Caring for Your Akita Pit: Key Health Concerns and Solutions

Introduction

The Akita Pit is a relatively rare and intriguing hybrid dog breed that results from cross-breeding an American Pitbull Terrier with an Akita. This robust and energetic companionship combines the loyalty and affectionate nature of the Pitbull with the protective instincts and hunting prowess of the Akita, yielding a most attractive blend.

General Care

These formidable canine friends require dedicated care to provide optimal living conditions. Owners must understand the unique needs and characteristics of an Akita Pit, tailored specifically for this breed.

Space Requirements

Due to their size – typically measuring between 20-25 inches at the shoulder, while weighing anywhere from 50-80 pounds – Akita Pits demand an expansive indoor space with suitable flooring (soft hardwood or artificial surfaces). In the absence of sufficient indoor room, a secure fenced yard is essential for facilitating ample physical exercise.

Temperature Tolerance

Akita Pits excel in temperate climates and can adapt to indoor living spaces equipped with climate control. They exhibit excellent cold-resistance but may struggle in sweltering temperatures without adequate shade or air-conditioned reprieve.

Akita Pit Issues

As a breed inheriting qualities from the Akita, American Pitbull Terrier, and possibly other ancestry, the Akita Pit brings forward various potential challenges for owners. Foremost among these issues are temperament problems inherited from either parent breed, such as aggression in social settings without proper training, or being more stubborn.

Hypothyroidism

A genetic condition inherent to the Akita could manifest in offspring, which may lead to hypothyroidism.

Feeding a Akita Pit

The dietary needs of an Akita Pit are fairly straightforward; they require high-quality dog food with balanced amounts of nutrients tailored specifically to large breed canines. This allows them to grow into healthy adults while curbing potential joint and musculoskeletal issues.

Nutrition Requirements

• Young puppies: High calorie diets containing moderate protein
• Adult dogs: Balanced nutrient-based meals formulated for their age group and physical demands (muscle, skin strength)
• Pregnant/female breeding companions: Increased caloric intake with enhanced nutrients

Akita Pit Behavior and Training Tips

Socialization

Akita Pits have inherent tendencies to be territorial. Owners can help curb this by exposing them early on to a variety of settings (people, animals) gradually, under strict control. Rewarding desirable behaviors goes a long way in developing an adult with positive demeanor.

Akita Pit Grooming Guide

This formidable breed requires frequent attention regarding grooming.

Fur Care

Their single-layer double coat needs regular maintenance:

1. Weekly nail trimming
2. Brush the fur with a large-surfaced brush weekly for distribution of oils and better appearance (twice weekly between shedding seasons).
3. Shampoo bath on alternate weeks

The Akita Pit retains an average amount of dog odors emanating from their high body oil level.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Pet owners considering purchasing an Akita breed need to consider several significant factors as regards this remarkable but demanding breed.

High Energy Needs

Akita Pits demand intensive care on a regular and frequent basis, including both physical exercise of daily long distance walks/distance runs combined with short intervals of free playtime.

Serious Responsibility

Potential owners will be held accountable for the Akita Pit's inherent propensities to guard home families in need of protective instincts. They cannot neglect responsibility as dog parents because there might be circumstances when their charges fail to act according to expectations.

Akita Pit FAQS

Q: What does an Akita-Pit hybrid look like?

A: Their mix of parent breeds can produce a mix of colors and textures for coats but frequently includes the black coat variant or solid red color found among purebred American Pit Bull Terriers

Q: How much training will require my dog's help from me?