Whippet vs Akita
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Whippet
Hound Group
Akita
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Whippet Overview
Graceful and athletic, Whippets possess a distinctive silhouette with their deep chest, curved back, and long, slender legs. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors and patterns. Known for combining remarkable speed with gentle companionship, these sight hounds display an elegant blend of muscular strength and refined features, embodying both power and grace in their streamlined build.
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: Whippets are less energetic than Akitas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Whippets require less grooming attention compared to Akitas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Whippets tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Akitas.
- Trainability: Whippets may be slightly easier to train due to their Whippet's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Whippets 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 Whippet and Akita, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Whippet | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Japan |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Whippet | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm |
| Weight | 25-40 lbs 11-18 kg | 70-130 lbs 32-59 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Whippet | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Calm | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Whippet | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Whippet Temperament
The Whippet is known for being affectionate, playful, calm, 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 Whippet 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
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
Akita
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Whippet
Rating: 3/5
Akita
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Whippet Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Whippets 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, Whippets 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
Whippet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Dental issues
- Joint problems
Akita Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Thyroid Issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
Whippet
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Quiet and clean
- Good with children
- Athletic and graceful
Cons
- High prey drive
- Cannot be off-leash in unsecured areas
- Sensitive to cold
- Needs regular exercise
- Can be stubborn
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 Whippet and Akita, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.