Akita Inu vs Otterhound Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Japanese Akita or Otter Dog?

Compare the Akita Inu and Otterhound breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Japanese Akita or a Otter Dog? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Japanese Akita, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog

Otter Dog

Weight

What is the average weight of Akita Inu and Otterhound?

110.0 pounds ( 50 kg )

92.5 pounds ( 42 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Akita Inu and Otterhound

27.0 inches ( 68.6 cm )

22.5 inches ( 57.2 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Akita Inu or Otterhound?

Akita Inu has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Otterhound has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Akita Inus or Otterhounds hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Akita Inu nor Otterhound 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 Otterhound dogs?

Alert
Dignified
Friendly
Responsive
Courageous
Docile
Intelligent
Vigilant
Independent
Faithful
Willing
Protective

Amiable
Outright
Tempered
Boisterous

Shedding Level

Do Akita Inus shed more than Otterhounds, or which breed sheds more, Akita Inus or Otterhounds?

Akita Inus shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Otterhounds are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Akita Inu or Otterhound?

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.

Otterhounds aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Origin

What is the origin of Akita Inu and Otterhound dog breeds?

Japan

England

Ancestry

What are the origins of Akita Inu and Otterhound breeds?

Northern Spitz

griffon nivernais

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Akita Inu and Otterhound?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

American Kennel Club
Australian National Kennel Council
Canadian Kennel Club
Continental Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Akita Inu and Otterhound breeds first developed?

1600s

1300s

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Akita Inu and Otterhound dogs?

Brown

Hazel
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Akita Inu and Otterhound?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Akita Inu and Otterhound breeds?

Brindle
White
Silver
Fawn
Red
Black
Brown

Cream
Brown
Black
White
Fawn
Blue
Gray

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Akita Inu and Otterhound breeds?

The coat of Akita Inu and Otterhound dogs falls in the medium-length category.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Akita Inu and Otterhound?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Akita Inu and Otterhound?

Straight

Wiry

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Akita Inu and Otterhound?

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

An Otterhound 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.

Otterhounds have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Health Issues

Between Akita Inu and Otterhound, 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.

Otterhounds are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Akita Inu and Otterhound breeds?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Von Willebrand's Disease
Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Hip Dysplasia
Congenital Heart Defect

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Akita Inu and Otterhound?

Elbow Dysplasia
Pemphigus
Sebaceous Adenitis

Elbow Dysplasia
Thrombopathia

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Akita Inu and Otterhound breeds?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood
Dna For Vwd
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Hip
Elbow
Blood
Blood Test
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Akita Inus and Otterhounds compare?

Akita Inus' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Otterhounds thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Social Needs

Akita Inu vs Otterhound social needs comparison

Akita Inu and Otterhound have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

Akita Inu vs Otterhound exercise need comparison.

Akita Inus require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Otterhounds 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 Otterhound?

Akita Inus sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Otterhounds are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Akita Inu or Otterhound?

Akita Inu excessively drools, consider a different breed if not appealing.

Otterhound minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Akita Inus or Otterhounds bark more/less frequently?

Akita Inus are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Otterhounds bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Is the Akita Inu or Otterhound 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.

Otterhound dogs are not typically good guard dogs due to their lack of protective nature and weak territorial drive.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Akita Inu vs Otterhound?

Roaming urge

Akita Inu vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Akita Inu or Otterhound - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Akita Inu and Otterhound entertained?

Run, Frisbee, Chase, Sniff, Swim, Play, Walk, Fetch, Walking, Tug-of-war, Running, Training, Listen to me, Belly rubs

Fishing, Go to Beach, Swim

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Akita Inus or Otterhounds?

Medium

Both Akita Inu and Otterhound are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Akita Inu or Otterhound 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.

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Otterhound, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Akita Inus or Otterhounds 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.

45 minutes

In general most Otterhounds usually need at least 45 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 Otterhounds?

The Akita Inu has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Otterhounds require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Akita Inu and Otterhound dogs?

Weekly

Akita Inu and Otterhound 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 Otterhounds?

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Akita Inu or Otterhound in cups?

3 cups

Akita Inu and Otterhound share the same recommended daily food intake of 3 cups, although the appropriate quantity may vary depending on the quality and nutritional content of their food.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Akita Inu or Otterhound?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an Akita Inu is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of an Otterhound is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Akita Inu or Otterhound?

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an Akita Inu is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of an Otterhound is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Akita Inus vs Otterhounds

Akita Inu and Otterhound have average obedience intelligence, but they're also independent thinkers. This breed is known for having an exceptionally high IQ, which means they may get into trouble if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How do Akita Inu and Otterhound compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Otterhounds 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 Otterhound?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Akita Inu or Otterhound?

Akita Inus make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

The Otterhound 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 Otterhounds have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Akita Inu and Otterhound are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Akita Inu or Otterhound?

Cat Friendly

Do Akita Inu or Otterhound breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Akita Inus and Otterhounds are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Akita Inu or Otterhound?

{Akita Inus and Otterhounds are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Akita Inu or Otterhound dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Akita Inu or Otterhound?

They can be below average friendly around strangers, being keen of eye and sharp of tongue, and very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Akita Inu and Otterhound may be friendly and outgoing, while others can be standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Akita Inu and Otterhound?

Akita Inus have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Otterhounds are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Akita Inus and Otterhounds compare?

Akita Inu and Otterhound dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.