Breed Comparison: Akita Versus Komondor

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Akita Versus Komondor: Introduction

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

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

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 Komondor.

Akita versus Komondor: Overview

Both the Akita and the Komondor are similar in size. The Akita and the Komondor are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Akita and the Komondor are Working Dogs. This means both the Akita and the Komondor 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 versus Komondor: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akita to the Komondor 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 Komondor

Factor Akita Komondor
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Height 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 130 pounds 80 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1770 $750
Price Range $1100 – $2200 $600 – $800
Temperament Score 77.8 percent 90.0 percent
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
    		•
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    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 Komondor. 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 Komondor is 70 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akita and the Komondor

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

    • Akitas have a very high tendency to drool. However, Komondors do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the Akita and the Komondor

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

    • Both the Akita and the Komondor do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor 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 Komondor can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Akita and the Komondor are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Akita versus Komondor

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

    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, Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akita versus Komondor

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

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

    Temperament of the Akita Versus the Komondor

    The Komondor has a better temperament than the Akita.

    This is because the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 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 90.0 percent, the Komondor has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Akita and the Komondor by measuring the temperaments of 598 Akitas and 10 Komondors.

    Price of Akita versus Price of Komondor

    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 Komondor puppy is $750. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $600 – $800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 10 Komondor puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Akita is more expensive than the Komondor.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akita and Komondor. For different price points, the charts show how many Akita puppies or how many Komondor 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 Komondors

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors

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

    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 Komondor 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 Komondor.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Akita than for the Komondor.

    5 health tests are recommended for Akita while 3 tests are recommended for the Komondor.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Akitas and in Komondors.

    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.

    Komondor Health Problems

    Komondors are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Komondor 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 Komondor puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Komondor 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 Komondors for:

  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akita versus Komondor

    Akitas do not like to be left alone.

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akitas shed more than Komondors?

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

    Komondors shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Akita or the Komondor

    Akitas have a very high tendency to drool.

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akita or the Komondor?

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

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

    Does the Akita Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Komondor?

    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.

    Komondors 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 Komondors?

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

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

    Can Akitas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akitas can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akita vs. Komondor

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

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

    Can Akitas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Komondors can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Akitas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Akitas good family dogs? What about Komondors?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Akitas and Komondors?

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

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

    Is the Akita Easier to Train than the Komondor?

    Akitas are not easy to train.

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Is the Akita Better for Apartment Owners than the Komondor?

    Akitas do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Akitas are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akita versus Komondor. 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 Komondor better suits you and your family.