An Akita Bullmastiff Mix sounds like the type of dog many would welcome into their families because of its uniqueness.
These are two very popular large breeds, and it’s reasonable to wonder if this might be a dog that you will enjoy.
Should you add an Akita Bullmastiff to your family?
These crossbreeds are lovely dogs but are not necessarily a great choice for everyone. Read on to learn more about some of these dogs’ characteristics and whether they are a good fit for you and your family.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get an Akita Bullmastiff Mix
Although Akita Bullmastiff designer crossbreeds are popular dogs, they have some traits that might be difficult for prospective owners.
Before bringing one of these dogs into your home, you may want to think about some of these characteristics.
- Akita Bullmastiff Mixes are very big dogs who take a long time to mature – expect them to reach full size at closer to three years
- Most of these dogs will have longer coats, resulting in hair all over the house during shedding season
- Inexperienced dog owners may find these mixes very difficult to train
- Both breeds have been used for fighting in the past, and aggression is possible in dogs with poor training and little socialization
- A somewhat shorter lifespan because of the dog’s large size
Reasons Why You Should Get an Akita Bullmastiff Mix
Even though all breeds and mixes have some traits that some may find difficult, most owners consider the good to outweigh the bad to a considerable degree. Most of the drawbacks that people find with dog breeds are easy to overcome.
- Akita Bullmastiff Mixes descend from two of the oldest dog breeds known today
- These dogs enjoy being around people as much as possible, making them perfect for outdoor activity
- These mixes are highly intelligent, and positive training methods keep them receptive to learning
- Both of the breeds that make up this designer cross have excellent protective instincts
- Although care around small children is necessary, these dogs get along well with family members of all ages
- These dogs are great company for other big dogs, with proper introductions
Appearance, Personality, Coat and Colors, Lifespan, and Traits of Akita Bullmastiff Mix
Akita Bullmastiff Mixes will have an alert, imposing appearance. One of the first things that most will notice about this dog is that it is not a dog you want to cross. The dog may have erect ears like its Akita ancestors and an athletic build.
People who own this crossbreed usually find it very affectionate with family members. These dogs are OK with strangers and new circumstances if allowed to adjust appropriately. One thing that you’ll need to know is that these dogs are energetic.
If your designer cross takes more after its Akita ancestors, it may have a double coat. These dogs will have short to medium coats.
Both parent breeds have a broad range of coat colors, with shades of brown, fawn, or brindle patterns being popular.
These dogs have a shorter lifespan than their smaller counterparts. Although many Akita Bullmastiff Mixes easily reach 12 or 13, some may live only seven or eight years. The lifespan of the parents may play the biggest role in your dog’s longevity.
Overall, these dogs are large and have a lot of energy. These mixes have an array of coat colors possible and get along well with most people.
Although the lifespan may not be what some prefer, the right care will help these dogs to live a long time.
Akita Bullmastiff Mix Puppies for Sale
Akita Bullmastiff Mix breeders might be somewhat challenging to find. However, if you succeed in finding a breeder, you will likely consider your search worth the effort. One of these puppies is a treat worth waiting to get.
Although these dogs lack conventional pedigrees, you can learn a lot about your puppy’s ancestry from observing the parents. Seeing both parents can give you an idea of which traits your puppy might have as an adult.
Interacting with the puppies is an excellent way to find out which one you want to bring home.
Some breeders will allow you to reserve your preferred puppy in advance. Others may personally deliver the puppy or use a pet transporter.
Visiting the breeder is an excellent way to make sure the puppies have a humane upbringing.
An ethical breeder will allow you to see where the puppies live. Even if the breeder uses their home instead of a separate kennel, they should still allow access.
You should avoid breeders whose dogs live in unsanitary conditions. Another situation to avoid is anyone with sickly dogs or who lacks transparency about their health. Designer cross breeders should hold the same ethical standards as other breeders.
Grooming Your Akita Bullmastiff Mix
Akita Bullmastiff Mixes are usually moderate shedders. Even if one of these dogs has a single, smooth coat, shedding might get somewhat heavy during early spring. Professional grooming is not usually necessary for these designer mixes.
An essential grooming tool that your dog will need is a brush with stiff, natural bristles. A quick, thorough brushing every week keeps the dog’s coat looking great. When you’re finished with the brushing, using a polishing cloth will add shine.
Most of these mixes require bathing every two months. A dog shampoo with essential oils usually does the best job of keeping your dog’s coat clean. Towel drying usually works better for these dogs than using a dryer.
Using an ear cleaner designed for dogs will keep your dog’s ears clean and prevent infection. Dogs with drop ears are somewhat more likely to have ear problems. Wiping the ears with a clean cloth after applying the cleaner will complete the cleaning.
Nail trimming and tooth brushing should take place monthly. These are sometimes a little tougher than other tasks. However, working with your dog regularly will help it get used to its paws and mouth being handled.
