Pyrenean Mastiff vs Akita
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Pyrenean Mastiff
Foundation Stock Service
Akita
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Pyrenean Mastiff Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Pyrenean Mastiff boasts a massive frame with a thick white coat marked by distinctive patches. Their noble bearing and gentle demeanor belie their impressive strength and protective instincts. Distinguished by a large head, well-proportioned body, and dignified expression, these dogs combine imposing physical presence with remarkable agility for their size.
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: Pyrenean Mastiffs are less energetic than Akitas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pyrenean Mastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Akitas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pyrenean Mastiffs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Akitas.
- Trainability: Pyrenean Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Pyrenean Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Akitas adapt better to apartment living, while Pyrenean Mastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff and Akita, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pyrenean Mastiff | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Japan |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pyrenean Mastiff | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-31 inches 64-79 cm | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm |
| Weight | 120-239 lbs 54-109 kg | 70-130 lbs 32-59 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pyrenean Mastiff | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Brave, Noble | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pyrenean Mastiff | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pyrenean Mastiff Temperament
The Pyrenean Mastiff is known for being gentle, brave, noble, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. 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 Pyrenean Mastiff 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
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 5/5
Akita
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Akita
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 4/5
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Pyrenean Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pyrenean Mastiffs 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, Pyrenean Mastiffs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Pyrenean Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
Akita Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Thyroid Issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
Pyrenean Mastiff
Pros
- Gentle and patient with family
- Excellent guardian
- Good with children
- Calm temperament
Cons
- Requires large living space
- Heavy shedding
- High food costs
- Not suitable for novice owners
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 Pyrenean Mastiff and Akita, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.