Spitz vs Akita - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Spitz vs Akita - Breed ComparisonAkita is originated from Japan but Spitz is originated from Russia. Both Akita and Spitz are of same height. Akita may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Spitz. Both Akita and Spitz has almost same life span. Akita may have less litter size than Spitz. Akita requires Low Maintenance. But Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Miscellaneous dogs
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Japan
Russia
Height Male:
64 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
21 - 70 cm
8 - 28 inches
Height Female:
58 - 64 cm
22 - 26 inches
20 - 65 cm
7 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
34 - 54 kg
74 - 120 pounds
2 - 40 kg
4 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
34 - 50 kg
74 - 111 pounds
2 - 37 kg
4 - 82 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 15 Years
7 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 8
4 - 19
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Akita-Inu, Japanese Akita
numeroud breeds
Colors Available:
Brindle, Fawn, White, Red Fawn, Red, Pinto and Sesame
all
Coat:
Harsh and Rough, Dense, Water-Repellent, Short and Thick
double coated undercoat is coarser
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Friendly, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Responsive
Cheerful, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

akitaAkita is a very old breed. The first information originates back in the 1600s. Akita was a royalty guard and a hunting dog. They were popular because of their bravery. Akita even attacked bears. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to America. She admired the breed because of the famous Hachiko, a dog that was known for his loyalty. Today, Akita is a popular dog in the whole world. They are lovely family pets, and if train properly they will be adorable part of any family.

spitzA spitz is not a breed of dog, but rather a “group or family” of dogs that has its roots in Germany. Within this family there are a variety of breeds that were bred for very specific purposes by people in many different parts of the world. The spitz family can be toy dog size up to vey large. Examples run from the Pomeranian to the Canadian Eskimo Dog.

The Spitz family dogs share the look of thick, long fur and pointed muzzles, ears and curly tail. Despite their German name, they are thought to originally be of East Asia or Artic descent. Most of today’s spitz are from Siberia’s Artic region, first described in 1788 and in English in 1792. Spitz have been bred for three types of jobs depending upon where they were developed. These jobs included pulling, herding and hunting.

There are very powerful and large Spitz breeds that pull or hunt large game. Examples of these breeds are the Swedish Elkhound, the Akita Inu, the Norwegian Elkhound and the Karelian Bear Dog. The smaller sized breeds like the Samoyed hunted small mammals and birds, while the Finnish Lapphund, Lapponian Herder, and Swedish Lapphund herded, hunted and pulled small sleds.

The three largest spitz also pulled sleds throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. In most places the Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Alakan Malamute and the Greenland dog were used in sled racing and fur trapping while in Canada and Alaska the Siberian Husky was used for the same things.

Recently there have been genetic tests that show a large number of dogs that are considered Spitz type so share many strong ancestral ties and DNA similarities with wild wolves. It is now believed that a lot of these breeds were intentionally mated with wolves and some were accidental. Both domestic and wild dogs are included in this history.

Most spitz are made for cold weather, even today’s lapdogs, like the Pomeranian, do not do well in hot climates.

Description

akita puppy - descriptionAkita’s average weight is 34-54kg, while their height is 58-66cm. Females are smaller than males. Lifespan variates from dog to dog but an average lifespan of Akita is 11-15 years. However, if you take care of your dog with a proper diet and regular vet checks they can live longer than average. Litter Size of Akita is 7-8 puppies, but again, litter size variates because of dog’s genetics. Other Names for Akita are Akita-Inu and Japanese Akita.

spitz puppy - descriptionMost of the spitz breeds share a “look” that includes erect ears, stocky heavy, usually double coats, a pointed muzzle, thick, fluffy ruffs and a heavy curled tail carried high over the body. Build for northern climates they are insulated by a undercoat that is waterproof and dense and a less dense topcoat. Their ears are small to prevent frostbite and their paws have thick fur to protect them in the frigid, icy terrain.

