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Are you considering Husky vs Akita Inu for your next furry friend? Find out what you can expect with both dog breeds in this article!
Both the Husky and Akita Inu are fluffy dogs that do well in cold climates. They may look similar at first glance, but they are two distinct breeds with completely different personalities.
We compare these two furry friends to help you figure out which breed is a better fit for your lifestyle.
Let’s dive right in!
Husky vs Akita Inu video:
Husky vs Akita Inu: Breed 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.
Learning about Akita and Husky’s past will not only help you understand more about their characters. It will also teach you about the cause of their differences.
They have different histories, but one thing in common is that each breed has a famous and heroic dog that made their breed so popular in the mid-20th century.
Husky History
The Siberian Husky is from a very ancient lineage dating back perhaps 4,000 years or more.
The Chukotka Sled Dog is considered the progenitor of the Siberian Husky. Developed by the Chukchi people of Russia, Chukotka sled dog teams have been used since prehistoric times to pull sleds in harsh conditions, such as hunting sea mammals on oceanic pack ice.
Although Husky is a working dogs, they are also beloved family pets.
A Siberian Husky known as Balto became famous after leading a team of sled dogs to deliver serum to the Alaskan city of Nome to fight a diphtheria outbreak in 1925. There is a bronze statue of Balto in New York’s Central Park to mark his heroism.
Akita Inu History
The Akita dog originated in the snowy and rural lands of Odate, Akita Prefecture, a mountainous region of Japan.
Akitas were used for hunting and guarding purposes. They were powerful enough to hunt animals such as wild boar, elk, and Ussuri brown bears.
This breed in the 1600s was involved in dogfighting, which at the time was popular in Japan. From the 1500s into the 1800s, the Akita served as companions for samurai.
Everyone knows the story of the most loyal dog named Hachiko, an Akita dog that waited for his owner for nine years until death. His story has even turned into movies and literature. Statues of Hachiko are erected in both Japan and the US and attract many fans and visitors.
Husky vs Akita Inu: Popularity
The Husky is more popular than the Akita Inu. Husky is currently ranked as the 16th most popular dog breed while the Akita is ranked as the 48th most popular breed by the AKC.
Husky vs Akita Inu: Appearance
Husky Apperance
The Siberian Husky has a wolf-like look.
Their blue or multi-colored almond-shaped eyes and striking facial masks only add to the appeal of this breed. Show-quality dogs are preferred to have neither pointed nor square noses.
Most dogs do have white markings, particularly on the chest and legs. This dog breed has a long and bushy tail that curls up across its back when they are in a state of excitement or alertness.
Akita Apperance
Akita has a fox-like appearance and more almond-shaped eyes akin to a Husky.
Most dogs have small eyes, erect ears, and muscular bodies. Their legs are straight and strong.
The Akita’s most different feature from Husky is the curly tail, which resembles the shape of Catherine wheel fireworks and always rolls tightly no matter what state it is in.
Husky vs Akita Inu: Size
The Akita is a large breed, whereas the Husky is a medium-sized dog.
Akita has a size range from 25–27 inches (64–69 cm) tall and weigh 60–92 pounds (27–42 kg) when fully grown.
Husky is ideally between 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) tall at the withers and weighing between 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg).
Husky vs Akita Inu: Coat Types
They are originally from cold climates, so they both have a double coat which gives them a perfect adaptation that helps them survive and thrive in the severe freezing weather of the past.
Their coat has two layers with distinct functions. The dense undercoat supplies excellent insulation, protecting them from the cold and the heat. Furthermore, the outer coat is made of long rough hair that repels moisture and protects them from the elements.
Husky vs Akita Inu: Colors
Husky Colors
Husky colors come in a variety of shades and patterns. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the following colors of Siberian Husky are standard:
- agouti and white
- black and white
- gray and white
- red and white
- sable and white
- white
However, they are also known to come in many other colors.
Akita Colors
Husky vs Akita Inu: Lifespan
As a general rule, the larger the dogs, the shorter their lifespan. For a medium-sized dog breed like Husky dogs, their lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. Besides, the Akita has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years.
