🐶 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.
Health
Hip / elbow dysplasia. Hypothyroidism. Autoimmune disorders (sebaceous adenitis, VKH). Bloat / GDV. Eye conditions.
Full Akita profile →
🐕 Rottweiler
Temperament
Confident, calm, courageous. Rotties are famously affectionate with their own people (and lean — the "Rottie lean" is iconic) but reserved or aloof with strangers. Early, ongoing socialisation is non-negotiable. Not naturally aggressive — but they will defend if they feel they need to.
Exercise
60–90 minutes of structured exercise daily, plus mental work. They excel at obedience, tracking and weight-pulling. Heavy bones and slow growth mean puppies under 18 months should avoid impact (jumping, jogging, long runs).
Grooming
Short, dense double coat — moderate shedding year-round, heavier twice yearly. Weekly brush, more during moults. Bath every 6–8 weeks.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is sadly common — early neutering may worsen risk; many vets recommend waiting until 18–24 months. Aortic stenosis. Bloat / GDV. Lifespan is short for the breed (8–10 years).
Full Rottweiler profile →
