Akita vs English Setter
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
English Setter
Sporting 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.
English Setter Overview
English Setters showcase an elegant and athletic build with distinctive speckled coat patterns known as 'belton.' Their graceful movement and medium-sized, well-proportioned frame exemplify sporting dog refinement. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and deep chest, these dogs combine beauty with functionality. Their silky, flat coat features unique feathering on legs, chest, and tail.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Akitas are less energetic than English Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Akitas require more grooming attention compared to English Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Akitas tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Setters.
- Trainability: English Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their English Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Setters 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 English Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Akita | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Akita | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm |
| Weight | 70-130 lbs 32-59 kg | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Akita | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal | Friendly, Mellow, Merry |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Akita | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
English Setter Temperament
The English Setter is characterized by being friendly, mellow, merry, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Akita and English Setter, 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
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Akita
Rating: 1/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Akita
Rating: 4/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Akita
Rating: 1/5
English Setter
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Akita
Rating: 5/5
English Setter
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.
English Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Setters 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, English Setters 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
English Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
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
English Setter
Pros
- Gentle and friendly temperament
- Excellent with children
- Athletic and versatile
- Good hunting companion
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- Moderate shedding
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Akita and English Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.