Many still have wolf-like looks and tendencies. Some are very difficult to train to be companions – the Akita, Chow and especially the Karelian Bear Dog – fall into this category. Many mixed breed dogs are also considered members of the Spitz family. These dogs are easy to recognize as spitz because of these physical characteristics

Characteristics

akita dog - characteristics Akita is a very elegant breed. They are very strong and fast, so they had been excellent guards. They sometimes can be stubborn, but they are very loyal to the family. Akita has tendencies to be aggressive to other dogs. Because of their dominant character, they can be especially aggressive towards the same sex. They are the best for one-dog houses. With family, they are very loving and gentle. The best way to train Akita is by positive training with awards. The old-fashioned way like punishing is not recommendable. Constant and firm training is important, so if you are first time owner, it might be a big challenge. If you are first time owner, consider advising with a trainer who knows the breed.

Akita loves to be around family and to be included in family activities. They do not need a lot of activity, but daily routines of one-hour walks or jogging would be ideal for Akita. Visiting parks for dogs is not a good idea because of aggressive attitude towards other animals. If Akita does not have activities they can get bored, and you do not want bored Akita. When bored they start barking, digging, chewing, and sometimes even aggressive. Overall, they are very loving and gentle dogs who love to be around family and enjoy activities. But, they also need proper care and attention which require time and patience.

Characteristics

spitz dog - characteristics1.Children friendliness excellent with almost all the breeds. Be careful of size. Smaller breeds may not be as friendly and larger may knock down small children.

2.Special talents stamina

3.Adaptability excellent

4.Learning ability excellent

Health Problems

akita puppies - health problemsAkita is a very healthy breed in general. Nevertheless, almost as every breed, Akita can develop health issues. Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, Progressive retinal atrophy are some of the issues Akita might have. Although, if you give your puppy Akita necessary vitamins, with a healthy diet and regular vet checks, it will a very happy and healthy dog. It is also important to know the genetics of your dog, so carefully choosing a puppy is very important.

spitz puppies - health problemsIt is a little harder to characterize the health issues of a family of dogs than it is a .will overheat in hot climates due to their double coats. Here are some propensities of dogs in the Spitz family.

  • Haemolytic anemia – heritary anemia can be mild to life threatening.

• Thrombopathia bleeding disorder with the risk of a hemorrhage, platets don’t clot.

  • Epilepsy – medication can manage this well.
  • Cancers for different types.

• Larger breeds are affected by Elbow and Hip dysplasia that can cause arthritis and lameness.

Caring The Pet

Feeding Akita

akita dogs - caringIt is always important to adjust feeding to size, activity age and built. Dogs who are bigger and have more activity will need more food. For an average Akita 3-5 cups of dry high-quality food, divided into 2 meals will be enough. They also love to eat vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and fruits like apples, oranges, watermelon, etc.

Feeding Akita puppy

Akita puppy should have more meals per day plus additional calcium and vitamins. 3-5 meals per day would be an ideal for a puppy. It is a perfect way to develop your puppy into a healthy adult dog.

Grooming Akita

Grooming Akita is not the worst, but it will require some work. They have a double coat, but they are shedding a lot. Occasional vacuuming will be a new habit that every Akita owner needs. They shed 2-3 times per year, so it is not very bad. When it not shedding, everyday brushing would be a perfect way to groom your Akita.

spitz dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy The Spitz family has high energy needs but in a slow-release so they need protein more than grain. Puppies should be fed 3-4x a day in small meals. Don’t overfeed them.

2.Feeding the adult – The Spitz type dog stores their energy to use in extended periods when working or playing. They will become obese if overfed or if they don’t get enough exercise. Feed 2-3X a day in small or medium sized meals, even the larger breeds because of their storage of calories.

3.Points for Good Health endurance and stamina

4. Games and Exercises – Having been bred for endurance and stamina most Spritz breed need plenty of exercise, lots of space and lots of play. They love to run, jog, or play games. They are outdoors types who love to hike, and run or walk for long times over long distances. They are great in cold, wet weather but not so good in the heat. How much exercise they need depends on the size and history of the specific breeds. Most love to play with other dogs, so dog parks and dog day care can both be good choices for most of them. Agility, barnhunt, field trials, pulling games are all good choices.

Comparison with other breeds

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  7. Spitz vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Spitz vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  26. Akita vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Akita vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Akita vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Akita vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Akita vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Akita vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Akita vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Akita vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Akita vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Akita vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Akita vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Akita vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Akita vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Akita vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Akita vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Akita vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Akita vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Akita vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Akita vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Akita vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Akita vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Africanis vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Askal vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  49. Atlas Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  50. Aussie Poo vs Akita - Breed Comparison