When posed with the question of Akita vs Rottweiler, how do you know which one is right for you? This article will compare these two distinct dog breeds and explore all the aspects to help you choose the right dog.
Let’s dive right in!
Akita vs Rottweiler video:
Akita vs Rottweiler History
A dog’s history can reveal a lot about what you can expect from them as a family companion. It is an essential part of your doggy research if you are thinking about welcoming one of these pups into your life.
Akita history
The Akita originated in the snowy and rural lands of Odate, Akita Prefecture, a mountainous region of Japan. This area was widely known for wind, snow, and low temperatures up to -30 degrees. That is why Akitas love being outside in the cold.
They were used for hunting and guarding purposes. They were strong enough to hunt animals such as elk, wild boar, and Ussuri brown bears.
The Akita breed began to split into two types in the post-World War II era: Japanese Akita (commonly called Akita Inu) and the American Akita.
After receiving two Akitas from the Japanese government in 1938, Helen Keller, an American woman, is credited with bringing the breed to America.
In addition, many soldiers saw how solid and great-looking Akitas were, so they brought them to the United States after World War II. It helped to boost the breed’s popularity in the states.
So, over time, differences started to appear. In America, people bred Akitas to be big and bear-like. But, in Japan, breeders tried to maintain the original breed stats.
The Akita is described as the most faithful dog breed, as proven by Hachiko, a famous Akita who waited for his owner’s return for nine years until his death.
In 2009, Hollywood released a movie called Hachi: A Dog’s Tale that made the Akita breed famous all around the world. Many statues of Hachiko were erected in both Japan and the US to commemorate him.
In Japan, the Akita is a symbol of good health, happiness, and longevity.
Rottweiler history
According to the FCI Standard, the Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds. Its origin goes back to Roman times. These dogs were kept as herder or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the Roman legions, protecting the humans and driving their cattle.
Rottie’s career in livestock ended with the rise of the railroad cattle cars in the 1800s. They found new work as police dogs, personal protectors, and all-around blue-collar dogs capable of performing various heavy-duty tasks.
Rotties were among the first guide dogs for the blind, and in more recent times they distinguished themselves as search-and-rescue workers at such disaster sites as Oklahoma City and the World Trade Center.
Akita vs Rottweiler Popularity
According to the American Kennel Club, the Rottweiler is more popular than the Akita. Rottweiler is the 8th most popular dog breed, and the Akita is ranked as the 52nd most popular breed by the AKC.
Akita vs Rottweiler Size
Akita is a large dog breed. Male dogs stand between 26 and 28 inches and weigh about 110 pounds (50 kg). Females are 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh about 80 pounds (36 kg).
Rottweilers are slightly longer than tall, large dogs, ranging in height from 22 inches for a small female to 27 inches for a large male. Weights go from 80 to 120+ pounds (36 to 54+ kg).
Akita vs Rottweiler Coat Types
Akita coat
Akitas have a double coat with a dense and plush undercoat and a short topcoat, but some litters can have long-haired puppies due to a recessive gene.
Rottweiler coat
Rottweilers have a short double coat that’s straight and rough. The undercoat is located mainly on the neck and thighs. The outer layer is medium in length and shorter on the ears, head, and legs.
The amount of undercoat your Rottie has depends on the climate where they live.
According to the AKC, there are five possible rottweiler colors or combinations: black and mahogany, black and rust, black and tan, red, and blue.
Akita vs Rottweiler Appearance
Akita appearance
Their ancestors were born and raised in the harsh snowy, windy cold of the Japanese mountains. As a spitz breed, the appearance of the Akita reflects cold weather adaptations essential to their original function.
Japanese Akita has an attractive appearance and dignified expression.
They have a fox-like appearance with small almond-shaped eyes, erect ears, and muscular bodies. The legs are straight and strong. The plush tail typically curls over the back.
Japanese Akitas have urajiro markings – a whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of the jaw, neck, chest, body, and tail, and the inside of the legs.
