Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Akita Versus Dogo Argentino: Introduction
- Akita versus Dogo Argentino: Overview
- Akita versus Dogo Argentino: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akita and the Dogo Argentino
- The Similarities Between the Akita and the Dogo Argentino
- Size (Weight and Height) of Akita versus Dogo Argentino
- Temperament of the Dogo Argentino Versus the Akita
- Price of Akita versus Price of Dogo Argentino
- Adopting the Akita versus Adopting the Dogo Argentino
- The Popularity of Akita versus Popularity of Dogo Argentino
- Health Problems of Akita versus Health Problems of Dogo Argentino
- Tolerates Being Alone: Akita versus Dogo Argentino
- How Kid-friendly are Akitas and Dogo Argentinos?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akita or the Dogo Argentino?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Akita or the Dogo Argentino?
- Can Akitas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Is the Akita Easier to Train than the Dogo Argentino?
- Does the Akita Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dogo Argentino?
- Wanderlust Potential: Akita vs. Dogo Argentino
- Can Akitas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Are Akitas good family dogs? What about Dogo Argentinos?
- Do Akitas shed more than Dogo Argentinos?
- Which one drools more, the Akita or the Dogo Argentino
- Do Akitas Bark and Howl? What about Dogo Argentinos?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Akita
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Akita versus Dogo Argentino. Which One is a Better Pet?
Akita Versus Dogo Argentino: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akita and the Dogo Argentino? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akita and the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akita and the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akita and the Dogo Argentino.
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 Dogo Argentino
Akita versus Dogo Argentino: Overview
Both the Akita and the Dogo Argentino are similar in size. The Akita and the Dogo Argentino are both large-sized dogs.
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 Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Akita versus Dogo Argentino: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Akita to the Dogo Argentino 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.
| Factor | Akita | Dogo Argentino |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 9 to 15 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder | 23 to 27 inches |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 70 to 130 pounds | 80 to 100 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1760 | $2510 |
| Price Range | $1150 – $2000 | $1500 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 77.8 percent | 89.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 46 | 93 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
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 Dogo Argentino. 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 a Akita is 56 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dogo Argentino is a better pet than the Akita. So, you should get the Dogo Argentino!
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 Dogo Argentino so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akita and the Dogo Argentino
Below is a list of where the Akita and the Dogo Argentino are most different:
The Similarities Between the Akita and the Dogo Argentino
The Akita and the Dogo Argentino are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akita and the Dogo Argentino are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Akita versus Dogo Argentino
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akita and the Dogo Argentino.
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, Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches when fully grown.
Temperament of the Dogo Argentino Versus the Akita
The Dogo Argentino has a better temperament than the Akita.
This is because the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 percent while the temperament score for the Akita is 77.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and they are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 77.8 percent, the Akita has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Akita and the Dogo Argentino by measuring the temperaments of 598 Akitas and 19 Dogo Argentinos.
Price of Akita versus Price of Dogo Argentino
The average price of the Akita puppy is $1760. The price of the Akita typically ranges from $1150 – $2000. However, the price of a Akita can be as low as $350 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 506 Akita puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Akita.
| Akita | Dogo Argentino | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1760 | $2510 |
| Price Range | $1150 to $2000 | $1500 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Akita and Dogo Argentino. For different price points, the charts show how many Akita puppies or how many Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentinos
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akita puppy or the Dogo Argentino 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Akita versus Adopting the Dogo Argentino
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Akitas and many Dogo Argentinos are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Akita named Fitz that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Akitas like Fitz on pefinder.com.
Also, like Akitas, Dogo Argentinos are also available for adoption. For example, Pirate is a Male Dogo Argentino that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Dogo Argentinos like Pirate that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Tank is the name of another Akita (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also Willie, an adorable Male Dogo Argentino on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Akitas and Dogo Argentinos that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Akita versus Popularity of Dogo Argentino
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Akita and the Dogo Argentino over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Akita is more popular with dog owners than the Dogo Argentino. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Akita is 46 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Dogo Argentino is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Akita
Popularity of Dogo Argentino
| Year | Akita Popularity Rank | Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 45 | no data |
| 2014 | 46 | no data |
| 2015 | 46 | no data |
| 2016 | 46 | no data |
| 2017 | 47 | no data |
| 2018 | 47 | no data |
| 2019 | 47 | no data |
| 2020 | 48 | 93.0 |
Health Problems of Akita versus Health Problems of Dogo Argentino
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Akita and the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Akita than for the Dogo Argentino.
5 health tests are recommended for Akita while 3 tests are recommended for the Dogo Argentino.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Akitas and in Dogo Argentinos.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Akitas here.
Dogo Argentino Health Problems
Dogo Argentinos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentinos for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Akitas and Dogo Argentinos
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Akita Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Akita ranks 30 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1043 Akitas, 62 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Akitas, and how common these diseases are in Akitas relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dogo Argentino Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.
This is because the Dogo Argentino ranks 3 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 105 Dogo Argentinos, 3 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dogo Argentinos, and how common these diseases are in Dogo Argentinos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Akita and in Dogo Argentino and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Akita and the Dogo Argentino:
| Disease | Akita Rank | Dogo Argentino Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid problems | 30 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 44 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 84 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 88 out of 198 dog breeds | 16 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 115 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 119 out of 144 dog breeds | 85 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Baer Hearing Test problems | Not Common | 3 out of 21 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Akita versus Dogo Argentino
Akitas do not like to be left alone.
Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.
How Kid-friendly are Akitas and Dogo Argentinos?
Akitas do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akita or the Dogo Argentino?
Akitas do not get along well with other dogs.
Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Akita or the Dogo Argentino?
Akitas require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.
Is the Akita Better for Apartment Owners than the Dogo Argentino?
Akitas do not adapt well to apartment living.
Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akita or the Dogo Argentino?
Akitas are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Can Akitas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Akitas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Akita Easier to Train than the Dogo Argentino?
Akitas are not easy to train.
Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.
Does the Akita Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dogo Argentino?
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.
Dogo Argentinos 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.
Wanderlust Potential: Akita vs. Dogo Argentino
Akitas have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Dogo Argentinos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Akitas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Akitas can very well tolerate cold weather.
Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Are Akitas good family dogs? What about Dogo Argentinos?
Akitas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Do Akitas shed more than Dogo Argentinos?
Akitas shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Akita or the Dogo Argentino
Akitas have a very high tendency to drool.
Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.
Do Akitas Bark and Howl? What about Dogo Argentinos?
Akitas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Dogo Argentinos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Akita
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Akita that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Akita:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dogo Argentino:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Akita and how the Dogo Argentino compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Akita and of the Dogo Argentino to other breeds:
Akita Versus Other Dog Breeds
Akita versus Tibetan Spaniel Akita versus Mountain Cur Akita versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Akita versus American Water Spaniel Akita versus Dalmatian Akita versus Italian Greyhound Akita versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Akita versus Bloodhound Akita versus Afghan Hound Akita versus Mastiff
Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dogo Argentino versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Dogo Argentino versus Yorkshire Terrier Dogo Argentino versus Whippet Dogo Argentino versus Harrier Dogo Argentino versus Maremma Sheepdog Dogo Argentino versus Bernedoodle Dogo Argentino versus Chinese Crested Dogo Argentino versus Peek A Poo Dogo Argentino versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Dogo Argentino versus Kerry Blue Terrier
Conclusion: Akita versus Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino better suits you and your family.