Akita Vs Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers and Akitas are both popular dog breeds. They have very different personalities and are better suited for different environments.

Golden retrievers are great family dogs because they have a lot of energy, are smart, and get along well with children and other pets. Akitas are strong and loyal but aren’t always safe to be around children. Golden retrievers are sporting dogs while Akitas are working dogs.

In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences between Akitas and golden retrievers. Both dogs are popular and cute, but they need to be a part of the right family to have success. Since these dogs are so different, they have different needs.

As a lifelong dog owner and someone who has thoroughly researched all types of dog breeds, I will be able to give you a detailed comparison between these dog breeds. I will provide information that you might not have considered important during your pet research and will provide as much information about each breed as possible. Let’s get started!

‍What Are the Differences Between Akitas and Golden Retrievers?

Akitas and golden retrievers are both popular dog breeds. You are probably familiar with golden retrievers, as they are commonly kept as family pets in the United States. You might have heard of Akitas. They are strong and loyal dogs that make great pets, though they are more commonly found in Asia since the breed originated in Japan.

If you are trying to decide which of these breeds to adopt, you should consider their differences first. Both of these dog breeds have been successful as pets, though they each excel in different environments. The table below and the following sections will highlight some of the major differences between Akitas and golden retrievers so that you can understand the unique characteristics of each breed.

Group

One of the simplest and most explanatory differences between Akitas and golden retrievers is their group. Dog breeds are categorized into groups based on their historical traits and jobs. The Akita is part of the working group, while golden retrievers are part of the sporting group.

Akitas are strong due to their ancestors’ use as hunting dogs. Historically, Akitas were used in Japan to help their owners hunt bears, wild boars, and deer. Today, Akitas are mostly pets but have been used as police and military dogs.

Golden retrievers are fast and energetic. This stems from their genetic compulsion to retrieve. The ancestors of the modern golden retriever were used to retrieve prey that their owners killed during hunting. Today, golden retrievers make great family pets, and they love to play retrieving games like fetch.

Appearance

An obvious difference between Akitas and golden retrievers is in their appearance. Akitas are tall and stocky. They have short, dense fur that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Their ears stand straight up on their large head, and they have curly tails.

Golden retrievers are shorter and weigh less than Akitas. They have long, golden hair that doesn’t vary in color, just in shade. Their ears flop downward and they have a long wagging tail.

Both dogs are very cute but are easy to tell apart due to their distinct appearances.

Temperament

When you are thinking about adopting one of these dog breeds, the most important thing to consider is the dog’s temperament. These two dog breeds have very different personality traits and tendencies that make them best suited for different living situations.

Akitas are loyal and love spending time with their owners. They make excellent companions and are great pets for many people. However, Akitas can be aggressive and territorial. Akitas are not usually great with children or other pets and can show aggression towards them. Akitas will do best in a household with no kids and where they are the only dog. They should also not go to dog parks, as they can show aggression toward other dogs in public places as well as in the home.

Golden retrievers are smart, energetic, and gentle. They love spending time with their owners, especially when they get to be active together. Golden retrievers are gentle with children and get along well with other animals. Golden retrievers are a great choice if you have kids or even another pet. They can join your family on adventures as they do well with kids, other pets, and strangers.

Should My Family Get an Akita or a Golden Retriever?

Akitas and golden retrievers are both large, energetic, and intelligent dogs, though they have major differences. Besides preferences like appearance, some important differences between the breeds are in their temperaments and personality traits. Ultimately, the decision between these breeds should be based on your family structure and dynamic.

If you are a family with small kids or another pet, you should consider a golden retriever rather than an Akita. If you adopt a golden retriever, remember that they need plenty of exercise and love spending time with their family. You should take your golden retriever with you for family activities when you can so that they can be stimulated while bonding with the family.

If you are a family with no kids or other pets and don’t mind keeping to yourself, then an Akita might be best for you. When you adopt an Akita, you shouldn’t take them to dog parks or areas with a lot of other people around, especially kids. The loyal and aggressive nature of Akitas means that they could be dangerous in these situations. Make sure to give your Akita plenty of exercise, and spend quality time with them at home.

Where You Might Have Heard of Akitas and Golden Retrievers

When you are trying to learn more about a dog breed, it can be helpful to think about where you have seen or heard about them before.

The most famous Akita was named Hachiko. This dog lived and Japan and met his owner at the train station every day when he came home from work. One day, his owner suddenly died and never came home on the train. Hachiko waited at the train station for over nine years, waiting for his owner to come off of the train.

This heartbreaking story showcases the extreme loyalty and love that Akitas have for their owners. Today, Akitas have a spiritual significance to the people of Japan. When someone has a baby in Japan, they are usually gifted with a small statue of an Akita as a sign of health and happiness.

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds among families in the United States. You have likely encountered many of these dogs as family pets. However, these dogs are also commonly used as service dogs. Because of their high intelligence and gentle nature, they can be trained to help their human companions in many ways, and are sure to get along with their handler.

How to Adopt an Akita or Golden Retriever

Once you have decided that you are ready to adopt a dog, whether an Akita, golden retriever or another breed, you will need to find one. You will likely have a lot of options to consider when adopting a dog. The process can become overwhelming, so we have compiled a few factors to consider when adopting.

Purebred or Mixed

The first thing to decide is whether you want your dog to be purebred or mixed with other breeds. Purebred dogs can be harder to find and can be more expensive. They are also much more likely to suffer from medical issues than dogs that have multiple breeds.

Purebred dogs will be more likely to have the personality and appearance associated with the breed. If this is important to you, then you might want to consider a purebred dog. If this doesn’t matter as much to you, then you can likely find a mixed breed dog that has some Akita or golden retriever in its blood.

Rescue or Breeder

If you decide that you want a mixed breed dog, then you should look into your local rescue groups. No reputable breeder will intentionally mix breeds, so you will need to find your dog another way. Some rescues are specific to certain breeds and will take any dog that has some of that breed in their lineage. Otherwise, you can continually search at your local rescue groups until the perfect dog shows up.

Even if you decide that you want a purebred dog, you don’t necessarily have to go through a breeder. Purebred dogs show up in rescues all the time. We recommend that you try to find a dog through a rescue before purchasing from a reputable breeder. Some ways to tell if a breeder is responsible are if you can meet the parent dogs, if the puppies have been health tested, and if your vet is familiar with the breeder.

Ultimately, the most important part of adopting a dog is that everyone in the family is on board with the decision and has a part in picking the dog. Adopting a dog is a serious commitment. Be sure that the entire family is ready to put in the work required to train, exercise, and bond with the dog after adoption.