Akita vs Labrador Retriever
Complete side-by-side comparison of Akita and Labrador Retriever. Compare temperament, size, lifespan, cost, and care requirements.
Akita
Size
Large (50-100 lbs)
Lifespan
10-13 years
Price
$1,000-$2,500
Labrador Retriever
Size
Large (50-100 lbs)
Lifespan
11-13 years
Price
$800-$2,000
Quick Verdict
Labrador Retriever wins this comparison!
Labrador Retriever edges out Akita in our comparison, scoring better in 3 of 6 key categories. However, both are excellent breeds and the best choice depends on your specific lifestyle and needs.
Physical Characteristics
| Attribute | Akita | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) | Large (50-100 lbs) |
| Height | 24-28" | 21-25" |
| Weight | 70-130 lbs | 55-80 lbs |
| Lifespan | 10-13 years | 11-13 years |
| Coat Type | Double | Double |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Temperament & Behavior
| Attribute | Akita | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Affection Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Children | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Other Dogs | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Strangers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Protectiveness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trainability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Energy Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Barking Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Care Requirements
| Attribute | Akita | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | Regular - 2-3x/week | Moderate - Weekly |
| Exercise (min/day) | 60 min | 60 min |
| Mental Stimulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drooling Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Living Conditions
| Attribute | Akita | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good for Beginners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tolerates Being Alone | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cold Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hot Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Akita | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,500 | $800-$2,000 |
| Annual Cost | $1,500/year | $1,500/year |
Health Considerations
Akita
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan: 11-13 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Akita or Labrador Retriever better for families?
Labrador Retriever is generally better for families, scoring 5/5 for child-friendliness compared to 3/5 for Akita. However, both breeds can make great family pets with proper training and socialization.
Which costs more to own, a Akita or Labrador Retriever?
A Labrador Retriever costs approximately $1500/year while a Akita costs about $1500/year. Both cost about the same to own.
Which is easier to train, a Akita or Labrador Retriever?
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train, scoring 5/5 for trainability compared to 3/5 for Akita.
Do Akita or Labrador Retriever live longer?
On average, both breeds have similar lifespans of about 11.0 years.
Compare Different Breeds
Learn More About Each Breed
Beyond the breed database, explore our dog nutrition and feeding guides or try our free animal tools and games.