Akita vs Finnish Spitz

Working · Large vs Non-Sporting · Medium

Quick take
  • Akita is the larger breed at 100–130 lbs (males) vs 25–33 lbs for the Finnish Spitz.
  • The Finnish Spitz typically lives longer (13–15 years).
  • The Finnish Spitz has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Finnish Spitz sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAkitaFinnish Spitz
Group
WorkingNon-Sporting
Size
LargeMedium
Origin
JapanFinland
Height (male)
26–28"17.5–20"
Height (female)
24–26"15.5–18"
Weight (male)
100–130 lbs25–33 lbs
Weight (female)
70–100 lbs20–28 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–14 years13–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Low (2/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Low (2/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with kids
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
mediummedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
Ad slot · compare-mid

About the Akita

The Akita is a courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal Japanese guardian — one breed, one master philosophy. Originally from Japan, this large working breed typically weighs 100–130 lbs and lives 10–14 years. Breeders describe them as courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal.

About the Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a friendly, faithful, alert fox-red Finnish bark-pointer — national dog of Finland, hunts by yodeling. Originally from Finland, this medium non-sporting breed typically weighs 25–33 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, faithful, alert.

Ad slot · compare-bottom

Akita health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism

Finnish Spitz health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Epilepsy