American Akita
VS
Shih Tzu
American Akita vs Shih Tzu
Compare American Akita and Shih Tzu side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
American Akita
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
61 – 71 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
35 – 55 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
2/5
Intelligence
4/5
2/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
1/5
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Characteristics
American Akita
Super smart
Giant
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About American Akita
Large, powerful spitz-type dog with a broad, bear-like head and curled tail. Calm, loyal, and strongly protective with family, but reserved with strangers and often aloof with other dogs. Thick double coat sheds heavily. Intelligent, independent, and best suited to experienced, consistent owners.
About Shih Tzu
Small, sturdy companion dog from Tibetan and Chinese palaces, 4.5–8 kg with a long, flowing coat and chrysanthemum-like face. Affectionate, cheerful, and confident, it suits many homes. Needs moderate exercise, intensive grooming, and patient, reward-based training.
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