Akita vs Bedlington Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Akita
Working Group
Bedlington Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Akita Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Akita stands as a testament to Japanese breeding excellence. With a bear-like head, small triangular eyes, and thick double coat, these dogs command attention. Their muscular build and dignified stance reflect their ancient heritage as hunters and guardians. Displaying unwavering loyalty and natural protective instincts, Akitas combine strength with remarkable gentleness toward family members.
Bedlington Terrier Overview
Bedlington Terriers feature a distinctive lamb-like appearance with their curved topline, arched back, and unique crisp, curly coat. Their graceful, muscular build combines with a pear-shaped head and tasseled ears. Standing 15-17.5 inches tall, these elegant terriers display remarkable agility and speed, while their gentle expression masks their fearless nature and sporting ability.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Akitas are less energetic than Bedlington Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Akitas require more grooming attention compared to Bedlington Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Akitas tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bedlington Terriers.
- Trainability: Bedlington Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Bedlington Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bedlington Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Akitas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Akita and Bedlington Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Akita | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 11-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Akita | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm | 15-18 inches 38-44 cm |
| Weight | 70-130 lbs 32-59 kg | 17-23 lbs 8-10 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Akita | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal | Loyal, Charming, Frollicking |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Akita | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Akita Temperament
The Akita is known for being courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Bedlington Terrier Temperament
The Bedlington Terrier is characterized by being loyal, charming, frollicking, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Akita and Bedlington Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Akita
Rating: 3/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Akita
Rating: 1/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Akita
Rating: 4/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Akita
Rating: 1/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Akita Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Akitas require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Akitas require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Bedlington Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bedlington Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bedlington Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Akita Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Thyroid Issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Bedlington Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Copper Toxicosis
- Retinal Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Renal Disease
- Distichiasis
Pros & Cons
Akita
Pros
- Extremely loyal to family
- Excellent guard dog
- Clean and fastidious
- Quiet unless necessary
- Independent nature
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Same-sex dog aggression
- Not ideal for first-time owners
- Heavy shedding
- Strong-willed personality
Bedlington Terrier
Pros
- Low-shedding coat
- Affectionate with family
- Good with children
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Moderate exercise needs
- May chase small animals
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Akita and Bedlington Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.