The Corgi Akita mix is a medium-sized breed with a social side, a zest for life and an active personality. The Akita Corgi comes from mixing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi with an Akita, a strong and independent Japanese dog with a rich history of its own.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known as loving and loyal creatures, with an affectionate nature that impacts everyone they meet. Meanwhile, Akitas tend to be more aloof with strangers and physically imposing. While this is a rare mixed breed, Akita Corgis tend to pop up from time to time. See if this medium-sized dog is the right one for your family!
Corgi Akita Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 25 – 100 pounds |
| Height: | 12 – 25 inches |
| Lifespan: | 11 – 13 years |
| Coat Colors: | Brown, white, tan, pied, or a combination thereof |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, sociable, loving, loyal, active |
| Most Suitable For: | Active families, active single individuals. Not suitable for apartment living or the elderly |
What Does a Corgi Akita Mix Look Like?
Like most mixed-breed dogs, the Corgi Akita mix will borrow near-equal parts of its physical appearance from both parent dogs. Due to their Corgi heritage, many Corgi Akita mixes will be significantly shorter than the breed standard. Their ears will be upright – although they’ll likely have pointed ears rather than rounded ones.
Their tails and overall body shape will resemble that of the Akita. Their coat color will likely resemble the Akita as well, though many color combinations are possible.
You can expect your Akita Corgi to have long fur and a double coat – as both parent breeds have double coats. This will also make your Corgi Akita mix a heavy shedder that will need regular brushing. You can also expect your Corgi Akita to have an elongated body, like their Corgi parents.
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The History of the Corgi Akita Mix
Being a designer dog breed, the Corgi Akita’s history is a little foggy. We don’t know exactly when the breed was created or by whom. Crossbreeding of dogs first became popular in the 1960s in the United States, but experienced a surge in the 1990s and early 2000s. Our suspicion is that this is when the Akita Corgi would have been created.
The two dogs experienced fantastic popularity in the United States. It’s no wonder they were sought out as mix breeds. Moving forward, we’ll explore the history, temperaments, and popularity of both parent breeds to demystify the creation of the Corgi Akita mix.
The History of the Akita
The Akita is a Japanese dog, an ancient breed first bred for guarding property and helping Japanese hunters to hunt Ussuri brown bears. The Japanese Akita is a much larger animal than their American counterparts – more on this later.
The Akita, known as the “Akita Inu,” was first bred sometime in the 15th century as a guardian and hunting dog – trained to hunt animals such as elk, Ussuri brown bears and wild boar. This role would morph into companionship, as companion dogs for Japanese samurai for three centuries from the 1500s to the 1800s.
During the 20th century, the Akita was almost extinct, as their popularity fell sharply as their roles changed. They were bred initially with a German Shepherd to aid in maintaining the breed. This worked in post-war Japan and the Akita survived. In 1937, Hellen Keller was credited with bringing the first two Akitas to the United States.
How Popular Are Akitas in the United States?
Since their arrival in 1937, Akitas have been popular dogs in the United States, though their official recognition didn’t come until 1972. Between 1937 and 1972, the Akitas brought over by Keller were bred with those brought back by American servicemen post World War II – to create the American Akita.
The American Kennel Club recognized the American Akita in 1972 and it was classified as a Working Dog.
Since their recognition the popularity of the American Akita has maintained a fairly moderate standing in the American canine landscape. In 2021, they ranked as the 52nd most popular dog in the United States.
Who Are Akitas a Good Dog For?
Given their large size, the Akita is a dog best suited for the active family unit, with plenty of space to allow the Akita to move around properly – and a house and yard to give them room to exercise. Having a double coat, Akitas aren’t afraid of the cold and are OK to be left outside for a period of time.
Because of their size, Akitas don’t do well with apartment living and are not suitable for the elderly owner.
How Did Akitas Come About?
Akitas were first bred in the mountains of Japan in the 15th century to help Japanese hunters and farmers to guard their property and hunt elk and Ussuri brown bears. They’re one of Japan’s six national dogs and are firm family pets of the Japanese.
The American Akita was first brought to the United States by Helen Keller in 1937 but didn’t gain AKC recognition till 1972. Their large size and friendly temperament – including physical similarities to the Shiba Inu – made them tremendously popular family pets.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Akita?