Rottweiler appearance
Rottweilers are blocky dogs with massive heads. They have almond-shaped dark brown eyes. Ears lie tight to the head, hanging down. They can be a bit drooly because of loose flews (lips). The chest is roomy, broad and deep. The back is straight, strong and firm.
Historically the tail was traditionally docked at the first or second joint. However, docking is now banned in most countries, and this is reflected in the FCI Country of Origin Breed Standard.
Akita vs Rottweiler Life Expectancy
The average Akita lifespan is between 10 and 13 years.
The average Rottweiler lifespan is between 8 and 10 years.
Despite having a shorter lifespan than other breeds of the same size and weight, Rottweilers are dedicated and steadfast.
However, the lifespan of a dog also depends on many factors like diet, exercise, temperament, etc.
Akita vs Rottweiler Temperament
The temperament of Rottweiler and Akita is quite similar. They are calm, confident, and courageous.
With family, they are surprisingly sweet, affectionate, and loyal. But they are naturally wary of strangers and don’t make friends with people instantly or indiscriminately. Instead, they approach new individuals or circumstances with a wait-and-see approach.
They can be stubborn and aggressive if you don’t train them well from an early age. However, temperament is affected by several factors, including heredity, nutrition, training, and socialization.
Akita vs Rottweiler Bite Force
Akita and Rottweiler are known for being powerful dogs. Japanese Akita’s bite force has been measured at an average of 350-400 PSI, whereas Rottweilers have a pretty impressive bite force of 328 PSI.
Akita vs Rottweiler Health
Just as all people are genetically predisposed to a particular disease, all dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems.
Common health issues in Akita dogs include hip and elbow dysplasia, autoimmune hypothyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Some of the conditions Rottweilers more commonly develop include:
- Heart problems
- Cruciate ligament damage
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hip dysplasia
- Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy
- Inherited eye diseases
- Certain cancers
- Hot spots
Akita vs Rottweiler Exercise
They enjoy playing in a large, secure garden. However, don’t let puppies play on hard surfaces. They should avoid jumping or jogging on these surfaces until at least two years old when their joints are fully formed.
Akita vs Rottweiler Training
Both Akita and Rottweiler require a lot of training from a young age to ensure they get along with people and other animals.
Rottweilers tend to be easier to train than Akitas. They need firm training with respect, consistent reinforcement from their owner, and fun games that make them motivated.
Whatever your dog’s breed is, training is a must if you want to eliminate bad behavior and create the obedient, well-behaved dog of your dreams. You can choose suitable online classes from these 20 reputable SpiritDog Training courses to learn how to “successfully” train your canine using science-based positive methods, or grab the free guide below.
Akita vs Rottweiler Shedding and Grooming
Since the Rottweiler and Akita have a double coat, they are moderate to high shedding dogs. Heavy shedding seasons are in the fall and spring.
In the fall, you will see a change in your dog’s coat and a higher incidence of shedding in preparation for the coming winter months. In the spring, your dog’s coat will become lighter in preparation for the warm weather in summer.
Brush your dog 3-4 times a week to remove loose, dead hairs and keep the fur soft and shiny. You also need to bathe your dog every six weeks to three months. Trim their nails once a month and clean their ears weekly.
FAQs
Which dog can beat Akita?
Dog breeds can beat Akita are Rottweiler and Pitbull.
Are Akitas one of the strongest dogs?
Yes, both Akita and Rottweiler are powerful dogs.
Is Akita a fighting dog?
Akitas were fighting dogs in the past. The Akita is the strongest and most popular breed for fighting rings in the 1600s.
Conclusion
The main difference between Akita vs Rottweilers is their appearance. In addition, Akitas are harder to train than Rottweilers. They are excellent guard dogs and require a lot of exercise and training. But they are not suitable for first-time owners.
And before you leave, check out our best new puppy resource for new dog parents below ⇓
Readers Also Liked:
