New Zealand Heading Dog has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

Akita Inu has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Intelligent
Willing

Alert
Dignified
Friendly
Responsive
Courageous
Docile
Intelligent
Vigilant
Independent
Faithful
Willing
Protective

New Zealand Heading Dogs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Akita Inus shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Choose an Akita Inu if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

New Zealand

Japan

Border Collie

Northern Spitz

1867

1600s

Brown
Amber

Brown

Black

Black
Brown

Black
White
Fawn

Brindle
White
Silver
Fawn
Red
Black
Brown

A New Zealand Heading Dog can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

An Akita Inu can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

New Zealand Heading Dogs typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Akita Inu breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

None Known

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Von Willebrand's Disease
Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Ear Health and Infection
Eye Infections

Elbow Dysplasia
Pemphigus
Sebaceous Adenitis

Ear Examination
Eye examination
Complete Blood Count
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
Blood Glucose Tests

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood
Dna For Vwd
X-Rays
Physical Examination

New Zealand Heading Dogs thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Akita Inus' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

New Zealand Heading Dog has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Akita Inu has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

New Zealand Heading Dogs need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Akita Inus require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Akita Inus sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

New Zealand Heading Dog is an average drooler, monitor for excessive drooling which may indicate health issues.

Akita Inu excessively drools, consider a different breed if not appealing.

New Zealand Heading Dog dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Akita Inus are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

New Zealand Heading Dog dogs may not be the best choice as guard dogs because they do not have a strong instinct to defend their territory.

Akita Inu dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Tramping, Fetch, Hunting, Walking, Playing, Running, Long, Basic tricks, Runs, Fetching balls, Walks

Run, Frisbee, Chase, Sniff, Swim, Play, Walk, Fetch, Walking, Tug-of-war, Running, Training, Listen to me, Belly rubs

New Zealand Heading Dogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Akita Inus are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For New Zealand Heading Dog, it's at least 30 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Akita Inu, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most New Zealand Heading Dogs usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Akita Inus usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The New Zealand Heading Dog requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Akita Inu has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

The average cost of a New Zealand Heading Dog is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of an Akita Inu is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

The average per month expenses of a New Zealand Heading Dog is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of an Akita Inu is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

New Zealand Heading Dog is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Akita Inus are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

New Zealand Heading Dogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Akita Inus make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Akita Inus are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Akita Inus are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Akita Inus are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Akita Inus have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

The New Zealand Heading Dog is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Akita Inus are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.