Want a tough dog that can intimidate onlookers while also melting their hearts? Both Akita and Saint Bernard are dog breeds that fit the bill. Now you’re dilemma is to pick one of these two dogs, but we’re here to help. This review compares both breeds based on their appearance and traits.
Akita vs. Saint Bernard
Size and Weight Comparison
Akita:
These big dogs were originally bred as guard dogs in Japan, and later brought to America. So, we got the American Akita breed with genetic differences from their Japanese relatives. Speaking of size, Average Akitas can be 24-28 inches tall on average, and weigh from 70-130 pounds.
Saint Bernard:
These dogs are gentle giants bred in the Swiss Alps. These large dogs are exceptionally muscled and boast a powerful look. Their average heights can go from 25.5 to 27.5 inches, and their weights can be between 110 to 120 pounds. Wowzers!
This round undoubtedly goes to the Saint Bernard, though the runner-up is only a little bit behind. Don’t pout, Akita!
Intelligence and Trainability Differences
Akita:
Can you imagine dumb dogs getting recruited by the police? Of course not! Cherished companions of cops, Akitas are alert in nature and make great guard and service dogs. A study done by Stanley Coren placed Akitas at #54 in intelligence, among 199 dogs. Kinda average, but hey, good enough for us!
Akitas’ independent nature makes training them a little tricky. Though they can exhibit stubborn behavior, positive reinforcement works wonders, and they start catching the concepts of instructions and rewards pretty well.
Saint Bernard:
Saint Bernards are also an average intelligent breed, so don’t give them any algebra questions to solve. This large breed should get socialization and obedience training when it’s still a puppy. Otherwise, you’re going to have to make extra efforts to keep them in check.
They’re affectionate and loving in nature and love to please their owners. They start responding to instructions once they get the gist of what you’re expecting of them.
Temperament and Personality Traits
Akita:
This breed makes the most loyal and gentle family pet. Being attached to their family members and being super-protective is deep into their programming. While generally calm dogs, they’re not very fond of strangers and unfamiliar animals. Bring an Akita home, ideally if you don’t have a lot of pets already.
Saint Bernard:
Saints are a quite family-oriented breed and make loyal and affectionate companions. Due to their temperament, they’re among the world’s most famous dog breeds. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they’re generally quite sweet with children and get along fine with other pets.
Activity Levels and Playfulness
Akita:
These powerful dogs don’t mind staying on the move and love having a job to complete. Popular for their strength and agility, they can adapt well to the lifestyles of active owners.
They’re quite playful and love to engage with their owners in outdoor activities as they crave the attention of their humans. According to PetMD, some activities they’re going to love are agility, hiking, scent walks, rally, and dock driving.
Saint Bernard:
Still popular as search and rescue dogs, Saints make good partners for daily walks, and they won’t mind going on hikes either. They get into a digging mood sometimes. Some activities you can indulge your Saint in are hiking, playing fetch, camping, playing in the snow, and swimming.
Energy, Endurance, and Daily Exercise Needs
Akita:
While not insanely high energy, these dogs are still moderately active. Owing to their history as working dogs, this massive breed is known for its endurance and fearless nature. Though their exercise need is moderate, at least one hour a day should still be introduced into their routine.
How much exercise any dog needs depends on its age, health, and size; the same applies to Akitas. These independent canines do well with activities like walks, play, and mental stimulation games.
Saint Bernard:
This dog is more fun-loving and energetic as a puppy, but grows calmer and solemn as it grows. Us too, Saint, us too! Even though they’re not high-energy dogs, they love having a good time with their families. Generally calm, they need only a moderate amount of exercise despite being large dogs.
Daily walk or exercise for half to one hour is good enough for them. Running up and down the stairs also serves as a good workout for them.
Bite Force and Jaw Structure Comparison
Akita:
If you’re considering adopting a certain dog breed, it’s natural to wonder about their bite force. We don’t want any surprises, do we? Akitas have a strong, muscular build, so no wonder their jaw structure is also pretty powerful.
The bite force of an Akita is no joke; 350-400 pounds per square inch is one estimate. It’s enough to splice through hard materials and bones… yikes! With proper training, Akitas can learn to manage their bite power.
Saint Bernard:
Can the Saints’ bite make you see heaven? Well, they’re big dogs with a muscular stature and sturdy, powerful jaws. So, yes! But we’re all lucky these soft giants were bred as rescue dogs; aggression isn’t really their core trait.
Still, any dog can bite and cause injuries with or without intent; it’s better to be prepared. Saint’s bite force tends to be 230 to 250 pounds per square inch (PSI). So, yeah, it can cause pretty serious injuries that can hurt like hell.
Just like their personalities, dog breeds have varying bite power from dog to dog.
Health Issues and Lifespan
Akita:
Akitas are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10-14 years. If you want to keep your Akita healthy, keep a watch against the illnesses they’re prone to through regular vet visits. Joint issues plague these pups the most; be wary of hip dysplasia and arthritis symptoms in Akitas.
Hydrothyroidism is another culprit that can attack these canines, also resulting in weight gain. Which in turn can make the joint issues worse. Other common health issues in Akitas are: eye problems, Sebaceous Adenitis, and Bloat (a major dog killer).
Saint Bernard:
Typically, bigger dogs have a shorter lifespan than smaller dogs. Saint Bernards also have an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Due to their size, they have a deep chest, which makes them prone to Bloat and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, caused by their stomachs getting filled with gas.
Other issues they’re predisposed to are: hip dysplasia, Osteosarcoma (an aggressive bone cancer), Lymphoma, and Cervical Vertebral Instability (a neurological disease).
A responsible breeder always ensures the health of the dog they’re breeding and gets them screened for all common culprits. With proper care and the right nutrition, you can help your pet stay in optimal health and rock their furry lives.
Conclusion
We hope this breakdown helped you decide which of these two lovable breeds to bring to your house. No matter which pup you pick as your companion, grooming them regularly and feeding them high-quality dog food is crucial in keeping them fit.
