Akita Inu vs Harrier Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Japanese Akita or Harehound?
Compare the Akita Inu and Harrier breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Japanese Akita or a Harehound? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you
Other names
Japanese Akita, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog
Harehound
Weight
What is the average weight of Akita Inu and Harrier?
110.0 pounds
( 50 kg )
52.5 pounds
( 24 kg )
Height
What is the average height of Akita Inu and Harrier
27.0 inches
( 68.6 cm )
22.0 inches
( 55.9 cm )
Weight Gain Potential
Which breed eats more: Akita Inu or Harrier?
Akita Inu has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.
Harrier has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.
Hypoallergenic
Are Akita Inus or Harriers hypoallergenic, or neither?
No
Unfortunately, neither Akita Inu nor Harrier are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.
Temperament
What are the personalities of Akita Inu and Harrier dogs?
Active Friendly Sweet Tempered Cheerful Outgoing Tolerant
Shedding Level
Do Akita Inus shed more than Harriers, or which breed sheds more, Akita Inus or Harriers?
Akita Inus shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.
Harriers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.
Watchdog Ability
Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Akita Inu or Harrier?
Choose an Akita Inu if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.
Harriers aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.
Origin
What is the origin of Akita Inu and Harrier dog breeds?
Japan
United Kingdom
Ancestry
What are the origins of Akita Inu and Harrier breeds?
Northern Spitz
scenthound
Date of Birth
When were Akita Inu and Harrier breeds first developed?
1600s
1066 AD
Eye Color Possibilites
What are the eye colors of Akita Inu and Harrier dogs?
Brown
Hazel Brown Amber
Nose Color Possibilites
What are the natural nose colors of Akita Inu and Harrier?
Black Brown
Black
Coat Color Possibilites
What are the natural colors of the coat for Akita Inu and Harrier breeds?
Brindle White Silver Fawn Red Black Brown
Black Gray Brown Red Cream Fawn White Pied Sable Brindle
Coat Length
What is the typical coat length for Akita Inu and Harrier breeds?
Akita Inus have medium-length coats.
Harriers have short coats.
Coat Density
What is the density of the coat of Akita Inu and Harrier?
Coat Texture
What is the hair texture of Akita Inu and Harrier?
Straight
Litter Size
What is the usual litter size for Akita Inu and Harrier?
10-14 puppies per pregnancy
An Akita Inu can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
10-12 puppies per pregnancy
A Harrier can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Adaptability
Akita Inus are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.
Harriers have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.
Health Issues
Between Akita Inu and Harrier, which breed is more prone to health problems?
While the Akita Inu breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.
The Harrier is prone to health issues and requires regular check-ups with a vet to identify and treat any problems early.
Major Concerns
What are the major health concerns for Akita Inu and Harrier breeds?
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Hip Dysplasia Bloat Von Willebrand's Disease Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Akita Inu and Harrier?
Elbow Dysplasia Pemphigus Sebaceous Adenitis
Eye Disease
Occasional Tests
What occasional tests are recommended for Akita Inu and Harrier breeds?
Eye Hip Elbow Blood Dna For Vwd X-Rays Physical Examination
Eye Hip X-Rays Eye Examination
Energy
How do the energy levels of Akita Inus and Harriers compare?
Akita Inus' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.
Harriers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.
Social Needs
Akita Inu vs Harrier social needs comparison
Akita Inu has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.
Harrier has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.
Exercise Needed
Akita Inu vs Harrier exercise need comparison.
Akita Inus require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.
Harriers need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.
Sleeping Need
Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Akita Inu or Harrier?
Akita Inus sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.
Harriers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more/less, Akita Inu or Harrier?
Akita Inu excessively drools, consider a different breed if not appealing.
Harrier minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.
Tendency to Bark
Do Akita Inus or Harriers bark more/less frequently?
Akita Inus are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.
Harrier dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.
Territorial
Is the Akita Inu or Harrier a better guard dog?
Akita Inu dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.
Harrier dogs are not typically good guard dogs due to their lack of protective nature and weak territorial drive.
Mouthiness
Mouthiness Comparison: Akita Inu vs Harrier?
Roaming urge
Akita Inu vs Labrador: Running away tendency?
Prey Drive
Akita Inu or Harrier - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?
Activity Level
Which breed has higher energy, Akita Inus or Harriers?
Medium
Akita Inus are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.
High
Harriers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.
Tolerance of being left alone
Walks per Week
How many miles should Akita Inu or Harrier walk each week?
8 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Akita Inu, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
12 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Harrier, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
Activity per Day
Do Akita Inus or Harriers require more exercise?
60 minutes
In general most Akita Inus usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
90 minutes
In general most Harriers usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
Grooming
Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Akita Inus or Harriers?
The Akita Inu has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.
The Harrier is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.
Brushing Frequency
What is the recommended brushing frequency for Akita Inu and Harrier dogs?
Weekly
Akita Inu and Harrier should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.
Brushing Tools
What brushing tools are used for Akita Inus and Harriers?
Pin Brush Deshedder Nail Clipper
Pin Brush Slicker Brush Nail Clipper
Cups
How much food should be given to Akita Inu or Harrier in cups?
3 cups
For an average 100-130 pound (45 - 59 kg) Akita Inu feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
2.5 cups
For an average 45-60 pound (20 - 27 kg) Harrier feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
Daily Cost
Which breed has a higher daily cost, Akita Inu or Harrier?
$2.80 - $3.20 / day
The average cost of an Akita Inu is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.
$2.50 - $3.20 / day
The average cost of a Harrier is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.
Monthly Cost
Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Akita Inu or Harrier?
$84 - $95 / month
When it comes to monthly expenses, both Akita Inu and Harrier have a similar average cost, ranging from $84 - $95. This results in an average yearly cost of around $1008 - $1140.
Intelligence
Comparing Intelligence: Akita Inus vs Harriers
Akita Inus are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.
Harrier has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.
Sensitivity Level
How do Akita Inu and Harrier compare in sensitivity?
This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.
Harriers are adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for those seeking a less sensitive pet.
Affection Dependance
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita Inu vs Harrier?
Apartment Friendly
Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Akita Inu or Harrier?
Akita Inus make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.
The Harrier is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.
Child Friendly
Do Akita Inus or Harriers have a friendlier temperament towards children?
Akita Inus are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.
Harriers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.
Senior-friendly
Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Akita Inu or Harrier?
Cat Friendly
Do Akita Inu or Harrier breeds have a better compatibility with cats?
Akita Inus are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.
Harriers are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.
Dog Friendly
Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Akita Inu or Harrier?
Akita Inus are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.
Harriers are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.
Pet friendly
How do Akita Inu or Harrier dogs interact with other pets?
Stranger Friendly
Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Akita Inu or Harrier?
Akita Inus are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.
Harriers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.
Playfulness
Which breed is more playful between Akita Inu and Harrier?
Akita Inu and Harrier have an average level of playfulness. Like other dogs, they enjoy playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Trainability
How do the trainability levels of Akita Inus and Harriers compare?
Akita Inu and Harrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.
