Akita Inu vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Akita Inu vs Gordon Setter - Breed ComparisonGordon Setter is originated from United Kingdom but Akita Inu is originated from Japan. Both Gordon Setter and Akita Inu are having almost same height. Both Gordon Setter and Akita Inu are having almost same weight. Gordon Setter may live 3 years less than Akita Inu. Both Gordon Setter and Akita Inu has almost same litter size. Both Gordon Setter and Akita Inu requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Japan
Height Male:
65 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
66 - 71 cm
25 - 28 inches
Height Female:
65 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
32 - 36 kg
70 - 80 pounds
32 - 39 kg
70 - 86 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 36 kg
70 - 80 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
7 - 10
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Gordons, Black and Tans
Japanese Akita, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog , Akita
Colors Available:
Black and tan
White, Red Fawn, Sesame, Brindle
Coat:
Straight and silky and wavy
Double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

gordon setterThe Gordon Setter includes mixes of the English Setter and the Irish Setter. The original purpose of the breed was to hunt game birds.

The dog breed hails from Scotland with a history that dates back to the 17th century. The dog was developed in Gordon Castle by the Duke of Gordon IV.

The dog became popular among hunters in the early 19th century. He is the biggest of the setter breeds. It was in 1884 that the American Kennel Club recognized the Gordon Setter.

akita inuThe 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.

Description

gordon setter puppy - descriptionThe Gordon Setter is a large dog, capable of reaching up to 69cm in height and weighing up to 36kg in weight.

He belongs to the Setter family and is somewhat heavier than the other Setter breeds. Setter dogs are classified as sporting- or gun dogs. He is a beautiful dog with a pitch black coat with tan markings found around the chest, muzzle and paws as well as those two familiar tan dots above each eye.

Sometimes you can find a small amount of white on the chest. The coat is straight and silky but it can be slightly waved with feathering around the legs, chest, ears and tail. Both the tail and the ears of the dog are also long and feathery. The Gordon has an intelligent, dignified look about him.

Temperament:

The Gordon Setter is a confident, fearless, loyal and affectionate dog. They do well with their human families, when there are other pets in the house as well as children.

He can be a boisterous dog so training and socialization will become necessary. Your Gordon Setter is an intelligent dog and also a dog ready and willing to learn. He is calm and even-tempered but playful too.

He isn’t a dog suited to life in the city if there isn’t an adequately sized garden. He is essentially a country life dog well suited to farms or large fenced gardens.

akita inu puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Characteristics

gordon setter dog - characteristicsBeautiful to look at, the intelligent and even-tempered Gordon Setter has everything to be confident about. He loves the attention he gets from his human family and is always looking for a pat.

He can be stubborn and he certainly won't like the idea of being left cut off from his family for long periods of time as he is a social dog with those he knows and loves.

The Gordon Setter is energetic and playful so he will need regular exercise. When you bring a Gordon Setter into your home, you bring in a wonderfully loyal pet and companion.

akita inu dog - characteristicsThe 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.

Health Problems

gordon setter puppies - health problemsLife expectancy for the Gordon Setter is usually about 10 to 12 years and with good nutrition and care, your Gordon can easily reach 12 years of age.

Every dog is prone to some common health issues and these include among others hip dysplasia, gastric torsion or bloat, retinal atrophy and ear infections.

Hip Dysplasia:

Large dogs are more prone to hip dysplasia. The disease is a malfunction of the hip joints causing pain and loss of function in the rear legs.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This eye conditon just gets worse over time and can lead to vision loss.

Hypothyroidism:

An under-active thyroid causes a decrease in metabolism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs include weight gain, obesity, cold intolerance, changes in the skin and coat like hair loss and your dog is lethargic.

Gastric torsion or Bloat:

This can be very dangerous with your pet as the stomach is swollen and the stomach rotates and twists and can lead to death.

akita inu puppies - health problemsThe 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.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

gordon setter dogs - caringGordon Terriers are energetic dogs so he is going to require a good deal of exercise each day. Take him with you on your walks and make sure that you give him lots of ball games and rope games.

Grooming:

All Gordon Setters shed, and their coat will require a good brushing at least twice a week. Check nails, teeth and ears regularly. Brush teeth at least twice a week to prevent dental decay.

Diet:

As a working dog your Gordon Setter has a special need for a high fat content diet. You can include some raw meat in his high-energy dog kibble. He can also have some cooked brown rice, chicken and vegetables added into his kibble from time to time. Make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

akita inu dogs - caringCaring 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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  27. Akita Inu vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Akita Inu vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Akita Inu vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Akita Inu vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Akita Inu vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Akita Inu vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Akita Inu vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Akita Inu vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Akita Inu vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Akita Inu vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Akita Inu vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Akita Inu vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Akita Inu vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Akita Inu vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Akita Inu vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Akita Inu vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Akita Inu vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Akita Inu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Akita Inu vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Akita Inu vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Akita Inu vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Akita Inu vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Akita Inu vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Akita Inu vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison