Field researcher, animal behavior specialist, and Dog lover
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The English Mastiff Akita mix is one of those crosses that makes you stop and think twice. You’re combining the gentle giant temperament of an English Mastiff with the independent, protective nature of an Akita—two breeds that couldn’t be more different in personality. This isn’t a mix you see at every dog park, and there’s a good reason for that. It takes a particular kind of owner to handle the size, strength, and complexity of this dog. If you’re considering one, you need the full picture before you commit.
The English Mastiff is massive—we’re talking 160 to 230 pounds of pure bulk. Despite their intimidating size, they’re known for being calm, affectionate, and surprisingly gentle with family members. Originally bred in England as guard dogs and war dogs, modern Mastiffs are more couch potato than warrior. They’re loyal, protective without being aggressive, and generally friendly with kids and other pets if properly socialized.
What concerns me about Mastiffs is their short lifespan—typically just 6 to 10 years—and their susceptibility to joint problems, heart issues, and bloat. They also drool. A lot. If you can’t handle slobber on your walls, furniture, and clothes, this isn’t your dog.
Akitas are dignified, intelligent, and fiercely loyal to their family, but they’re also naturally aloof with strangers and can be aggressive toward other dogs. They were bred in Japan for hunting large game like bears, so they have strong prey drive and protective instincts. Akitas typically weigh 70 to 130 pounds and stand 24 to 28 inches tall.
What I find challenging about Akitas is their stubborn streak. They’re not eager-to-please dogs like Labs or Golden Retrievers. Training requires patience, consistency, and a firm but fair approach. They also tend to be dominant, which means they need an experienced handler who can establish clear boundaries without resorting to harsh methods.
Expect this mix to be large to giant-sized—anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds depending on which parent they take after. Height will range from 24 to 30 inches at the shoulder. Males are typically larger than females, and some individuals will lean more toward the Mastiff’s bulk while others inherit the Akita’s leaner, more athletic build.
The coat is usually short to medium length with a dense undercoat, especially if the Akita genes are strong. Colors vary widely: fawn, brindle, apricot, black, white, or combinations. Some will have the Mastiff’s wrinkled face and droopy jowls, while others show the Akita’s more defined, fox-like features. It’s a genetic lottery, and you won’t know what you’re getting until the puppy matures.
Grooming needs are moderate. Weekly brushing is usually enough, but during shedding season—which happens twice a year—you’ll need to brush daily to keep the fur under control. And yes, this dog will shed. A lot.
Both parent breeds are deeply loyal to their families, and this mix will be too. You’ll have a dog that bonds closely with you and wants to be near you most of the time. That’s the good news. The challenging part is that this loyalty comes with protective instincts—sometimes overly so. If not properly socialized, an English Mastiff Akita mix can become suspicious of strangers, territorial, and reactive to perceived threats.
This isn’t a dog that welcomes every visitor with a wagging tail. You need to introduce them to new people, places, and situations from puppyhood onward. Skipping this step is asking for trouble.
The Mastiff side brings affection and a desire to please. The Akita side brings independence and a “what’s in it for me?” attitude. How these traits balance out in your individual dog is unpredictable. Some will be velcro dogs who follow you everywhere; others will be content doing their own thing and won’t need constant attention.
What I appreciate about this mix is that they’re not hyperactive or neurotic. They’re generally calm indoors and happy to lounge around once their exercise needs are met. But don’t mistake calm for lazy—they still need daily physical and mental stimulation.
With proper socialization, this mix can be wonderful with older children. Mastiffs are famously patient with kids, and that trait often comes through. However, the Akita influence means you need to supervise interactions carefully, especially with young children. A dog this size can accidentally knock over a toddler, and the Akita’s low tolerance for rough handling or teasing is a real concern.
As for other pets, it’s hit or miss. Mastiffs tend to be tolerant, but Akitas have strong prey drive and can be dog-aggressive, especially toward dogs of the same sex. Early socialization is critical, but even then, I wouldn’t trust this mix alone with small animals or unfamiliar dogs.
If you’re looking for an easy-going dog that trains itself, keep looking. This mix requires consistent, early training starting the day you bring them home. The Akita’s stubbornness combined with the Mastiff’s size means you can’t afford to let bad habits develop. A poorly trained 150-pound dog is dangerous, period.
Use positive reinforcement—treats, praise, play—but also establish yourself as a calm, confident leader. Harsh corrections or dominance-based methods will backfire with this mix, causing fear or aggression. What works is patience, repetition, and making training sessions short and engaging.
Socialization is equally important. Expose your puppy to different people, environments, sounds, and other animals. Puppy classes are a great start, but don’t stop there. Continue socialization throughout their first two years. The Akita side can make them wary of new experiences, so the more positive exposure they get early on, the better adjusted they’ll be as adults.
