Akita vs West Highland White Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Akita

Size
70–130 lbs, 24–28 in
Lifespan
10–13 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
No
Loyal Courageous Dignified Protective

West Highland White Terrier

Size
15–20 lbs, 10–11 in
Lifespan
13–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Entertaining Hardy Friendly

About the Akita

The Akita is a powerful, noble breed originating from the mountainous regions of northern Japan, where it was bred to hunt wild boar, deer, and even bears. Males stand 26–28 inches tall and weigh 100–130 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 24–26 inches and 70–100 pounds. The breed has a thick double coat that comes in several colors — including white, brindle, and pinto — and sheds heavily twice a year during seasonal "blowouts."

Temperament & Personality

Akitas are fiercely loyal and protective of their families, often forming an especially deep bond with one primary person. They are naturally reserved and wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs without excessive barking. While they can be gentle with children in their own family, Akitas generally do not tolerate other dogs well — particularly dogs of the same sex — and require experienced handling.

Pros

  • Exceptionally loyal — the breed's devotion is legendary, as exemplified by the famous Hachiko
  • Naturally clean and cat-like in grooming habits
  • Quiet breed that rarely barks unnecessarily
  • Imposing presence serves as an effective deterrent to intruders

Cons

  • Strong same-sex dog aggression makes multi-dog households challenging
  • Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent brushing and cleanup
  • Dominant personality demands an experienced, confident owner
  • Prone to autoimmune disorders, hip dysplasia, and bloat (gastric torsion)

Discover loyal Akitas waiting for their forever homes — explore adoptable Akitas on Puplister now.

About the West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier — universally known as the "Westie" — was developed in Scotland's western highlands during the 19th century, selectively bred from Cairn Terrier stock for its white coat to be more visible against the dark highland terrain while hunting foxes, badgers, and rats. These sturdy little dogs stand 10 to 11 inches tall and weigh 15 to 20 pounds, with a compact, balanced build and surprisingly strong legs for their size. Their double coat features a hard, straight white outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat — always pure white without exception.

Temperament & Personality

Westies are confident, entertaining, and surprisingly tough — carrying the classic terrier self-assurance in a friendly, less aggressive package than many of their terrier relatives. They are affectionate with their families, generally good with older children, and possess an independent, adventurous spirit that keeps life interesting. Westies are social dogs that enjoy meeting people, though they can be assertive with other dogs and retain a strong instinct to chase anything that moves.

Pros

  • Sturdy and adaptable — thrives in apartments, suburbs, and country settings
  • Friendly and sociable without the extreme aggression of some terrier breeds
  • Portable size with a big, confident personality
  • Alert watchdog that will reliably announce visitors

Cons

  • Prone to atopic dermatitis and skin allergies — one of the most affected breeds
  • Coat requires regular professional grooming or hand-stripping every 6 to 8 weeks
  • Can be stubborn and willful during training — responds best to positive methods
  • Tendency to dig and bark, especially when bored or left in the yard

Westies bring Scottish charm and terrier spirit into every home — find your white-coated companion on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

19

Akitas

Browse

2

West Highland White Terriers

Browse

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Akita and a West Highland White Terrier?
The Akita is 70–130 lbs, 24–28 in sized while the West Highland White Terrier is 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in sized. They differ in size (70–130 lbs, 24–28 in vs 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in), lifespan (10–13 years vs 13–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Akita or West Highland White Terrier?
Akita is not typically good with kids. West Highland White Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Akita or West Highland White Terrier?
The Akita has a lifespan of 10–13 years while the West Highland White Terrier has a lifespan of 13–15 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Dogs