Sealyham 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.
Sealyham Terrier
Terrier Group
Akita
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Sealyham Terrier Overview
Sealyham Terriers showcase a distinctive white coat and muscular build, standing 10.5 inches at the shoulder. Their powerful jaws and strong neck reflect their hunting heritage, while their long, broad head features dark eyes and folded ears. These sturdy terriers combine an alert, outgoing personality with a charming sense of humor, making them both capable workers and delightful companions.
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: Sealyham Terriers are less energetic than Akitas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Sealyham Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Akitas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Sealyham Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Akitas.
- Trainability: Sealyham Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Sealyham Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terrier and Akita, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Sealyham Terrier | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Japan |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Sealyham Terrier | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-11 inches 27-27 cm | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm |
| Weight | 23-24 lbs 10-11 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 | Sealyham Terrier | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Outgoing, Sense Of Humor | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Sealyham Terrier | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Sealyham Terrier Temperament
The Sealyham Terrier is known for being alert, outgoing, sense of humor, 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 Sealyham 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
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Sealyham Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Sealyham 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, Sealyham Terriers 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
Sealyham Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Lens Luxation
- Hip Issues
- Allergies
- Deafness
Akita Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Thyroid Issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
Sealyham Terrier
Pros
- Good with families
- Alert watchdog
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Requires experienced handling
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 Sealyham Terrier and Akita, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.