Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.
🐶 Akita
🦊 Finnish Spitz
Group
Working
Non-Sporting
Origin
Japan
Finland
Weight
32–59 kg
11–16 kg
Height
61–71 cm
38–51 cm
Lifespan
10–14 years
13–15 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK
🐶 Akita
Temperament
Dignified, loyal, courageous, reserved. Akitas are devoted to family but suspicious of strangers and often aggressive towards same-sex dogs. They're notoriously difficult to socialise with other pets.
Exercise
60+ minutes of daily exercise. Recall is unreliable — keep on lead.
Grooming
Heavy double coat. Brush 2–3× weekly, daily during the two huge annual coat blows.
