There are times when two dogs look identical. However, they can be very different in their characteristics. When it is about Akita and Husky, both belong to different dog breeds even when they look alike.
Summary
Akita and Husky are both fluffy dogs that dwell best in colder regions. They both are big in their statures. Apart from these things, they are very different.
Akita vs Husky
The main difference between Akita and Husky is that Akita is the breed of dogs that originate from Japan and are often hunting dogs. On the other hand, Husky is a dog breed that is found in Siberia and is a sled dog.
Akita comes into the category of muscular or furry dogs. Akita’s are famous for their hunting skills. These dogs can be very heavy as they weigh around more than 100 pounds. Their height can also reach a remarkable 24 to 28 inches, and this factor makes an Akita look more imposing.
Husky is more profoundly known as the Siberian Husky. Huskies are heavier than most dog breeds but are considered compact medium size. They are well known for their endurance and the fact that they are very friendly. These dogs are often used for pulling sleds as it gives them good exercise.
Comparison Table Between Akita and Husky
| Parameters of comparison | Akita | Husky |
| Origin | Akita has originated from Japan | Huskies originate from Siberia |
| Life expectancy | Akita’s are dog breeds that live for about 10 to 12 years. | Husky is known to live for about 13 to 14 years. |
| Size | Akita’s are large size dogs | Huskies are medium-sized dogs |
| Physical Activity | Akita’s are dogs that need light to moderate exercise daily. | Huskies are dogs that need heavy-duty exercise each day. |
| Tolerance to colder temperatures | Akita’s have medium to good tolerance towards colder temperatures. | Huskies have an extremely high tolerance to colder temperatures. |
| Tolerance to hotter temperatures | Akita is a breed that has a low tolerance towards higher temperatures. | Huskies despite their huge coats have a very good tolerance level when it comes to surviving in hotter climates. |
| Hair density and length | Akita’s have very dense hair which helps them to survive cold. The length of their hair is also more compared to Husky. | A Husky is known to have a little less dense hair when compared to Akita. The length of their hair is also a little shorter. |
What is Akita?
Akita’s are from the northern part of Japan. There are, however, two different types of Akita dogs. One variety is called the Japenese Akita, and the other variety is the American Akita. Although very similar, Japanese Akita has a lesser variety of color palettes, while American Akita has a wider range of color palettes.
In the United States, American Akita was earlier known as the Great Japanese Dog. American Akitas are also found to be a low-maintenance breed of dogs. They can take care of themselves and also groom on their own.
Akita’s generally have a wary attitude towards strangers, but they are quite warm and affectionate towards the people they love. Akita’s are also very reactive when they come into contact with other animals irrespective of whether they are pets or stray animals.
Since they are aggressive when let free, a stern and firm handler must handle an Akita to keep it in control. There is an upside to the aggressive nature of Akita, they are mainly used to keep dangerous animals out of the borders to keep people and other pets safe.
What is Husky?
Husky or Siberian Husky originate from Siberia, however, they can be found anywhere in the northern polar region. It is because they are well adapted to the cold temperature and the snowy terrain. It is common to confuse these dogs with wolves due to their looks.
Huskies are majorly used for sled-puling for transport or even used in sled races. In the northern regions, Huskies are also kept as pets in many houses. Huskies are very athletic and energetic when it comes to their characteristics.
Several types of Huskies can be found in America, Alaska, or other northern regions. The varieties include Sakhalin Husky, Alaskan Husky, Labrador Husky, MacKenzie River Husky, and Siberian Husky. All the types only differ based on their physical attributes.
Since they have a double coat, their tolerance to cold is very good. As they have been in regions like Alaska and Siberia, Husky’s affinity to water is also pretty great.
Main Differences Between Akita and Husky
- The face of an Akita is more square in shape. On the other hand, Huskies have a more round or oval face.
- An average Akita will live for about 10 to 12 years. Whereas a Husky will live for more than 13 years.
- Keeping a Husky as a pet can prove to be very expensive. However, keeping an Akita is even more expensive than keeping a Husky.
- Akitas are mostly found in Japan. On the other hand, Huskies are found in regions like Alaska, Siberia, and most nations of Northeast Asia.
- Akitas are huge because of their weight and height. Whereas Huskies are comparatively medium in their size.
- When it comes to trainability, Akitas are less trainable when compared to Huskies.
- Akitas are known as moderately friendly. On the other hand, Huskies opposite to their looks is very friendly and playful.
- Akitas tend to have a litter size of 6 to 9 puppies. Whereas Huskies tend to have a litter of 4 to 6 puppies.
- Akitas have oval eyes, while a Husky has eyes in the shape of an almond.
- Akitas have curly tails. On the other hand, Huskies have a brush-like tail.
Conclusion
The way these both dogs behave in the presence of strangers is very different. Hence both dogs are used for diverse purposes. Huskies tend to be a better companion for someone who stays alone as they can protect them and also be there to share a home with.
There are several distinguishable features between the Akita and Husky. However, both have a few similarities too.