Akita Inu vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Akita Inu vs Kars Dog - Breed ComparisonAkita Inu is originated from Japan but Kars Dog is originated from Turkey. Akita Inu may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than Kars Dog. Akita Inu may weigh 41 kg / 90 pounds lesser than Kars Dog. Akita Inu may live 3 years more than Kars Dog. Both Akita Inu and Kars Dog has same litter size. Both Akita Inu and Kars Dog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

akita inu - historyThe 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.

kars dog - historyThe Kars Dog is found in Turkey, hailing more specifically from the Kars province, after which it is named. He actually has a long history of at least 600 years.

Referred to as a Molosser, the dog is still used to this day for shepherding livestock. There are many varieties and sizes of the dog, with the most common Kars type being similar to the Nagazi variant of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Japan
Turkey
Height Male:
66 - 71 cm
25 - 28 inches
60 - 90 cm
23 - 36 inches
Height Female:
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
60 - 90 cm
23 - 36 inches
Weight Male:
32 - 39 kg
70 - 86 pounds
60 - 80 kg
132 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
60 - 80 kg
132 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Japanese Akita, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog , Akita
Kars Turkish Shepherd, Caucasian
Colors Available:
White, Red Fawn, Sesame, Brindle
Reddish brown, grey, black - mixed colors
Coat:
Double coat
short or long-haired variety
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

akita inu puppy - descriptionThe 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.

kars dog puppy - descriptionLarge and heavy, the Kars Dog is strong, with a large head and broad chest. The height of the dog at the withers is 60 to 90cm and he weighs in at roughly 60 - 80kg.

At one time the ears were cropped but they are left these days and then they are of medium length and floppy. The coat varies too in terms of length and color - short to longer variety coats. The coat can be a solid color or it can have patterns. You’ll find reddish brown dogs, grey and black dogs as well as dogs with a mix of colors.

Temperament:

The Kars is an aggressive, territorial dog, but with the correct training, socialization and upbringing, it can be a loving, amicable family pet.

Known also as the Kars Turkish Shepherd or Kars shepherd, he makes an ideal guarding dog as he is brave and devoted to those he is protecting. He is cautious and even unfriendly towards people he doesn’t know, and it is thought that because of his robustness, it might not be a good idea to leave him unsupervised with small children.

Nonetheless with training and socialization, the Kars is capable of being a super pet for all members of the family. Training him won’t be that easy as he is large and strong-willed, but the training will provide him with some basic good manners.

He will require a firm, confident owner and will require living in a home with a big garden or in the countryside as he requires a good amount of exercise.

Characteristics

akita inu dog - characteristicsThe 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.

kars dog dog - characteristicsThe Kars is a large dog and because of his past where he used to guard livestock, he is a dog used to wide open spaces. He will require a home with a good sized garden and a family who exercises him frequently.

With the right kind of care, the Kars is able to strongly bond with his human family, taking his role as guardian and protector very well. He is alert and smart and that is why he will need training and socialization and a firm, fair human owner. He will then become a loving, devoted companion.

Health Problems

akita inu puppies - health problemsThe 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.

kars dog puppies - health problemsThe Kars is generally healthy and long-lived, being able to reach 12 years of age with ease if cared for properly. Every dog, even the most healthiest ones, will have some health issues, and with a large dog like this, it is hip dysplasia, obesity, cancer and heart problems.

Heart Problems:

Coughing is a symptom of different illnesses, with one of them being heart disease. If your dog is still coughing after several days, its time to see the vet.

When your dog hasn’t exercised, you’ll see him battling to breathe or the breathing will be rapid. He’ll be reluctant to walk and play too and may be disinterested in his food. Edema, the swelling of body tissues is also a sign of heart disease.

Caring The Pet

akita inu dogs - caringCaring 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.

kars dog dogs - caringYour Kars dog can be a wonderful addition to your home, but you need to know how to care for a big dog before you get carried away and add a large puppy breed to your family.

Too many people buy a cute bundle of fur and get rid of it when he is no longer a cute puppy. Before you bring a giant breed dog into your home, take note of some useful tips to keep him in tip top condition -

Diet:

If you bring a puppy home, he’ll need to be fed 4 times a day with special puppy food. There are excellent commercially manufactured puppy foods on the market and you will need to get the one that caters for ‘large- or giant puppy breeds’, as the Kars is a very big dog.

As your dog reaches adulthood you’ll feed him less. If in any doubt as to the kind of food to give your dog to maintain good health, speak to your vet.

Exercise:

Every dog will need exercise to keep him trim and fit but to also stimulate their minds. Providing your Kars dog with exercise such as walks and ball games will also ensure he doesn’t become bored.

General Care:

Your pet will need a nice quiet, warm, dry place to sleep and rest. If he is an outdoor dog during the day, make sure that he has a place to rest in the shade. Make sure he has a non-stop supply of fresh, cool water too that is placed in a cool, reachable spot.

Grooming:

Your large pet is an average shedder and to keep his thick coat in tip top condition, you want to be sure to brush him at least twice a week.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Akita Inu vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  2. Akita Inu vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  3. Akita Inu vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  4. Akita Inu vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  5. Akita Inu vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  6. Akita Inu vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  7. Akita Inu vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  8. Akita Inu vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  9. Akita Inu vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  10. Akita Inu vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  11. Akita Inu vs Presa Canario - Breed Comparison
  12. Akita Inu vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  13. Akita Inu vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Akita Inu vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  15. Akita Inu vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  16. Akita Inu vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  17. Akita Inu vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Akita Inu vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  19. Akita Inu vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  20. Akita Inu vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  21. Akita Inu vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  22. Akita Inu vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  23. Akita Inu vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  24. Akita Inu vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Akita Inu vs Mackenzie River Husky - Breed Comparison
  26. Newfoundland Dog vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Leonberger vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Moscow Watchdog vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Spanish Mastiff vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. St. Bernard vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Kars Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Kars Dog vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Kars Dog vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  35. Kars Dog vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  36. Kars Dog vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  37. Kars Dog vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  38. Moscow Water Dog vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Mountain Burmese vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Nebolish Mastiff vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Scottish Deerhound vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Shiloh Shepherd vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Kars Dog vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds