14 Dog Breeds Most Similar to Akitas

1. Shiba Inu

Like Akitas, Shiba Inus are Japanese hunting dogs. However, their smaller stature means they were out hunting small animals and birds rather than bears, elks, and wild boars like Akitas. 

The Shiba Inu looks very much like a smaller Akita. They share some of the following traits:

• intelligent
• stubborn
• protective
• loyal
• loving

In contrast, Akitas tend to be more aggressive toward other dogs than Shiba Inus. Also, Shiba Inus are much more prone to barking than the quiet Akita.

2. Rottweiler

Although Rottweilers and Akitas may not look much alike, they have some similarities. Both are large, powerful dogs originally bred to be guard dogs. Today, both breeds remain loyal and protective towards their families. Rottweilers, like Akitas, are intelligent and may be wary of strangers.

3. Norwegian Elkhound

The fluffy-coated Norwegian Elkhound is similar in appearance to Akitas, although smaller. Like the Akita, it’s an ancient hunting breed. Similar to Akitas, this breed is loyal and protective towards their families. The Norwegian Elkhound differs in that it tends to be more playful and affectionate towards children and strangers than an Akita.

4. Siberian Husky

With their lush, beautiful coats and pointy ears, the Siberian Husky is similar in appearance to the Akita. Although both were bred to be working dogs, Huskies pulled sleds and worked together with others, while Akitas were loners. Both are intelligent and need plenty of training and exercise. In contrast, huskies are much more vocal than Akitas and are known to howl excessively.

5. Alaskan Klee Kai

Though the Alaskan Klee Kai is sometimes confused with a Siberian Husky, it’s an entirely different breed. The Alaskan Klee Kai, like the Akita, is a loyal guard dog and may be wary of strangers. They can also be stubborn, like Akitas, and do best with experienced owners.

6. Hokkaido Inu

Another breed from Japan, the Hokkaido Inu, like the Akita, was bred to hunt bears. These intelligent, hyper-aware dogs make excellent watchdogs. In contrast to Akitas, they tend to bark a bit more.

7. Korean Jindo

The national dog of Korea, the Korean Jindo, is an ancient hunting breed. They are also wary of strangers and highly protective of their owners. These intelligent dogs can be territorial and dominant, although loving towards their family. They are also very independent and do best with experienced owners.

8. Shikoku Ken

Smaller than the Akita, although similar in appearance, the Shikoku breed is also a Japanese breed. Like Akitas, the Shikoku was bred to hunt. The breed is also loyal, protective, and affectionate towards its owners but can be aloof to strangers.

9. Finnish Spitz

Like the Akita, the Finnish Spitz was once a bear hunter. The Finnish Spitz is an ancient Spitz dog breed originating from Finland. Though they have similar coloring and a lovely, fluffy coat, the Finnish Spitz is smaller than the Akita. They can also be wary of strangers and protective of their owners.

10. Kishu

Another Japanese breed that began as a hunter, the Kishu, is a little smaller than an Akita. These loyal dogs are affectionate to their owners and protective. Like Akitas, they may be wary of strangers.

11. Doberman Pinscher

Though they don’t share much in the way of appearance, both Akitas and Doberman Pinschers are strong and loyal breeds. Alert and athletic, both breeds make great guard dogs. However, Dobermans tend to be more outgoing and friendly to strangers than Akitas.

12. German Shepherd

Akitas and German Shepherds are both powerful, loyal, and intelligent breeds. German Shepherds originated in Germany and were bred for police work and herding. Like Akitas, they can be aloof and independent but affectionate to their owner.

13. Giant Schnauzers

Giant Schnauzers are a large breed of dog that, like Akitas, are loyal and protective. They can be aggressive when they feel their family is threatened, and may not be best in families with young children. Like Akitas, they can be reserved around strangers and are not big barkers.

14. Romanian Carpathian Shepherd

These large and loving dogs came from the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners. Like Akitas, Romanian Carpathian Shepherds may be wary of strangers.