Akita Inu vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison

The Akita Inu, originating from Japan's snowy Akita Prefecture, has a long-standing legacy as a powerful hunting dog and loyal companion. Bred in the 1600s to track large game like boar and bear, the Akita quickly earned its place among Japanese nobility as a guardian and symbol of courage.

Its dignified nature and unwavering loyalty were immortalized in the true story of Hachikō, an Akita who waited nearly a decade for his deceased owner at a Tokyo train station. This devotion captured national and global admiration, leading to the breed’s recognition as a national treasure in Japan.

After World War II, American soldiers introduced Akitas to the West, giving rise to a larger, more robust variation known as the American Akita. Today, the Akita Inu remains a cherished breed worldwide for its strength, loyalty, and quiet dignity.

Known also as the Scottish Bull Terrier, the Blue Poll or the Blue Poll Bulldog, the Blue Paul Terrier’s origins, as with many unusual dog breeds, are still not known precisely. However they do appear to have been bred with Staffies at some point and appear to have slowly transformed into the Staffie or Pit Bull as we know them today.

There doesn’t seem to be much documentation on the dog’s origins, making many stories of its origins to be looked upon as folklore. It seems as if the dog originated out of Scotland. The name ‘Paul’ is included in the name simply because it is believed that John Paul Jones, who was a sailor, brought the dog to the USA in 1777.

Because this dog has superb fighting skills, it was introduced as part of Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeding in the early 19th century. It is believed that the first dogs came with English immigrants to the United Stated in the middle of the 19th century. At some time, the dog became extinct, but dates of this time can’t be established.

The Akita Inu is a large, powerful, and dignified dog breed known for its striking appearance, quiet nature, and unwavering loyalty.

Originating from Japan, it has a broad head, erect triangular ears, and a plush double coat that comes in red, white, brindle, or sesame, with characteristic urajiro (whitish markings). The Akita carries itself with pride and confidence, often aloof with strangers but deeply affectionate and protective toward its family.

Calm, intelligent, and strong-willed, the breed requires early socialization and firm, consistent training. Though not ideal for first-time owners, the Akita Inu is a loyal guardian and devoted companion for those who understand and respect its independent spirit.

Staffie/Pit Bull Look Alike

The Blue Paul Terrier was a smooth coated, medium sized dog. His coat was mostly dark blue but this sometimes varied to red or brindle. He was a muscled and well built dog, much like our pit bull terriers. He weighed about 20 to 25kg kg, measuring up to 56cm at the withers. He had a broad chest, large head with small cropped ears and a tail that was set low. He is a dog that always stood strongly on his legs. It seems as if he had an aggressive nature as they were used by local dog fighters.

Aggressive by Nature

There is not much information on the temperament of the Blue Paul Terrier, but we can assume, that because he was a Terrier, he would have been full of character and self confidence. Most Terriers don’t actively look for a fight, but will certainly get into a fight if provoked. Aggressive by nature and a fighter, the Blue Paul Terrier possibly had some Staffordshire Bull Terrier in him, so his temperament would be that of a fighter.

He may have been able to live peacefully with children and other dogs and cats in the home, but he would no doubt have had to be raised from a puppy in such a household. Stubborn and headstrong, he would require a firm owner who could take charge of him and training would have been imperative for such a dog.

The Akita Inu is a large, noble, and powerful breed known for its dignified presence, strong loyalty, and quiet confidence. Originally bred for hunting and guarding, Akitas are naturally protective, courageous, and independent thinkers.

They form deep bonds with their family but are often aloof with strangers. Calm and clean by nature, they rarely bark without reason and carry themselves with elegance and strength.

Their double coat is thick and weather-resistant, requiring regular grooming, and they shed heavily, especially seasonally.

While intelligent, Akitas can be stubborn, so they thrive best with experienced owners who can offer consistent training and leadership. With proper care and socialization, the Akita Inu is a devoted, majestic companion.

Nobody is quite certain what the Blue Paul Terrier was like. He definitely seemed to be a mix of Pit Bull and Staffie – the same compact, muscular build with a look that speaks of confidence and boldness.

Perhaps if the Blue Paul Terrier wasn’t used for fighting, he might well have made a good pet with training and socialization. Nobody really knows. Maybe he was so aggressive that when dog fighting didn’t work out, and it was discovered that he wasn't really pet-material, nobody bothered when the breed went into extinction. That's the thing with Blue Paul Terriers, nobody is really certain about what they were really like.

The Akita Inu is generally a strong and resilient breed, but it is prone to several genetic and breed-specific health issues.

Common concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and hypothyroidism, all of which can affect mobility, vision, and metabolism.

The breed is also susceptible to autoimmune disorders like VKH-like syndrome and sebaceous adenitis, a skin condition causing hair loss and irritation. Additionally, Akitas may experience bloat (gastric torsion), a life-threatening emergency common in deep-chested dogs.

Regular veterinary care, proper diet, and responsible breeding practices are essential to help minimize health risks and ensure a long, healthy life.

The Blue Paul Terrier Health was generally a healthy dog, but he would no doubt have had the same common dog ailments that most dog breeds have to contend with. All those years ago, when the Blue Paul Terrier was ill, his owner no doubt would have taken him to see the veterinarian for a full screening.

Just like with other dog breeds, he would have been watched for hip dysplasia , ticks and fleas, cataracts and skin infections. It is possible that in those days, owners of the Blue Paul Terrier weren’t aware of how plaque could cause dental problems or gum disease.

Caring for an Akita Inu involves commitment, consistency, and understanding of the breed's unique needs. They require regular grooming, especially during seasonal shedding, with brushing at least 2–3 times a week and daily during coat blow periods.

Akitas thrive on routine exercise, such as long walks or playtime in a secure area, but they aren’t overly energetic. Training and socialization should start early, using positive reinforcement and calm, firm leadership to manage their independent and protective nature.

They are best suited to homes where they are the only pet or properly introduced to others. Akitas are clean, quiet, and typically bond closely with their family, so providing mental stimulation, affection, and clear boundaries is key.

Regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, and proper social interaction help keep your Akita healthy, happy, and well-adjusted.

Feed

Because these dogs were used in fighting, it is a breed that no doubt would have required plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep him fighting fit. No doubt he would have received a high quality food to build up his strength and stamina. Because he was no doubt a high energy dog, his owners would have had to give him nutritious food and ensured fresh, clean water for him.

Grooming

The Blue Paul Terrier had a short, smooth coat, so they were no doubt low maintenance dogs who received a brush down every now and then to remove his loose hair.