Given their history of the Akita, there’s a high likelihood that the Akita has been crossbred many times throughout its Japanese and American history. The first instance was the creation of the Akita German Shepherd mix after the Second World War, in an attempt to preserve the breed.
Other popular crossbreeds in the modern era include:
- Akita Husky Mix (Huskita)
- Akita Labrador Retriever Mix (Labrakita)
- Akita Saint Bernard Mix (Akita Bernard)
- Akita Newfoundland Mix (Akita Newfie)
- Akita Chow Mix (Akita Chow)
- Akita German Shepherd Mix (German Akita)
- Akita Australian Shepherd Mix (Akita Shepherd)
- Akita Pitbull Mix (Akita Pit)
- Akita Tibetan Mastiff Mix (Akita Mastiff)
The History of the Corgi
The Welsh Corgi first arrived in Wales in the 12th century. Brought by Flemish weavers who resettled in Wales from Flanders. Originally, their Welsh Corgis were used as herding dogs, assisting the Flemish weavers with herding sheep and other cattle. Despite their small size, they were an effective cattle herding breed!
The weavers settled in an area now known as Pembroke, a town in Pembrokeshire, Wales. This is where the “Pembroke Welsh Corgi” comes from.
Throughout the centuries, however, the Welsh Corgi was replaced by other larger, faster and more competent animals such as the Border Collie, German Shepherds, and other herding dogs.
This transition from herding breed to companion pet was made seamlessly. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi soon found itself in high demand across the UK and even caught the eyes of royalty. Pembroke Welsh Corgis were the most popular Corgi in the United Kingdom and were owned by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, throughout much of her life.
The popularity of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi among royalty only made the breed more popular in the UK and the United States, where they had been since the late 19th century.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a cousin – the Cardigan Welsh Corgi – this Corgi was developed in Cardigan, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Nearly identical to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the only significant physical difference is the coat colors. Cardigan Welsh Corgis tend to have a mixture of grey, tan and white colors. Meanwhile, Pembroke Welsh Corgis tend to be tan and white exclusively.
How Popular Are Corgis in the United States?
Since they first arrived, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have enjoyed steady popularity in the United States. With a few dips in popularity, the Pembroke Welsh roared back in the 2010s and currently sits as the 11th most popular dog in the United States, according to the AKC.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, however, just as it is in England, is considerably less popular than their Pembroke cousins. In 2021, the Cardigan Welsh was the 67th most popular dog breed in the U.S.
Although unpopular, it’s worth mentioning that the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are sometimes crossbred to create an “American Corgi,” as this practice is almost exclusively conducted in the United States.
Who Are Corgis a Good Dog For?
Because of their overall size, fantastic temperament and family-friendly nature, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are routinely found in many family homes, but are also ideal for the elderly due to their low-maintenance nature.
In general, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi will do much better within a family unit, particularly with a house & yard, as it requires mental stimulation when exercising.
How Did Corgis Come About?
Corgis were first brought to Wales by Flemish weavers, who relocated to the Welsh countryside from Flanders in the 12th century. The Welsh Corgi was originally used as a herding breed to aid in the herding of sheep and other cattle.
Over the centuries, the Welsh Corgi was replaced as a herding dog and became a firm companion pet instead, occupying homes and hearts across the United Kingdom, including the Royal Household, where Queen Elizabeth II owned more than thirty of them throughout her lifetime.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Corgi?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been an incredibly popular crossbreed throughout the years – it’s no wonder, given the animal’s temperament – why so many breeders desire to crossbreed a Corgi with other dogs.
Several popular Corgi crosses include:
- Corgi Shar Pei Mix (Cor-Pei)
- Corgi Shiba Inu Mix (Corgi Inu)
- Corgi Dachshund Mix (Dorgi)
- Corgi Bernese Mountain Dog Mix (Bernorgi)
- Corgi Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Corgi)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of owning any animal is ensuring that they fit into your lifestyle, otherwise you, your family and the animal itself aren’t going to happy, healthy, or living your best lives!