Husky vs Akita Inu: Temperament
Are Akitas more aggressive than Huskies?
Yes, Akitas tend to be aggressive towards strangers and other dogs, especially those of the same sex, whereas Huskies are not known to be aggressive and generally do well in multi-dog homes.
Are Akitas smarter than Huskies?
No, Akitas are as smart as Huskies.
Husky Temperament
Huskies are amazing dogs with lots of positive points in their temperament. They are intelligent, independent, friendly, and affectionate with people. Huskies do so well with children. They will welcome everyone into their home. As a result, they are not good guard dogs.
The biggest problem with Huskies is their reputation as escape artists. They will wander away from home anytime they have the opportunity.
Huskies don’t usually bark because they tend to use different ways of communicating with you such as howling, whining, or speaking.
Some people find this adorable, but some feel tiresome, so this is something that you need to prepare if you want to welcome one of these guys into your home.
Akita Temperament
The temperament of Akita dogs is brave, stubborn, and extremely loyal. The story about Hachiko proved their loyalty and devotion to the families.
And as we know from their guarding and hunting background, Akitas are excellent guard dogs. They always observe the world around them and are ready to protect their family no matter what.
Akitas are big but not loud. They only bark when necessary. As a result, they serve as effective early warning signals.
They are devoted to their family but suspicious of strangers and need to be supervised when introduced to new people or pets.
Akitas hate to live in groups and rather be alone and never back down from any challenge.
They have a more complex personality as they are much more dominant, and therefore, Akitas are not recommended for first-time dog owners and families with young children.
Husky vs Akita Inu: Exercise
Both Husky and Akitas were working dogs in the past, so they have a lot of energy that needs to burn off.
However, Huskies require more exercise than Akita dogs. The Husky will need around 90 minutes of exercise per day, whereas the Akita will need 60 minutes a day; brisk walks, jogging (for an adult dog over two years of age), and romping in the yard are favorite activities.
Husky vs Akita Inu: Training
As a result of their eagerness to please and serve their owner, the Akita is considerably easier to train and learns commands faster than the Husky. Husky dogs are more independent which makes training slightly harder.
Positive reinforcement is the most effective method for them. Using high value and rewards to keep them motivated, convince your dog that it is always better to listen to you. Also, keep it short and fun!
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.
Husky vs Akita Inu: Health
Some of the conditions Huskies may develop include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy.
- Certain cancers
- Eye problems
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
Here are some health issues you need to know before bringing home a large breed like the Akita:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Uveodermatologic syndrome
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus
- Von Willebrand disease
Husky vs Akita Inu: Nutrition
Husky dogs will eat slightly less than Akitas. Although Huskies are smaller than Akitas, they are more active and have a higher metabolism, so they will not gain weight as quickly as Akitas. Both need age-appropriate and high-quality food to stay healthy.
Husky vs Akita Inu: Grooming
Husky and Akita are heavy shedders and usually shed their fur twice a year before seasonal changes. This is also known as “blowing their coat” and happens during the spring and fall seasons.
They need to be brushed two to three times a week. During shedding season, you should brush them daily to control their shedding.
They also need bathing every three months or more if your dog plays in a mud puddle or something smelly. Trim their nails once a month and clean their ears weekly.
Which is better Akita or Husky?
If you are looking for an excellent guard dog, the Akita would better suit this role.
Siberian Huskies are more outgoing, playful, and friendly with people, even strangers. They can also be challenging to train because of their independent character.
The final choice between a Husky vs Akita Inu for your family is a personal choice. But both need an experienced owner, someone capable of giving them the love, care, and training to help them live a happy life with you.
Related post: Top 12 Akita Mixed With Husky (Huskita) Facts
Conclusion
The main difference between Husky vs Akita Inu is their size. Husky is smaller and friendlier than Akita Inu. Besides, Akita is a quiet dog, while Husky is a loud, vocal breed.
Whether you like Husky or Akita, as long as they seem to fit into your lifestyle and you can give them what they need, they are both adorable and cuddly pups.
And before you leave, check out our best new puppy resource for new dog parents below ⇓
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