Akita vs Newfoundland
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Akita
The Akita is a large and powerful dog breed originating from Japan, known for its dignified and courageous demeanor, as well as its loyalty and protective nature towards family. With a thick double coat and a distinct curled tail, the Akita is both an impressive guardian and a devoted companion.
Extra Large
High
10-13 years yrs
N/A
Newfoundland
Also known as: Newf, Newfie, Gentle Giant
The Newfoundland is a giant, gentle breed renowned for its impressive strength, thick water-resistant coat, and remarkable swimming ability. Bred to haul fishing nets and pull carts in the freezing North Atlantic, they're often called 'gentle giants' and are famous as 'nanny dogs' for their patient nature with children. But be prepared: a 150lb dog with separation anxiety can destroy drywall in minutes, and the slobber reaches ceilings.
Extra Large
Medium
9-10 yrs
66-71 cm
55-80 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Large | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | Moderate |
| Barking Level | Low | Low |
| Shedding Level | High | High |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Beginner (temperament) but Advanced (logistics/finances) |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Akita. | Someone with a house and yard, works from home or flexible schedule, tolerant of slobber/hair/mess, financially prepared for giant breed costs, has or can get large vehicle for transport, and ideally has mentor or professional trainer for first-time giant breed ownership. |
Akita Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot tolerate heavy shedding
Newfoundland Dealbreakers
- Tight budget - if $3,000 vet bill is a disaster
- Clean freak - cannot have pristine home with a Newfie
- Tiny living space - they take up physical floor space
- Hot climate without AC
- Unable to physically manage a 150lb dog
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | 'He got too big' - owners underestimate reality of 150lb dog in a hallway, Medical costs - giant breed vet bills are shocking to unprepared owners, Grooming/mess - drool and hair become unmanageable for some |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Low | Low |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Akita Social Traits
Moderate
Selective
Newfoundland Social Traits
None
Generally low - tolerant of other dogs. Same-sex aggression rare but can occur in intact males.
Training
Akita
- ** Akitas do **not** respond to harsh correction; they will shut down or retaliate. They also do not respond to endless repetition (unlike a Labrador).
- ** "What's in it for me?" training. You must prove you are a fair, consistent leader. Respect is earned, not given.
Newfoundland
- Start training early while they're still manageable size
- Use social connection and food as motivators
- Harsh methods cause them to shut down completely
- Be consistent - a giant dog that ignores commands is dangerous
Akita Considerations
This is the single most critical behavioral trait to understand. Akitas are genetically predisposed to intolerance toward dogs of the same sex. This often emerges at sexual maturity (18–24 months). Even siblings raised together may suddenly fight with lethal intent.
Akitas are natural guardians. They do not typically welcome strangers with wagging tails. Without extensive early socialization, this aloofness can escalate to dangerous suspicion or aggression. They are not "dog park" dogs and often do not tolerate non-family members entering their territory uninvited.
Akitas can be possessive of food, toys, and even their owners. This trait, combined with their powerful bite (estimated around 350-400 PSI), makes them risky in households with small children who may not understand boundaries.
Newfoundland Considerations
Newfoundlands were bred to work closely with fishermen and do not tolerate isolation well. A 150lb dog with separation anxiety can destroy drywall, doors, and furniture in minutes. They need someone home most of the time.
This is non-negotiable. Loose jowls trap saliva - when they shake their heads, 'slobber strings' reach ceilings, walls, and guests. If you're house-proud or easily grossed out, this breed is incompatible with your lifestyle.
Between 6-18 months, they're large, clumsy, and energetic with no body awareness. They accidentally injure children or elderly owners simply by bumping into them. A puppy growing 10lbs/month is logistically immense.
Everything costs 2-3x more: $100-150/month food, $100-250/month insurance, medications priced by weight. If a $3,000 vet bill is a disaster, do not get this breed.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - may chase | High safety - one of the safest giant breeds for multi-pet homes. Drive is 'chase to play' not 'chase to kill.' |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Generally safe, but supervise due to size difference |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Generally safe with livestock but may accidentally squash chickens trying to play |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Arrested |
| Biddability | Low | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | N/A |
Newfoundland: Predatory sequence arrested at Eye -> Stalk -> Chase. The 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' are largely inhibited - they may chase a cat but usually just want to sniff or lick it. They are 'protection by presence' dogs - more likely to hold an intruder down or block them than bite. They assess before acting ('Newfie time') rather than responding robotically.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Easy | Easy |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Akita: Akita puppies require consistent training and patience.
Newfoundland: Temperamentally sweet but logistically immense. Puppy grows 10lbs/month. 'Land shark' biting on a giant breed HURTS. Joint protection is demanding - no stairs, no jumping until 2 years. Must solidify leash manners before they reach 50lbs.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 24 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-7 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~7 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | 66-71 cm |
| Weight | N/A | 55-80 kg |
| Size Category | Extra Large | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 10-13 years years | 9-10 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 6-10 |
Akita Coat
Newfoundland Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Matagi Inu (hunting dogs) for tracking and holding large game like wild boar, Yezo deer, and the Uss | Hauling fishing nets in freezing North Atlantic waters and pulling carts of catch - the 'St. Bernard of the Water' |
| Origin | from the snowy | Newfoundland, Canada - bred for immense strength, water-resistant coat, webbed feet, and gentle disposition |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | High |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | High |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Akita Health Issues
Newfoundland Health Issues
Akita Suggested Tests
- OFA Hips
- Eyes (CERF)
- Thyroid
- Gastropexy
Newfoundland Suggested Tests
- Cardiac (Cardiologist Echo) - CHIC required
- Hips (OFA or PennHIP) - CHIC required
- Elbows X-rays - CHIC required
- Cystinuria DNA test - CHIC required
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Very High |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | High |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Very High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Akita Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Newfoundland Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Hind-end weakness (mobility issues)
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
Decline can be rapid. Be prepared to assist a 150lb dog who cannot stand up - harnesses and ramps become daily tools. Quality of life decisions are complex due to physical impossibility of managing an immobile giant dog.
Grooming & Care
Akita
high maintenanceNewfoundland
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Akita Daily Life
Newfoundland Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Over 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Very High |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | Low | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | $2,000-5,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $170–$270 | $250–$500 |
| Yearly Range | $2,040–$3,240 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Food / Month | $100-150 | $100-150 |
| Insurance / Month | $70-120 | $100-250 |
| Grooming / Session | $80-120 | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-800 | $800-1,500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Akita Lifetime Cost
N/A
Newfoundland Lifetime Cost
$30,000-60,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Akita | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | Low | Heavy |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Strong |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Rare |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Low |
Newfoundland Quirks
The Newfie Lean
Will lean their entire weight (up to 150lbs) against your legs to show affection - can knock you off balance
Ceiling Slobber
Slobber strings can reach ceilings, walls, and unsuspecting guests when they shake their heads. Non-negotiable.
Water Magnet
They will try to enter ANY body of water - mud puddles, decorative ponds, kiddie pools. Also submerge their muzzle when drinking, dripping water across kitchen floors.
Lap Dog Delusion
A 150lb dog who believes they should sit in your lap. They will try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turn your dog into a brand deal.
Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a Akita or Newfoundland, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.
No followers minimum · Free to join
Compare with Other Breeds
Based on comprehensive breed research data.