One of the ways to ensure that you choose a compatible companion is to research the temperament of the dog you’ll be welcoming into your home. There are certain parts of a dog’s temperament that are genetic, the rest is environmental and life experience-based.
For example, if you’re looking for a dog that can accompany you on hikes every weekend, it’s probably not a good idea to buy or adopt a Pug. Likewise, if you’re a more homely family looking for an around-the-house pet, then a Corgi or Russell Terrier might be a good bet!
The important thing is to find a dog that suits your lifestyle and can fit in with it, rather than having to change too much of your life to fit the temperament of your new companion.
What is the Temperament of the Corgi Akita Mix?
Luckily for most owners, the Akita Corgi mix is one of the most even-tempered of the Corgi mixes out there. Akitas aren’t known for their excitability – they tend to be fairly aloof around strangers – meanwhile the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for their friendliness with just about anyone.
You can expect your Akita Corgi mix to be very outgoing and need regular exercise. During training, you may find that your Akita Corgi mix needs positive reinforcement, as Akitas can be somewhat stubborn, as can the Corgi – it’s an independence thing.
Is The Corgi Akita Mix Friendly?
Yes! You can expect the Corgi Akita mix to be very friendly! Although, because of its Akita genes, it may be aloof around strangers.
Is The Corgi Akita Mix Easy to Train?
Both the Akita and Corgi have a history of being active dogs, used in situations where they would need to follow commands. In turn, this led to both breeds being relatively easy to train, despite their stubborn streaks.
How Much Can A Corgi Akita Mix Weigh?
The average weight of an Akita Corgi mix is between 25 and 100 pounds.
How Tall Can A Corgi Akita Mix Get?
The average height of a Corgi Akita mix is between 12 and 25 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Corgi Akita mix. These include:
- Standard Poodle
- Brittany Spaniel
- Basset Hound
- English Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
Does the Corgi Akita Mix Shed?
With both breeds having a double coat, you can expect your Corgi Akita mix to shed moderately throughout the year, with a possible blow out during the Winter/Spring transition and Fall/Winter transition.
Prepare your brushes! Regularly brush your Corgi Akita mix, along with a trip to the groomer!
How Much Exercise Does A Corgi Akita Mix Require?
Like their parent breeds, the Corgi Akita mix requires plenty of exercise! Roughly one hour per day should be enough to wear them out, combine this is with regular mental stimulation to quell their energy level and maintain optimal health.
How Long Can a Corgi Akita Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Corgi Akita mix is between 11 and 13 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Corgi Akita Mix Have?
- Hip dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
- Elbow Dysplasia (Elbow joint inflammation)
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (Blood disorder)
- Cataracts (Eye Issues)
How Can You Find a Corgi Akita Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you start searching for an Akita Corgi mix puppy through a breeder, we recommend exploring adoption first. Hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs languish in animal shelters and vet clinics, waiting for the right person to take them home.
If you’re unsuccessful in person, try finding a Corgi Akita mix puppy that’s up for adoption online at AdoptAPet.com. There, you can search your local area for dogs that are ready to be adopted.
How Much Does a Corgi Akita Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Corgi Akita mix is between $300 and $700. While this may not seem expensive, compared to the cost of adoption, it’s almost twice as much!
If you’re choosing to purchase a Corgi Akita mix, you must research your prospective breeder thoroughly! We’ve created a handy guide to help you distinguish proper, established breeders from puppy mills.
Is the Corgi Akita Mix the Right Breed For You?
Whether or not the Corgi Akita is right for you is a choice, only you can make. This active, energetic pet will require plenty of outdoor exercise and space while maintaining its ever-so-friendly Corgi temperament. Perfect for the active, outdoorsy family, while not being overbearing in its size.
If you’ve come to realize, however, that the Corgi Akita is definitely not the breed you’re looking for – don’t worry! We have created dozens of other breed guides to help you find the right dog for you.
Nick Meagher
I'm Nick Meagher, a lifelong dog enthusiast and the voice behind this blog. Having grown up with dogs, I've developed a deep understanding and an unbreakable bond with these amazing companions. Through MyK9Life, I aim to share insights, tips, and heartwarming stories, celebrating the joy and journey of life with our four-legged friends.