Despite their size, this mix doesn’t need marathon runs or hours of fetch. Moderate daily exercise is usually enough—think 45 to 60 minutes of walking, hiking, or playing in a secure yard. Mastiffs are prone to overheating and joint stress, so avoid intense exercise in hot weather or on hard surfaces.
Mental stimulation is just as important. Nosework, puzzle toys, and training sessions keep their minds engaged. A bored dog this size will find ways to entertain themselves, and you probably won’t like the results. In my experience, a tired brain makes for a much calmer, happier dog—and that’s especially true for intelligent, independent breeds like the Akita.
Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise if your dog enjoys water. Not all will, but it’s worth introducing them to it early. For those living in Montana or similar climates, these dogs typically love cooler weather and enjoy winter activities.
Both parent breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and this mix is at significant risk. Large, heavy dogs put a lot of stress on their joints, especially during their rapid growth phase. Keep your puppy at a healthy weight, avoid excessive jumping or stairs, and consider joint supplements early on.
Ask breeders for OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHIP certifications for both parents. If they can’t provide health clearances, walk away. Responsible breeding practices can reduce—but not eliminate—the risk of these inherited conditions.
Large, deep-chested dogs like Mastiffs and Akitas are at high risk for bloat, a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Symptoms include restlessness, drooling, unproductive vomiting, and a distended abdomen. If you see these signs, get to an emergency vet immediately.
To reduce risk, feed smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal, avoid exercise right before or after eating, and consider a slow-feeder bowl. Some owners opt for prophylactic gastropexy, a surgical procedure that tacks the stomach in place.
Mastiffs are prone to heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy, while Akitas commonly suffer from hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Both conditions are manageable with medication, but they require lifelong monitoring and veterinary care. Regular check-ups and bloodwork are essential for catching these issues early.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts appear in both parent breeds. While not as common in mixes, it’s still a concern. Breeders should provide eye clearances from a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Life expectancy for this mix is likely 8 to 12 years, which is typical for giant breeds. The Mastiff side pulls that number down, while the Akita side helps extend it slightly. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, providing joint support, and staying on top of veterinary care will give them the best chance at a long, healthy life.
This mix is not apartment-friendly. They need space—a house with a securely fenced yard is ideal. They’re not overly active indoors, but their sheer size makes tight living quarters impractical. You also need to consider that a dog this large can be intimidating to neighbors, delivery workers, and visitors, so you need a secure property and solid recall training.
Climate-wise, they handle cold weather well thanks to their dense coats. Hot, humid climates are more challenging, especially for the Mastiff side. Provide shade, fresh water, and limit outdoor time during peak heat.
This is not a first-time dog owner’s breed. You need experience handling large, strong-willed dogs. If you’ve successfully raised and trained a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, or similar breed, you’re better prepared. If your only experience is with easygoing breeds like Golden Retrievers, this mix will be a steep learning curve.
Expect to pay $500 to $1,500 for a puppy from a breeder, though prices vary depending on location and demand. Adoption from a rescue or shelter is less common for this specific mix, but if you find one, adoption fees typically range from $150 to $400.
Ongoing costs are significant. Food alone will run you $70 to $120 per month for a high-quality large-breed formula. Add in routine veterinary care, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and you’re looking at $1,500 to $3,000 annually. That doesn’t include emergencies, which for a giant breed can easily hit $5,000 or more.
Pet insurance is worth considering. Premiums for giant breeds are higher, but coverage for surgeries, chronic conditions, and emergencies can save you thousands. Shop around and read the fine print—some policies exclude breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia or bloat.
This mix is relatively rare, so finding a breeder may take time. When you do, ask to see health clearances for both parents—hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, and cardiac evaluations at a minimum. Visit the breeder’s facility, meet the parents if possible, and observe how the puppies are raised. Puppies should be socialized from birth, exposed to household sounds, different people, and basic handling.
Avoid backyard breeders or puppy mills. If someone is breeding Mastiffs and Akitas without health testing or proper care, you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak and expensive vet bills.
Adoption is another option. Check breed-specific rescues for Mastiffs and Akitas—they occasionally have mixes. Large-breed rescues and general shelters may also have dogs that fit the profile. Rescue dogs often come with unknown histories, but if you’re experienced and patient, you can give a deserving dog a second chance. If you’re interested in other unique Akita mixes, you might want to learn about the Akita French Bulldog mix, which offers a completely different size and temperament combination.
If you’re considering this mix, it’s worth comparing it to similar crosses:
Each mix has trade-offs. The Mastiff Akita combination gives you size, loyalty, and moderate energy, but you’re also dealing with potential stubbornness, protectiveness, and significant health risks.
Don’t get this mix if you:
These dogs require time, money, effort, and experience. If any of those are in short supply, you’re setting yourself and the dog up for failure.
