Akita Inu vs Swedish Lapphund - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

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.

This is a Spitz type of dog from Sweden. It is Sweden’s national dog.The dog has always been used for herding and guarding livestock such as reindeer for the Sami people.

The dog is much the same as the Finnish Lapphund, and some even believe that it might be one and the same. The American Kennel Club recognizes them as two separate breeds.

It is one of the oldest Swedish dog breeds and also one of 3 Lapphund breeds.The Swedish Kennel Club recognized the Lapphund as a distinct breed in 1903.

The Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized this dog in 1944, and the United Kennel Club in 2006.

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.

The Swedish Lapphund is a medium to large sized dog standing at between 40 to 51cm in height and weighing between 19 and 21kg.

The head is wedge shaped and the ears erect. He has a thick double coat with fairly straight, silky hair that stands out from the body. Colors can be brown or black and sometimes there can be white markings. He sheds quite a bit, with some heavier seasonal shedding.

Temperament:

When you get one of these Spitz type dogs as your pet, you can be sure that you’re going to have an excellent pet and companion.

They’re independent dogs with strong wills and like to do their own thing. Training and socialization can change that and make him easy, well mannered and obedient.

They’re lively dogs and intelligent too. He is versatile, loving to be outdoors and being energetic with the children but being able to enjoy some quiet time indoors too. He is simply an excellent family pet and watchdog.

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.

The Swedish Lapphund has always been a hardworking dog, herding reindeer for the Sami people.

Today the Lapphund is a people-loving dog and wants to be constantly with his human family. He is intelligent, strong, independent, loyal, bold and loving. If you’re looking for an excellent family companion, this is it.

Do him a favor and don’t leave him outside without human companionship as he will become run-down and possibly destructive through no fault of his own. Bring him into your family and make him part of it and then he’s happy.

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 Swedish Lapphud is a healthy dog breed, but even so he can get one of the many common dog illnesses there are.If you choose a puppy, make sure to get your pet from a reputable breeder to avoid more serious dog illnesses.

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease you might have to watch out for with this dog breed.

Diabetes Mellitus:

This is a disease of the pancreas. This organ has two groups of cells – one produces enzymes for proper digestion and the other produces the hormone insulin which regulates the level of glucose in the bloodstream.

Diabetes is when the pancreas fails to regulate blood sugar. Your dog will have increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and increased appetite.

Type I diabetes mellitus results from destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells, which is the most common type of diabetes in dogs. Dogs with this type of diabetes require insulin injections to stabilize blood sugar. Type II diabetes is more likely in older, obese dogs.

Dogs with diabetes mellitus will require insulin each day. If canine diabetes mellitus is properly regulated, prognosis for the dog is good.

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.

Diet:

●The Swedish Lapphund is an active dog and will require a high quality dog food. If you buy commercially manufactured dog food it should be appropriate to your dog’s age and activity levels.

Home-made food like boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach and sweet potatoes will do your pet the world of good, and chopped up, it can be added a couple of times a week to the dog’s dry kibble.

Try and feed some raw met occasionally as well. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

General Care:

●The Lapphund is an active dog and he is going to reguire daily exercise that will keep him mentally and physically fit. Having a dog like this requires you being active yourself, and your Lapphund is going to love going on long walks or hikes. He will never get enough games with the children – he just loves the rough and tumble.

● Have his vaccines attended to. There are training classes as well as boarding kennels that won’t accept your dog unless his vaccines are up to date.

● Have your dog spayed or neutered if you don’t want your dogs to have puppies.

● Provide your pet with a warm, dry, quiet sleeping place.

● Brush his coat twice a week. Check inside his ears and inside his mouth for redness and infection.