Akita Basset Dog Breed: Information, Appearance, and Characteristics
| Height | Weight | Lifespan | Colors | Suitable for | Temperament |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-27 inches | 40 – 90 pounds | 8- 12 years | Active, protective, loving | Active, protective, loving | Active, protection, loving |
The Akita Basset Dog Breed: A Unique Blend of Two Worlds
The Origins of the Akita Basset Dog Breed
The Akita Basset dog breed is a unique hybrid that combines the best traits of two different breeds, the Akita and the Basset Hound.
The origins of the breed are somewhat mysterious, as there is no official record indicating when or where they were first created.
However, it is believed that they originated in Japan sometime in the mid-20th century.
The breeding process for creating an Akita Basset involved crossing a purebred Akita with a purebred Basset Hound.
The goal was to create a new breed that would have both the independent nature and loyalty of an Akita, as well as the low-to-the-ground appearance and friendly demeanor of a Basset Hound.
The Unique Characteristics of the Akita Basset Dog Breed
Akita Bassets are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 40 to 90 pounds and stand around 14 to 27 inches tall at their shoulders.
They have short legs like a Basset but longer hair like an Akita and come in various colors such as black, white, brown or gray.
One thing that sets this breed apart from others is their appearance – they have floppy ears like a basset hound but also has distinctive triangular eyes unique to Akitas.
They also have strong jaws which allow them to chew through bones easily.
Another unique characteristic that makes them stand out is their temperament – they are known for being loyal and affectionate towards their owners while also being quite independent-minded dogs who can be stubborn at times.
The Popularity of the Akita Basset Dog Breed
Despite being relatively unknown compared to other popular dog breeds, many people have fallen in love with this unique hybrid breed.
The Akita Basset has a growing fan base due to their friendly nature, unique appearance, and fun-loving personality.
They make great family pets and are known for being good with children.
While they may not be as well-known as some other breeds, the Akita Basset dog breed is certainly one that is worth considering if you are looking for a loving, loyal, and unique companion.
Akita Basset Physical Characteristics
Appearance
If you’ve never seen an Akita Basset dog before, you may be surprised by its unique and charming appearance. These dogs are a cross between the Akita Inu and Basset Hound, making for a truly one-of-a-kind appearance.
They have large heads with broad muzzles and dark almond-shaped eyes that give them an intelligent and loving expression. Their floppy ears add to their adorable look.
| Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Temperament | |
| Affectionate with Family | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Good with Children | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Sociability with Dogs | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Friendliness towards Strangers | ⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ |
Comparison with other dog breeds
While there are many different breeds out there, few can compare to the unique look of the Akita Basset dog breed. However, if you’re interested in how they stack up against other breeds, here’s a quick comparison:
Compared to Basset Hounds: While both breeds have a similar body type and floppy ears, Akita Bassets tend to be more muscular and athletic than Basset Hounds.
Compared to Akitas: The Akita Inu is much larger than the Akita Basset breed, with a more wolf-like appearance.
The temperament is also different; while Akitas can be aloof or aggressive towards strangers or other animals, Akita Bassets are friendly with everyone they meet.
Compared to other mixed breeds: The combination of two such different breeds creates a truly unique dog that stands out from most others in both looks and temperament.
Temperament and Personality Traits
| Breed Characteristics (Higher = More Suited) | |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | |
| Apartment Living | ⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ |
| Good For New Owners | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Are They Sensitivite? | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Good With Being Alone | ⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ |
| Prefers Cold / Winter Dog | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Prefers Warm / Summer Dog | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
Temperament and Behavior of Akita Basset Dogs
Akita Basset dogs are known for being loyal, affectionate, and protective of their family. They are intelligent dogs with a strong sense of independence.
This can sometimes translate to stubbornness, especially if they feel their independence is being threatened.
However, with proper training and socialization from an early age, Akita Basset dogs can be well-behaved and obedient.
Another notable trait of the Akita Basset breed is their high energy level. They love to play and run around, so it’s important for owners to provide them with plenty of exercise opportunities.
Without enough physical activity, they can become bored or even destructive. It’s also worth noting that Akita Basset dogs have a strong prey drive.