Akita Bullmastiff Mix Health Problems
Akita Bullmastiff Mixes are prone to bloat, like many other large, deep-chested dogs. When a dog develops bloat, it is an emergency requiring prompt treatment. Dogs who have had bloat may require surgery and multiple feedings per day.
Both breeds that make up these dogs’ ancestry may carry the risk of eye problems. An ophthalmological test is recommended.
The eye problems that these dogs can develop may lead to vision loss and eventual blindness, making early detection crucial.
A thyroid evaluation is also recommended for these dogs. When thyroid issues happen, they may affect multiple body systems, negatively impacting your dog’s health. Most vets will check thyroid levels during routine lab tests every year.
Hip dysplasia is a degenerative condition affecting the hip joints. If not treated early, the dog will begin to have trouble walking. Both parent breeds have a risk of hip dysplasia, although the condition comes more from the Bullmastiff side.
There are two additional risks from Bullmastiff parentage that you want to have health checks for with your dog. One is elbow dysplasia, a disease-causing elbow joint degeneration. A cardiac health evaluation is also a good idea for these dogs.
Akita Bullmastiff Mix Food Requirements
Akita Bullmastiff Mixes can thrive on either wet or dry food that meets their nutritional needs.
However, given the size of these dogs, a base of primarily dry food mixed with some wet works well. Balanced raw food diets may also be a great choice.
Foods that these dogs eat should have a high protein amount of 18 to 25%. Although foods specially designed for this designer cross are not available, large-breed or active lifestyle foods are suitable choices. Grain-free is also an excellent choice.
If you feed dry and wet food, the wet food works best if mixed in with the dry food. Your dog will eat the food a lot more readily, even if what you’re feeding is new to them. Always make changes with food gradually to avoid stomach upsets.
Puppies have different nutritional requirements from adults, making puppy food with higher fat and carbohydrate amounts ideal for better growth. Because these dogs are enormous, it’s helpful to remember that they have not finished growing until about three.
Because these dogs are vulnerable to bloat, more than one feeding per day is advisable. Three or four feedings usually work the best. Free-feeding is best avoided because these big dogs would be likely to consume too much at a time.
Akita Bullmastiff Mix Exercise Requirements
Akita Bullmastiff Mixes, like their parent breeds, may have varying energy levels. However, regardless of the activity level, all these dogs require daily exercise. A daily walk that takes 60 to 60 minutes meets these dogs’ needs very well.
Outdoor playtime involving activities like playing fetch also keeps these dogs happy. Both breeds are responsive to activities that include chasing balls or frisbees. Playtime should involve a fenced yard because these dogs might chase other animals.
Fencing is also recommended because these dogs have a somewhat territorial nature. Another unfamiliar dog looking for a playmate might end up with an unpleasant surprise. Having your yard fenced also keeps other people out of your dog’s play space.
If your Akita Bullmastiff designer cross is still growing, you’ll want to avoid excessive exercise. When you exercise a puppy or young dog too much, there is a risk of bone damage. Always watch for signs of excess fatigue during exercise.
These dogs may vary as to how much vigorous jogging or running they will tolerate. Even if your dog is not enthusiastic about running, hiking might be a better alternative. You may want to consider using a dog backpack or weights during hikes.
Akita Bullmastiff Mix Training
Akita Bullmastiff Mixes are intelligent dogs. However, they have an independent streak that proves difficult for some owners. Early training and socialization are necessary to maximize these dogs’ learning abilities.
Obedience and leash training are some of the things that your dog will need to learn as early as possible. Obedience training can help your dog learn to follow basic commands. A dog that knows what its owners expect is better behaved overall.
Leash training will help you maintain optimal control when you are walking your dog. The more you can control your dog on a leash, the better you can prevent it from getting loose and into traffic. You can also prevent conflicts with other dogs.
These dogs are so intelligent that you can train them to do a lot beyond basic obedience training. From tracking to agility courses, your imagination is the only limit.
Akita Bullmastiff Mix and Families
Akita Bullmastiff Mixes are excellent family dogs. This designer mixes usually relate well to everyone in your family. Both breeds that make up this crossbreed have strong protective instincts, making them watchful when your kids are playing.
Parents should use extra supervision when their children are around these dogs. Despite their excellent personalities, they might play roughly around young kids. Pre-teens and teenagers are usually the best suited to regular activities with these dogs.
Older adults may also need to be careful when walking these dogs. A fully-grown mix between the Akita and Bullmastiff can pull an adult during walks very easily. Proper leash training and restraints, like harnesses, are helpful for maintaining control.
Akita Bullmastiff Mix and Other Pets
The Akita Bullmastiff Mix may have mixed results with other animals. Akitas are sometimes hard to acclimate to other animals, while Bullmastiffs are more pet-friendly. With a crossbreed, you might not be able to tell which part will prevail.
Careful introductions to other animals are necessary to avoid problems. Making sure that the pets have separate dedicated spaces for confinement often helps. If introducing a new dog, a meet and greet beforehand can prevent problems.
