Akita vs Havanese
Working · Large vs Toy · Small
AkitaLarge
A courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal Japanese guardian — one breed, one master philosophy.
Weight: 100–130 lbsLifespan: 10–14 years
HavaneseSmall
An intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat.
Weight: 7–13 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Quick take
- • Akita is the larger breed at 100–130 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
- • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Havanese sheds less.
- • The Havanese is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Akita | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Toy |
Size | Large | Small |
Origin | Japan | Cuba |
Height (male) | 26–28" | 8.5–11.5" |
Height (female) | 24–26" | 8.5–11.5" |
Weight (male) | 100–130 lbs | 7–13 lbs |
Weight (female) | 70–100 lbs | 7–13 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–14 years | 14–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very High (5/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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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 Havanese
The Havanese is an intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat. Originally from Cuba, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–13 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as intelligent, outgoing, funny.
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Akita health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Havanese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Heart problems