Akita and the Siberian husky are two dog breeds that may appear similar to someone with little or no knowledge about different dog breeds. These two dog breeds may appear slightly similar, but there are a few differences between the Akita vs the Siberian husky.
Dogs are man’s best friend and have been so for centuries. Some dog breeds emerged a few hundred years ago, and there are other that have walked with humans for thousands of years.
The Akita Siberian husky is an example of a dog breed that has been a human companion for centuries. They remain a lovable dog breed that we love to own.
Now, if it’s difficult for you to differentiate the Akita and Siberian husky as two separate dog breeds, here is an article that highlights the differences of these dogs.
Akita
The Akita is a unique Japanese dog breed that originated from the mountains of the country’s northern region. The Akita appears with a short double coat, a physical trait that is similar to that of various northern spitz breeds.
Akitas are loyal but powerful and dominant dog breeds that was used for guarding and hunting bears in the wild by the matagi.
The Akita is a lovable and loyal breed. They hold a special place in Japanese tradition, representing a symbol of long life, happiness, and good health.
Akitas are a protective dog breed that are often compared to Pitbulls and some guarding breeds.
The two different varieties of the dog breed are called Akita Inu or Akita-ken and the American Akita- a larger mixed strain of the dog breed.
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Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a dog breed developed centuries ago by the Chukchi Tribe in Russia. These dog breeds have been man’s best friend for over a thousand years.
Siberian Huskies are mainly used in the polar region, specifically for work as sled dogs. The Siberian husky is naturally built to race across a vast area of icy terrain. This dog breed is known for its cold weather tolerance and overall hardiness.
The Siberian husky is a thickly coated medium-sized sled dog, with great endurance. They were developed to work in packs to pull light loads at moderate speed over a vast area of icy terrain.
Siberian Huskies are a lovable and friendly breed. They are also known for their powerful gait and mischievous expression. Siberian Huskies are fond of chasing small animals, so owners usually create a small running space for them.
An interesting feature about this dog breed is that it’s naturally clean, with little doggy odour.
Akita vs Siberian Husky: Key Differences between the Akita and Siberian Husky
There are several physical features and other factors that naturally differentiate the Akita from the Siberian husky.
Akita vs Siberian Husky: Appearance
As we said earlier, it can be difficult to differentiate between these two dog breeds. The Akita and the Siberian husky share a similar physical feature, by just looking at their fur pattern and ear.
The Akita and Siberian husky both have fluffy double coast. This is a common physical trait they both share since they originated in mountainous and cold climates.
The Akita has a coat that comes in a variety of colours. The head of the dog breed is brad and massive and also balanced in the rear by a full, curled-over tail.
One noticeable feature of the Siberian husky is its distinct masking ad eye markings on its face. The Akita on the other hand tend to have vaguer markings compared to the Siberian husky.
The Akita and the Siberian husky have a similar appearance, with their fluffy double coats. Akitas naturally have smaller eyes compared to the Siberian husky. They also have a much rounder face and longer legs compared to the Siberian husky.
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Akita vs Siberian Husky: Size
Another major difference between the Akita and the Siberian husky is their average size. The Akita is a larger dog breed, and on average, they grow larger than the Siberian husky.
According to the American Kennel Club, male Akitas can grow up to 26 to 28 inches (66 to 71 cm), while females can grow up to 24 to 26 (60 to 66 cm).
Male Akitas can weigh up to 100 to 300 pounds (45 to 136 kilograms), while females can weigh up to 70 to 100 pounds (31 to 45 kilograms).
The Siberian husky is slightly smaller and weighs less than the Akita. Male Siberian huskies can grow up to 21 to 23.4 inches (53.43 to 59.43 cm) in height and can weigh up to 35 to 60 pounds (15.8 to 27.2 kilograms).
Female Siberian huskies can also grow up to 20 to 22 inches (50.8 to 55.8 cm) in height. They also weigh about 35 to 50 pounds (15.8 to 22.6 kilograms).
Akita vs Siberian Husky: Behaviour
These two dog breeds also behave differently. This may be a factor in terms of personal preference on which dog breed to own as a pet.
The Siberian husky is a lovable and friendlier breed compared to the Akita. The Akita is a loyal breed, but they tend to be wary of strangers. Historically, the Japanese used the Akita for guarding and hunting bears in the wild.
Akitas are always active and alert, which makes them a better guard dog than the Siberian husky.
Also, the Siberian husky is an easier breed to train than the Akita. Being more of a guard dog, Akitas tend to be more stubborn than the Siberian husky.
However, with the proper training and positive reinforcement, the Akita can be a very lovable breed and the best companion to have.
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Akita vs Siberian Husky: Ancestry and Breeding
Historically, the Akita and Siberian husky were bred for different reasons. The Akita was developed in Japan, while the Siberian husky was developed by the Chukchi Tribe in Russia.
These two dog breeds have a distinct ancestral history dating back centuries.
The Akita was bred by the Japanese for guarding and hunting in the wild, while the Siberian husky was bred as sled dogs to endure racing across a vast area of icy terrain.
Akita vs Siberian Husky: Lifespan
The lifespan of these dog breeds is also another difference between them.
Naturally, the Siberian husky slightly outlives the Akita. According to the American Kennel Club, the average lifespan of the Akita ranges between 10 to 14 years.
The Siberian husky on the other hand has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Additionally, these two dog breeds can live longer in good health, with the right balanced diet and exercise.
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Akita vs Siberian Husky: Comparison Chart
| Akita | Siberian Husky | |
| Size | Male; 26 to 28 inches (66 to 71 cm) in height. Weighs up to 100 to 300 pounds (45 to 136 kilograms). Females can grow up to 24 to 26 (60 to 66 cm) in height. Weights up to 70 to 100 pounds (31 to 45 kilograms) | Male; 21 to 23.4 inches (53.43 to 59.43 cm) in height. Weighs up to 35 to 60 pounds (15.8 to 27.2 kilograms). Females can grow up to 20 to 22 inches (50.8 to 55.8 cm) in height. Weights up to 35 to 50 pounds (15.8 to 22.6 kilograms). |
| Lifespan | 1o to 4 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Ancestry | Originated in Japan and bred as a guarding dog | Originated in Russia and bred as a sled dog for racing. |
Conclusion
Akitas and Siberian huskies are lovable and loyal dog breeds that originated from Japan and Russia. Although they may appear similar, their distinct physical features highlight their differences.
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References
- A-ZAnimals: Akita vs Siberian Husky: What’s the Difference?
- Americal Kennel Club: Siberian Husky
- Wikipedia: Akita (dog)