Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer.

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Akita Chow Versus Giant Schnauzer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akita Chow and for the Giant Schnauzer. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akita Chow or the Giant Schnauzer.

Akita Chow versus Giant Schnauzer: Overview

Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer are similar in size. The Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Akita Chow belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

On the other hand, the Giant Schnauzer belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Akita Chow versus Giant Schnauzer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akita Chow to the Giant Schnauzer based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer

Factor Akita Chow Giant Schnauzer
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 1/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 23 to 25 inches 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Weight 88 to 145 pounds 55 to 80 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $2000 – $2500
Average Price No Data $2280
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akita Chow in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Giant Schnauzer. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Akita Chow is 55 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Giant Schnauzer is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Giant Schnauzer is a better pet than the Akita Chow. So, you should get the Giant Schnauzer!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer

    Below is a list of where the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer are most different:

    • Akita Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Giant Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Akita Chows are not easy to train. However, Giant Schnauzers are very easy to train.
    • Akita Chows not very playful. However, Giant Schnauzers are very playful.

    The Similarities Between the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer

    The Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer are most similar:

    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer can tolerate cold weather.

    Size Comparison of Akita Chow versus Giant Schnauzer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer.

    Akita Chows weigh 88 to 145 pounds when fully grown. Akita Chows are 23 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Giant Schnauzers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Giant Schnauzers are 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akita Chow versus Giant Schnauzer

    The lifespan of Akita Chows is between 10 to 12 years . The average lifespan of Akita Chows is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Giant Schnauzers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Giant Schnauzers is 11.0 years.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akita Chow versus Giant Schnauzer

    Akita Chows do not like to be left alone.

    Giant Schnauzers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akita Chows shed more than Giant Schnauzers?

    Akita Chows shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Giant Schnauzers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Akita Chow or the Giant Schnauzer

    Akita Chows drool moderately.

    Giant Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akita Chow or the Giant Schnauzer?

    Akita Chows require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Giant Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Akita Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Giant Schnauzer?

    Akita Chows have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Giant Schnauzers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Akita Chows Bark and Howl? What about Giant Schnauzers?

    Akita Chows are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Giant Schnauzers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Akita Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Giant Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akita Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Giant Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akita Chow vs. Giant Schnauzer

    Akita Chows have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Giant Schnauzers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Akita Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Giant Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akita Chows cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Giant Schnauzers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akita Chow or the Giant Schnauzer?

    Akita Chows do not get along well with other dogs.

    Giant Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Akita Chows good family dogs? What about Giant Schnauzers?

    Akita Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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    Giant Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akita Chows and Giant Schnauzers?

    Akita Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Giant Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Akita Chow Easier to Train than the Giant Schnauzer?

    Akita Chows are not easy to train.

    Giant Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Is the Akita Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the Giant Schnauzer?

    Akita Chows do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Giant Schnauzers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akita Chow or the Giant Schnauzer?

    Akita Chows are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Giant Schnauzers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akita Chow versus Giant Schnauzer. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akita Chow and the Giant Schnauzer better suits you and your family.