Lagotto Romagnolo vs Akita
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Sporting Group
Akita
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lagotto Romagnolo Overview
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs feature distinctive curly coats resembling water-resistant wool, with well-proportioned, square-built frames. Their expressive eyes and rounded heads give them an alert, intelligent appearance. Known for their keen truffle-hunting abilities, these medium-sized dogs combine affectionate temperaments with remarkable work ethic. Their waterproof double coat comes in various colors including brown roan, orange, and white.
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: Lagotto Romagnolos are less energetic than Akitas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lagotto Romagnolos require less grooming attention compared to Akitas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lagotto Romagnolos 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: Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolo and Akita, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 15-17 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Japan |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-48 cm | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm |
| Weight | 24-35 lbs 11-16 kg | 70-130 lbs 32-59 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lagotto Romagnolo Temperament
The Lagotto Romagnolo is known for being affectionate, keen, undemanding, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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 Lagotto Romagnolo 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
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 5/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 1/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 2/5
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Lagotto Romagnolo Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lagotto Romagnolos 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, Lagotto Romagnolos 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
Lagotto Romagnolo Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Benign Juvenile Epilepsy
- Storage Disease
Akita Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Thyroid Issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
Lagotto Romagnolo
Pros
- Excellent nose work abilities
- Minimal shedding
- Highly trainable
- Good with families
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Expensive to purchase
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 Lagotto Romagnolo and Akita, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.