This means they may be more likely to chase after small animals or even cars while walking. Owners should keep this in mind and take extra precautions when exercising their dog in public areas.
Akita Training and Exercise Needs
| Trainability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease To Train | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Smart | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ |
| Potential For Mouthiness | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ |
| Prey Motivation & Frequency | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ |
| Loudness – Barking / Howling (higher = louder) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Physical Needs | Energy Level | Intensity | Exercise Needs | Potential for Playfulness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ | High | At Least 45 Minutes / Day | High |
Training and Socialization Tips
As mentioned earlier, proper training and socialization are crucial for ensuring that your Akita Basset dog is well-behaved. Training should begin as early as possible to establish good habits from the start. One important aspect of training an Akita Basset dog is teaching them basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down.
These commands can help keep your dog safe in potentially dangerous situations.
Socialization is also key for ensuring that your dog gets along well with other people and animals.
This involves exposing them to different environments, people, and animals from an early age so that they learn how to interact appropriately.
It’s important to note that positive reinforcement methods work best when it comes to training an Akita Basset dog.
Treats or praise for good behavior will help reinforce the desired actions. Harsh or physically punishing methods can lead to fear and aggression, which is not ideal for this breed.
Health Issues in Akita Basset Dogs
| Health and Grooming Needs (Lower The Starts = The Less) | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Drooling | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Grooming Difficulty | ⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ |
| General Health (higher = better) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Weight Management (Potential for weight gain) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
| Size | ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ |
As with any dog breed, Akita Bassets are prone to certain health issues. One of the most common health issues experienced by Akita Bassets is hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint and can lead to arthritis and other mobility issues.
It can be caused by a genetic predisposition, as well as environmental factors such as being overweight or not getting enough exercise.
Another common health issue in Akita Basset dogs is ear infections. This is because they have floppy ears that trap moisture and can become a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.
It’s important to regularly clean your dog’s ears and keep them dry to prevent infections. Some Akita Bassets may develop skin allergies or sensitivities.
This can manifest in excessive scratching, licking, or biting of the skin, which can lead to hair loss, redness, and inflammation. It’s important to identify the allergen and take steps to avoid exposure. Tips for Maintaining Their Health
To maintain your Akita Basset’s overall health, it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Choose a high-quality dog food that doesn’t contain any additives or fillers.
Regular exercise is also crucial for maintaining your dog’s physical health.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity per day, such as brisk walks or playtime in the yard.
Routine visits to the vet are also crucial for preventing or catching any potential health issues early on.
Regular check-ups will allow your vet to monitor your dog’s overall health and catch any potential concerns before they become serious problems.
Proper grooming practices such as regular brushing and cleaning their ears will help prevent skin allergies and ear infections from developing.
Overall, with proper care and attention paid towards their health, Akita Bassets can live long and healthy lives.
Exercise and Grooming Needs
Exercise Requirements for the Breed
When it comes to exercise, Akita Basset dogs need moderate activity to keep them healthy. They are not high-energy dogs, but they still require daily walks and some playtime to keep their muscles toned.
Akitas are known for their strength and endurance, so it’s important to provide ample exercise opportunities.
Long walks or hikes in the woods are ideal activities for an Akita Basset dog, as they love being outdoors and exploring new sights and smells. It’s important to note that Akita Basset dogs should be exercised cautiously in hot weather conditions because of their short legs.
They tend to overheat quickly due to their stocky build. It is recommended that any physical activity be scheduled during cooler parts of the day or indoors with air conditioning.
Grooming Tips for Keeping Their Coat Healthy
The appearance of an Akita Basset dog breed is distinctive due to its thick double-layered coat, which can be straight or curly, depending on genetics.
Although the breed does not shed excessively throughout the year, a heavy shedding coat “blow-out” occurs during spring and fall seasons when they lose most of their undercoat.
To maintain a healthy coat in your furry companion, it is recommended to brush them often, especially during these seasonal blow-outs.
This helps remove dead hair while distributing natural oils throughout their fur, which helps maintain shine and overall cleanliness.
