Breed Comparison: Akita Versus Coton de Tulear

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Akita Versus Coton de Tulear: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akita and the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear. 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 Coton de Tulear.

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 Coton de Tulear.

Akita versus Coton de Tulear: Overview

A very important difference between the Akita and the Coton de Tulear is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akita is a large-sized dog while the Coton de Tulear is a tiny-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 Coton de Tulear belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Akita versus Coton de Tulear: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akita to the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear

Factor Akita Coton de Tulear
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 14 to 16 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Height 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 70 to 130 pounds 8 to 13 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1770 $2060
Price Range $1100 – $2200 $1745 – $2500
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
    		•
  • Cardiac Exam
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Coton de Tulear. 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 Coton de Tulear is 94 out of 125.

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

    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 Coton de Tulear so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akita and the Coton de Tulear

    Below is a list of where the Akita and the Coton de Tulear are most different:

    • Akitas do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Coton de Tulears get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Akitas do not get along well with other dogs. However, Coton de Tulears get along well with other dogs.
    • Akitas do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Coton de Tulears adapt well to apartment living.
    • Akitas are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Coton de Tulears are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Akitas have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Coton de Tulears have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Akitas shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Coton de Tulears do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Akitas have a very high tendency to drool. However, Coton de Tulears do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Akitas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Coton de Tulears are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.

    The Similarities Between the Akita and the Coton de Tulear

    The Akita and the Coton de Tulear are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akita and the Coton de Tulear are most similar:

    • Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear are not easy to train.
    • Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear 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 and the Coton de Tulear are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Akita versus Coton de Tulear

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akita and the Coton de Tulear.

    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, Coton de Tulears weigh 8 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Coton de Tulears are 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akita versus Coton de Tulear

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

    The lifespan of Coton de Tulears is between 14 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Coton de Tulears is 15.0 years.

    Coton de Tulears live longer than Akitas.

    Price of Akita versus Price of Coton de Tulear

    The average price of the Akita puppy is $1770. The price of the Akita typically ranges from $1100 – $2200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 342 Akita puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Coton de Tulear puppy is $2060. The price of the Coton de Tulear typically ranges from $1745 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 127 Coton de Tulear puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Coton de Tulear is more expensive than the Akita.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akita and Coton de Tulear. For different price points, the charts show how many Akita puppies or how many Coton de Tulear puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akitas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akitas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Coton de Tulears

    A breakdown of the prices of Coton de Tulears

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akita puppy or the Coton de Tulear puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Akita versus Health Problems of Coton de Tulear

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Akita and the Coton de Tulear are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Akita is prone to more genetic health problems than the Coton de Tulear.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Akita than for the Coton de Tulear.

    5 health tests are recommended for Akita while 3 tests are recommended for the Coton de Tulear.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Akitas and in Coton de Tulears.

    Akita Health Problems

    Akitas are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Akita puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Akita puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Akita breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Akitas for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Akitas here.

    Coton de Tulear Health Problems

    Coton de Tulears are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Coton de Tulear puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Coton de Tulear puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Coton de Tulear breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Coton de Tulears for:

  • Cardiac Exam
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Coton de Tulears here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akita versus Coton de Tulear

    Akitas do not like to be left alone.

    Coton de Tulears do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akitas shed more than Coton de Tulears?

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

    Coton de Tulears do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Akita or the Coton de Tulear

    Akitas have a very high tendency to drool.

    Coton de Tulears do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akita or the Coton de Tulear?

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

    Coton de Tulears require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Akita Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Coton de Tulear?

    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.

    Coton de Tulears have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Akitas Bark and Howl? What about Coton de Tulears?

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

    Coton de Tulears are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Akitas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Coton de Tulears Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akitas can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Coton de Tulears can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akita vs. Coton de Tulear

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

    Coton de Tulears have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Akitas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Coton de Tulears Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Coton de Tulears can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akita or the Coton de Tulear?

    Akitas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Coton de Tulears get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Akitas good family dogs? What about Coton de Tulears?

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

    Coton de Tulears are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akitas and Coton de Tulears?

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

    Coton de Tulears get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Akita Easier to Train than the Coton de Tulear?

    Akitas are not easy to train.

    Coton de Tulears are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Akita Better for Apartment Owners than the Coton de Tulear?

    Akitas do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Coton de Tulears adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akita or the Coton de Tulear?

    Akitas are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Coton de Tulears are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akita versus Coton de Tulear. 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 Coton de Tulear better suits you and your family.