Is the Akita Better than the Patterdale Terrier as a Pet? Our Answer.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Akita Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Patterdale Terrier.

Akita versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Akita and the Patterdale Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akita is a large-sized dog while the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Akita versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akita to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier

Factor Akita Patterdale Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Height 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 15 inches
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
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 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 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 130 pounds 11 to 13 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1770 $570
Price Range $1100 – $2200 $525 – $550
Temperament Score 77.8 percent 80.0 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
    		•  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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akita and the Patterdale Terrier

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

    • Akitas do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Akitas do not get along well with other dogs. However, Patterdale Terriers get along well with other dogs.
    • Akitas require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.
    • Akitas shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Akitas have a very high tendency to drool. However, Patterdale Terriers do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Akitas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.

    The Similarities Between the Akita and the Patterdale Terrier

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

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

    Size Comparison of Akita versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    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, Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akita versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 years.

    Patterdale Terriers live longer than Akitas.

    Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the Akita

    The Patterdale Terrier has a better temperament than the Akita.

    This is because the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Akita and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 598 Akitas and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of Akita versus Price of Patterdale Terrier

    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 Patterdale Terrier puppy is $570. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $525 – $550. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 11 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Akita is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akita and Patterdale Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Akita puppies or how many Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

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

    Akitas do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akitas shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Akita or the Patterdale Terrier

    Akitas have a very high tendency to drool.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akita or the Patterdale Terrier?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Akita Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale Terrier?

    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.

    Patterdale Terriers 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.

    Do Akitas Bark and Howl? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Akitas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akitas can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akita vs. Patterdale Terrier

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

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

    Can Akitas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Akitas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Akitas good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akitas and Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Akita Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Akitas are not easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Akita Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Akitas do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Akitas are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Patterdale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akita versus Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.