Akita vs Plott Hound
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
Plott Hound
Hound 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.
Plott Hound Overview
Plott Hounds are muscular, agile hunting dogs with distinctive brindle coats and keen tracking abilities. Their athletic build features strong legs, deep chest, and powerful shoulders suited for endurance in rough terrain. Alert expressions and well-proportioned heads complement their determined, intelligent nature. These hounds display remarkable stamina and tenacity while maintaining a dignified, confident bearing.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Akitas are less energetic than Plott Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Akitas require more grooming attention compared to Plott Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Akitas tend to be more reserved with strangers than Plott Hounds.
- Trainability: Plott Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Plott Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Plott Hounds 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 Plott Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Akita | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Akita | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm | 20-25 inches 51-64 cm |
| Weight | 70-130 lbs 32-59 kg | 40-60 lbs 18-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Akita | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Akita | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Plott Hound Temperament
The Plott Hound is characterized by being loyal, alert, intelligent, 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 Plott Hound, 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
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Akita
Rating: 1/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Akita
Rating: 4/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Akita
Rating: 1/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
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.
Plott Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Plott Hounds 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 medium coat coat, Plott Hounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Akita Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Thyroid Issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Plott Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Heart Issues
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
Plott Hound
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Loyal companion
- Athletic and enduring
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Not apartment suitable
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Akita and Plott Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.