Australian Kelpie vs Akita
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Australian Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
Akita
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Australian Kelpie Overview
Australian Kelpies are medium-sized herding dogs with distinctive athletic builds and remarkable agility. Their double coat features a short, dense undercoat and weather-resistant outer coat, typically in black, red, or chocolate colors. Alert ears, keen eyes, and muscular bodies reflect their working heritage, while their intelligent expression and nimble movement showcase their herding instincts.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Australian Kelpies are less energetic than Akitas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Australian Kelpies require less grooming attention compared to Akitas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Australian Kelpies tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Akitas.
- Trainability: Akitas may be slightly easier to train due to their Akita's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpie and Akita, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Australian Kelpie | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Japan |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Australian Kelpie | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm |
| Weight | Unknown Unknown | 70-130 lbs 32-59 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Australian Kelpie | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Australian Kelpie | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Australian Kelpie Temperament
The Australian Kelpie is known for being loyal, alert, intelligent, 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.
Akita Temperament
The Akita is characterized by being courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal, 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 Australian Kelpie and Akita, 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
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
Akita
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Australian Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Kelpies 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, Australian Kelpies require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Akita Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Akitas 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, Akitas 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
Australian Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- CEA
- Cryptorchidism
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Akita Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Thyroid Issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
Australian Kelpie
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent work ethic
- Low maintenance coat
- Exceptional agility
- Strong herding instincts
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be too intense for novice owners
- May herd children and pets
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be stubborn if not properly trained
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Australian Kelpie and Akita, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.