French Spaniel vs Akita
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
French Spaniel
Foundation Stock Service
Akita
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
French Spaniel Overview
French Spaniels are elegant sporting dogs with a distinctive white coat marked by brown patches. Their medium-sized, athletic build features a noble head carriage, pendulous ears, and expressive eyes reflecting their gentle nature. Standing 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulder, these dogs possess a balanced structure ideal for both field work and companionship, complemented by their intelligent expression and graceful movement.
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: French Spaniels are less energetic than Akitas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: French Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to Akitas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, French Spaniels 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: French Spaniels 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 French Spaniel and Akita, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | French Spaniel | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Japan |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | French Spaniel | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm |
| Weight | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg | 70-130 lbs 32-59 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | French Spaniel | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Sociable, Intelligent | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | French Spaniel | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
French Spaniel Temperament
The French Spaniel is known for being gentle, sociable, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 French Spaniel 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
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Akita
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
French Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
French Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
French Spaniels require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, French Spaniels 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
French Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
Akita Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Thyroid Issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
French Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with families
- Intelligent
- Gentle temperament
Cons
- Needs extensive exercise
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not suited for apartment living
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 French Spaniel and Akita, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.