Akita vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Akita and Poodle 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.
Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Large
45–59 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
10–13 years
32–45 kg
Moderately active
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 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
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Akita
Hip dysplasia, autoimmune disorders
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
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.
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
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
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
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
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience