Akita vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Akita and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Akita
Loyal, courageous, and dignified, this breed forms deep bonds with family and is known for its protective instincts. Reserved with strangers, Akitas excel as devoted guardians and companions.
Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Large
45–59 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
10–13 years
32–45 kg
Moderately active
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Akita
Reserved, often aloof with strangers and guests
Quick learner, responds well to training
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Not highly playful, prefers calm environments
Adjusts to routine, less flexible with change
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Akita
Hip dysplasia, autoimmune disorders
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Akita
Challenging for beginners
Akitas are strong-willed and require experienced, confident handling and early training.
Not ideal
Akitas need space and can be vocal, making them unsuitable for most apartments.
Good companion
They enjoy regular exercise but are content with moderate activity levels.
Needs supervision
Akitas can be intolerant of rough handling from small children and need close supervision.
Not recommended
They may show aggression or dominance toward other pets, especially of the same sex.
Poor fit
Akitas do not tolerate being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues.
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Akita
- Loyal and protective of family
- Strong, muscular build for guard work
- Generally quiet and rarely barks unnecessarily
- Thick double coat provides weather resistance
- Intelligent and quick to learn basic commands
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Akita
- Can be aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs
- Needs early, consistent socialization and training
- High prey drive may target smaller animals
- Prone to possessiveness over food or toys
- Sheds heavily and requires regular grooming
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
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