MyDogBreedsAkita Inu is originated from Japan but Toy Schnauzer is originated from Germany. Akita Inu may grow 36 cm / 15 inches higher than Toy Schnauzer. Akita Inu may weigh 30 kg / 67 pounds more than Toy Schnauzer. Both Akita Inu and Toy Schnauzer has same life span. Both Akita Inu and Toy Schnauzer has almost same litter size. Both Akita Inu and Toy Schnauzer requires Moderate maintenance.
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.
The Miniature Schnauzer was actually a distinct breed as early as 1899. It is believed that the dog came from breeding the smallest Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers, Black Poodles, and the gray Spitz.
Miniature Schnauzers were registered as a separate breed in 1926. The Toy Schnauzer is registered as a Miniature Schnauzer but is actually a little bit smaller.
The Miniature Schnauzer was developed as a farm dog with the purpose of killing rats.
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 Toy Schnauzer is a small dog standing at between 33–35cm tall and weighing about 4 to 9 kg.
He has medium length hair which is hard and wiry and which requires minimal grooming. These low-shedding dogs make the ideal family pets for those people who have allergies.
Colors of the coat are essentially black and silver, chocolate or a salt and pepper look. You'll find they have a beard and bushy eyebrows, giving him an almost human-like expression.
These dogs were brought about to be all-around farm dogs and ratters and they are tough, muscular, and fearless without being aggressive.
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 Toy Schnauzer is spunky, strong-willed and confident. They all have different personalities and while some people report they are aloof, stubborn and uppity, others say they are playful, friendly and amicable.
A lot depends on the owners as dogs often develop the temperaments of the owners.
With this range in temperament, you can’t say with certainty how your Toy Schnauzer will turn out. Most of them just want to be involved with their human families and they make great family pets.
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.
Your Toy Schnauzer has a life expectancy of 12 – 15 years if you care for them properly. They can, however, suffer from some health problems that so many other dogs might also have to contend with.
You’ll notice your pet's eyes taking on a filmy look. Most times these cataracts emerge in older dogs and they can be surgically removed.
Entropion and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) are other eye diseases that may affect your dog. Most dogs are able to adapt well to their limited vision and can even adapt to lost vision.
A bladder infection can be terribly uncomfortable for your pet and occurs when bacteria gets into the bladder. Females are more likely to get a bladder infection, but male dogs can pick up the infection too. Having a bladder infection increases the pet’s urge to urinate even when there is no urine to come out.
The little bit of urine that does come out may be cloudy or even have some blood in it. It is imperative to get your pet urgent veterinary attention. When you see your pet trying to urinate all the time with nothing happening, then this is the sign to get your dog to the vet for a course of antibiotics.
This is when food and liquid are retained in the dog's esophagus so that you find him regurgitating his food. This can lead to pneumonia.
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.
Most people have their Toy Schnauzers professionally groomed on a regular basis. He is a double-coated dog with a wiry coat. Some people, looking to maintain the wiry texture do hand-stripping, certainly if the dog is used for show purposes.
No dog deserves to have dry kibble served up to him day after day. However, there are some excellent commercial dog foods on the market and you can choose the best one.
These foods provide a lot of convenience for the dog owner. Dogs also need to have their share of home-made food. It doesn’t have to be all complicated as dogs like simplicity.
Wholesome foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and some nutritious vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots can do him the world of good. Schnauzers are also prone to pancreatis so you want to avoid giving him food that is high in fat.
Toy Schnauzers love an active lifestyle. They don't like sitting around inactive for too long.
Your Toy Schnauzer can adapt to life in the country or the city but he will certainly need to be well exercised. Walking your dog each day will be essential as will ball games and just generally giving your pet some of your attention,