bathe them frequently if your Great Akita inherits this trait.
When bathing your pooch, be sure to use a premier quality dog shampoo. Once their coat has properly dried, wiping them with deodorizing wipes for dogs will help keep it smelling fresh.
As part of your dog grooming routine, brush their teeth regularly every week and clip the nails as necessary. Also, check and clean their ears regularly to prevent infections and to keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
Feeding and Diet
The Great Dane Akita mix is a large dog breed that requires high quality dog food to maintain their health.
Choose high-quality kibble formulated for large dog breeds. Generally, adults should eat 3 to 4 cups of high quality dog food every day. Make sure to divide this amount into two to three meals each day.
Also, make sure your dog’s diet has wild Alaska salmon oil, chondroitin, glucosamine and probiotics for bone and joint health support.
Give your pooch treats in moderation to prevent obesity and have clean or fresh water available at all times.
And remember to consult with your vet before changing your puppy’s diet. Your vet should be able to give you professional advice depending on your dog’s unique needs.
Great Dane Akita Mix Health Issues
Generally, Great Akitas are healthy dogs. As with all designer dogs, however, they are prone to any health conditions that affect their parent breeds.
Some of the conditions that have been reported in Great Dane Akita mixes include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Development issues
- Gastric Torsion
- Bone Cancer
- Heart Disease
As with other mixed breeds, getting your Great Dane Akita Mix puppy from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings on the parents is of the utmost importance.
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How Long Do Great Dane Akita Mixes Live?
Great Danes and Akitas have almost the same lifespan with Akitas having a life expectancy of around 10 to 12 years and Great Danes living about 8 to 10 years.
With these figures in mind, the Great Dane Akita Mix has a lifespan of around 8 to 12 years. However, certain factors, like poor diet and a lack of exercise, can reduce their lifespan.
Finding Akita Great Dane Puppies for Sale
If you’re considering taking the plunge and getting an Akita Great Dane puppy, you need to find a good breeder who performs health tests on the parent dogs and offers guarantees.
A reputable breeder should be able to answer all your questions about the mixed breed and give you more information about the puppy’s parents, their temperament, and any health issues to watch out for.
Finding an Akita Great Dane Mix For Adoption
If you want to bring one of these dogs home, we strongly recommend adoption.
By adopting a dog, you get to save his life by giving him a new, loving home.
Contact your local shelter or rescue group and let them know what you want.
You may also want to visit rescue organizations that specialize in Great Danes, Akitas, and their mixes.
Make sure to check out sites such as Adoptapet.com and Petfinder.com. Facebook is also a great resource for searching for rescues in your area.
How Much Does a Great Dane Akita Mix Cost?
Well, the Great Dane Akita Mix price will vary depending on where you get it.
If you adopt a Great Dane Akita mix from an animal shelter or rescue organization, the adoption fees will be anywhere between $50 and $300. These fees typically cover vaccines, spaying, and neutering services.
If you buy a Great Dane Akita Mix puppy for sale from a reputable breeder, the cost can be anywhere between $600 to $2000. If you want a specific coat type or color, the price could be on the higher end.
Apart from the price of a puppy, you should also get your new pet products, such as the MidWest Folding Crate for large dogs and the Furhaven Orthopedic dog bed from online retailers like Amazon.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Great Dane Akitas Good Family Pets?
Yes. This loyal and family-oriented dog inherits the Great Dane’s gentle and protective personality and the Akita’s loyal and territorial nature. Consequently, you end up with an affectionate and intelligent companion that is a joy to be around.
Are Great Dane Akita Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
When compared to many other large dog breeds, the Great Akitas has minimal maintenance requirements.
Can Great Dane Akita Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
A Great Dane Akita mix will not do well if they are left alone for many hours. It’s important to hire a caretaker if you plan to be away from your dog for long periods.
How Long Can an Akita Great Dane Mix Be Left Alone?
You should not leave your Akita Great Dane Mix alone for longer than 6 hours. A lonely Akita Great Dane mix might develop destructive behavior.
Are Great Dane Akita Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. If you love the Great Akita Mix but suffer from allergies, you will be disappointed to find out that these dogs aren’t hypoallergenic.
Are Great Dane Akitas Lazy?
No. While Great Dane Akitas enjoy relaxing, they are energetic dog who are happy to engage in family activities. That means they are not lazy and do well in family settings.
Can Great Dane Akitas Stay Outside In The Cold?
Yes. A Great Dane Akita Mix will adapt well in the cold due to their thick coat. However, regular grooming is important to keep them looking good and safe from elements like dirt and water.
Can Great Dane Akitas Tolerate Hot Summer Weather?
If your Akita Great Dane Mix develos a single-layered coat like the Great Dane parent, he is likely to do well in hot weather conditions.
Do Great Dane Akita Mixes Bark A Lot?
Although Great Akitas are not very vocal, they can bark to alert you of strangers.
Are Akita Great Dane Mixes Hard to Train?
The Akita side of the mix has a stubborn streak, so training an Akita Great Dane can be challenging at first. We recommend training your dog as early as possible.
Do Great Dane Akita Mixes Like To Cuddle?
The Great Dane parent gives this mix a gentle, friendly personality. This means the Great Akita has the potential to be a loyal and affectionate friend who loves to play and snuggle.
Are Great Dane Akitas Aggressive?
The Great Dane is a gentle companion while the Akita parent has aggressive tendencies toward strange dogs and other unfamiliar animals due to their hunting instincts. Fortunately, you can train your Great Akita out of any aggression by introducing them to other people and pets while they are still young.
Are Akita Great Dane Dogs Smart?
Yes. Great Akitas are very intelligent, but can also be independent. So early training is mandatory to make them well-behaved.
Can Great Dane Akitas Be off Leash?
The Akita parent has a high prey drive, which makes Great Akitas poor choices for off-leash trips.
Is A Great Dane Akita Mix Right For You?
A Great Dane Akita Mix is a very large dog that requires a firm hand to develop good behavior so they can live harmoniously with any person or other pets.
If you have owned a large dog before, then this mix might be a wondeful choice for you.
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Other Akita Mixes
Love Akitas but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular Akita mix breed dogs.
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