Rat Terrier vs Akita
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Rat Terrier
Terrier Group
Akita
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Rat Terrier Overview
Rat Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with a smooth, short coat and distinctive erect ears. Their athletic build reflects their heritage as skilled hunters, combining speed with agility. These versatile terriers showcase a balanced blend of strength and refinement, featuring a wedge-shaped head, dark expressive eyes, and a naturally graceful gait that speaks to their sporting background.
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: Rat Terriers are less energetic than Akitas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Rat Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Akitas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Rat Terriers 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: Rat Terriers 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 Rat Terrier and Akita, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-18 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Japan |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-18 inches 25-46 cm | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm |
| Weight | 10-25 lbs 5-11 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 | Rat Terrier | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Rat Terrier Temperament
The Rat Terrier is known for being friendly, inquisitive, lovable, 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 Rat Terrier 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
Rat Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Akita
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Rat Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Rat Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rat Terriers 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, Rat Terriers 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
Rat Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
Akita Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Thyroid Issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
Rat Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Can be vocal
- High prey drive
- May be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be territorial
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 Rat Terrier and Akita, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.