Akita vs Great Pyrenees
Working · Large vs Working · Giant
AkitaLarge
A courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal Japanese guardian — one breed, one master philosophy.
Weight: 100–130 lbsLifespan: 10–14 years
Great PyreneesGiant
A patient, smart, strong-willed livestock guardian — the snowy giant of the Pyrenees mountains.
Weight: 100 lbsLifespan: 10–12 years
Quick take
- • Akita is the larger breed at 100–130 lbs (males) vs 100 lbs for the Great Pyrenees.
- • The Akita typically lives longer (10–14 years).
- • The Akita has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Akita sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Akita | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Working |
Size | Large | Giant |
Origin | Japan | France |
Height (male) | 26–28" | 27–32" |
Height (female) | 24–26" | 25–29" |
Weight (male) | 100–130 lbs | 100 lbs |
Weight (female) | 70–100 lbs | 85 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–14 years | 10–12 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | Low (2/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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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 Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a patient, smart, strong-willed livestock guardian — the snowy giant of the Pyrenees mountains. Originally from France, this giant working breed typically weighs 100 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as patient, smart, strong-willed.
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Akita health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Great Pyrenees health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Bone cancer
- • Heart problems