Akita vs Saint Bernard
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
Saint Bernard
Working 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.
Saint Bernard Overview
Saint Bernards are majestic giants with powerful, muscular bodies and distinctive broad heads. Their thick double coat comes in white with red, brown, or brindle markings. Known for their gentle expression and patient demeanor, these dogs combine impressive strength with remarkable gentleness. Their deep chest, strong legs, and massive frame reflect their historical role as mountain rescue dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Akitas are more energetic than Saint Bernards, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Akitas require more grooming attention compared to Saint Bernards.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Akitas tend to be more reserved with strangers than Saint Bernards.
- Trainability: Saint Bernards may be slightly easier to train due to their Saint Bernard's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernard, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Akita | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 8-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Akita | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm |
| Weight | 70-130 lbs 32-59 kg | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Akita | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Akita | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Saint Bernard Temperament
The Saint Bernard is characterized by being playful, charming, inquisitive, which makes them great companions for families. 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Akita and Saint Bernard, 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
Saint Bernard
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Akita
Rating: 1/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Akita
Rating: 4/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Akita
Rating: 1/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
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.
Saint Bernard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Saint Bernards need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Saint Bernards 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
Saint Bernard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
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
Saint Bernard
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Loyal and protective
- Good-natured temperament
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Expensive to feed and maintain
- Short lifespan
- Not suited for hot climates
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Akita and Saint Bernard, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.