Nail trims should also be performed regularly along with dental care such as brushing teeth or providing dental treats/chews; before grooming time, remember giving your pet a little playtime will make grooming more pleasant by reducing anxiety levels.
Caring for an Akita Basset dog is not difficult; providing moderate activity levels along with regular grooming time helps ensure a long, happy life together with your furry friend.
Living with an Akita Basset Dog
Ideal Living Conditions for the Breed
You might have guessed that due to their size and temperament, Akita Bassets are best suited for living in a house with a decent-sized yard.
Their independent nature means they require plenty of space to roam around and explore, especially if you don’t have time to take them out on long walks daily. Although they aren’t particularly active dogs, they still need enough exercise to stretch their legs and burn off any excess energy.
Moreover, since these dogs are prone to obesity, it’s important that you make sure your Akita Basset gets plenty of exercise throughout the day. This could include regular walks or runs around the neighborhood, playing fetch in the backyard or taking them to dog parks where they can socialize with other pets.
Tips for Owning an Akita Basset Dog
The first thing to keep in mind when owning an Akita Basset is their independent personality. They don’t like being told what to do and can be quite stubborn at times. As a result, training can be challenging but it’s essential if you want your pet to be well-behaved and obedient.
It’s also important that you socialize your pet early on so that they get used to being around other people and animals. This will help reduce any aggressive behavior that may arise later on as a result of lack of exposure.
Remember that these dogs love attention – even if it’s just sitting with you while you read a book or watch TV. So make sure you spend plenty of quality time bonding with your furry friend!
Fascinating Facts about the Akita Basset Dog Breed
The Akita Basset’s Unique Heritage
The Akita Basset is a relatively new breed, but its heritage is a combination of two ancient dog breeds. The Akita Inu, which originated in Japan, is known for its loyalty and courage.
The Basset Hound, on the other hand, has French roots and is known for its affectionate nature and excellent sense of smell. By combining these two breeds, the Akita Basset has inherited characteristics from both sides.
Interestingly, the creation of this breed started in the 1990s when a group of breeders in Germany wanted to develop a unique dog that would combine the desirable traits of both breeds. After years of careful breeding and development, they created what we now know as the Akita Basset.
Unusual Behavior Traits
The Akita Basset’s temperament can be quite unique compared to other breeds. They are often described as independent yet devoted companions with unwavering loyalty to their owners.
This breed tends to be calm and mellow indoors but energetic outside. Moreover, they are very intelligent dogs that require plenty of mental stimulation.
One unusual behavior trait that sets them apart from other dogs is their tendency to “sing.” Yes! You read it right!
An Akita Basset tends to howl instead of barking like most other dogs would do. This howl creates an eerie sound that can sometimes be mistaken for a wolf’s howl or even a person crying out for help!
Quirky Physical Features
The Akita Basset’s physical appearance can also be quite distinctive compared to other dog breeds. They have short legs inherited from their basset hound lineage combined with thick bodies typical of Akitas Inu with broad heads. Another notable physical feature of the Akita Basset is their ears.
They have long, droopy ears that almost touch the ground, which are inherited from the Basset Hound breed. These ears give them an extra dose of cuteness and contribute to their unique look.
These unusual traits make the Akita Basset a beloved breed for those who seek a loyal and affectionate companion that stands out from other dog breeds. Their howling, short legs, and droopy ears make them both adorable and quirky pets that will always keep you entertained with their antics!
Conclusion
Akita Basset dogs are a unique and interesting breed that combines the characteristics of two very different dogs.
They have a loyal and affectionate personality, but can also be stubborn and independent at times. When properly trained and socialized, they make great family pets and are wonderful with children.
One thing to keep in mind about Akita Basset dogs is their tendency towards obesity, so it is important to monitor their diet closely and make sure they get enough exercise.
Additionally, like many purebred dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia or eye problems, so it is important to stay on top of regular vet checkups.
Overall, if you are looking for a unique and loving companion that will bring joy into your life, the Akita Basset dog breed is definitely worth considering.
With a little patience and care, they can become cherished members of any family.
