Akita vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Working · Large vs Terrier · Medium
AkitaLarge
A courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal Japanese guardian — one breed, one master philosophy.
Weight: 100–130 lbsLifespan: 10–14 years
Soft Coated Wheaten TerrierMedium
A happy, steady, self-confident Irish farm dog with a wheat-colored silky coat — the friendliest terrier.
Weight: 35–40 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Akita is the larger breed at 100–130 lbs (males) vs 35–40 lbs for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
- • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically lives longer (12–14 years).
- • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sheds less.
- • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Akita | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Terrier |
Size | Large | Medium |
Origin | Japan | Ireland |
Height (male) | 26–28" | 18–19" |
Height (female) | 24–26" | 17–18" |
Weight (male) | 100–130 lbs | 35–40 lbs |
Weight (female) | 70–100 lbs | 30–35 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–14 years | 12–14 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a happy, steady, self-confident Irish farm dog with a wheat-colored silky coat — the friendliest terrier. Originally from Ireland, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 35–40 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as happy, steady, self-confident.
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Akita health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Renal dysplasia
- • Protein-losing diseases
- • Addison's disease