Which is Better Between the Akita and the Japanese Spitz?

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Akita Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akita and the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz.

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 Japanese Spitz.

Akita versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

A very important difference between the Akita and the Japanese Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akita is a large-sized dog while the Japanese Spitz is a small-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 Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akita to the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz

Factor Akita Japanese Spitz
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 16 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
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 10 to 16 inches
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 130 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1770 $2200
Price Range $1100 – $2200 $2200 – $2200
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 Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125.

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

    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 Japanese Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akita and the Japanese Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Akita and the Japanese Spitz are most different:

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

    The Similarities Between the Akita and the Japanese Spitz

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

    • Both the Akita and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Akita and the Japanese Spitz cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akita and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Akita and the Japanese Spitz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Akita and the Japanese Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Akita and the Japanese Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Akita and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akita and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Akita and the Japanese Spitz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Akita and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Akita versus Japanese Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akita and the Japanese Spitz.

    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, Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akita versus Japanese Spitz

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

    The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Akitas.

    Price of Akita versus Price of Japanese Spitz

    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 Japanese Spitz puppy is $2200. The price of the Japanese Spitz typically ranges from $2200 – $2200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Japanese Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Japanese Spitz is more expensive than the Akita.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akita and Japanese Spitz. For different price points, the charts show how many Akita puppies or how many Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitzs

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akita puppy or the Japanese Spitz 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akita versus Japanese Spitz

    Akitas do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akitas shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Akita or the Japanese Spitz

    Akitas have a very high tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akita or the Japanese Spitz?

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Akita Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    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.

    Japanese Spitzs 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 Japanese Spitzs?

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

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

    Can Akitas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akitas can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akita vs. Japanese Spitz

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

    Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Akitas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akita or the Japanese Spitz?

    Akitas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Akitas good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akitas and Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Akita Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Akitas are not easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Is the Akita Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Akitas do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akita or the Japanese Spitz?

    Akitas are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akita versus Japanese Spitz. 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 Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.