Russian Toy vs Akita
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Russian Toy
Miscellaneous Class
Akita
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Russian Toy Overview
Russian Toys embody elegance in a compact frame, featuring delicate bone structure and graceful movements. Their distinctive large, round eyes and erect triangular ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Available in both smooth and long-coated varieties, these diminutive companions showcase a refined build with long legs and a high-set tail carried in a sickle curve.
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: Russian Toys are less energetic than Akitas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Russian Toys require less grooming attention compared to Akitas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Russian Toys tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Akitas.
- Trainability: Russian Toys may be slightly easier to train due to their Russian Toy's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Russian Toys 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 Russian Toy and Akita, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Russian Toy | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Japan |
| Breed Group | Miscellaneous Class | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Russian Toy | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm |
| Weight | 6-6 lbs 3-3 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 | Russian Toy | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Smart, Charming | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Russian Toy | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Russian Toy Temperament
The Russian Toy is known for being loyal, smart, charming, 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. 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 Russian Toy 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
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Russian Toy
Rating: 2/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Russian Toy Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russian Toys 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, Russian Toys 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
Russian Toy Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Murmurs
- Bone Fractures
Akita Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Thyroid Issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
Russian Toy
Pros
- Compact size
- Minimal grooming needs
- Affectionate nature
- Good for apartments
Cons
- Fragile build
- Can be yappy
- Not ideal with young children
- Temperature sensitive
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 Russian Toy and Akita, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.