Is the Akita Better than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Akita Versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde? 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 and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 and for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde. 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 and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

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

Akita versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Overview

A very important difference between the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akita is a large-sized dog while the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Akita 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.

On the other hand, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Akita versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akita to the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

Factor Akita Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 9 to 12 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Height 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 130 pounds 48 to 55 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1770 No Data
Price Range $1100 – $2200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akita 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde. 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 is 56 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is 77 out of 125.

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

    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 and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Below is a list of where the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are most different:

    • Akitas do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Akitas require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom.
    • Akitas have a very high tendency to drool. However, Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    The Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are most similar:

    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Akita versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akita and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

    Akitas weigh 70 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Akitas are 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Appenzeller Sennenhundes weigh 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Appenzeller Sennenhundes are 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akita versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

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

    The lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is 10.5 years.

    Akitas live longer than Appenzeller Sennenhundes.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akita versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Akitas do not like to be left alone.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akitas shed more than Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    Akitas shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Akita or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Akitas have a very high tendency to drool.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akita or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

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

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom.

    Does the Akita Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Akitas 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.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Akitas Bark and Howl? What about Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

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

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Akitas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akitas can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akita vs. Appenzeller Sennenhunde

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

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

    Can Akitas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akitas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akita or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Akitas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Akitas good family dogs? What about Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    Akitas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akitas and Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

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

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Akita Easier to Train than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Akitas are not easy to train.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to train.

    Is the Akita Better for Apartment Owners than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Akitas do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akita or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Akitas are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akita versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde. 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 and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde better suits you and your family.