Breed Comparison
Chow Chow vs Akita
Side-by-side breakdown of shedding, trainability, cost, temperament, and whether either breed suits your lifestyle — with honest UK context.
Chow Chow
A lion-like dog with a blue-black tongue and the personality of a cat. Loyal to …
Akita
Japan's national monument. Intensely loyal to family, deeply suspicious of stran…
The Chow Chow is a medium-sized breed while the Akita is large. Chow Chows are low-energy, Akitas are moderate-energy. Puppy prices: Chow Chow £1 000–£2 500, Akita £800–£2 500 from UK breeders.
Side-by-side comparison
| Chow Chow | Akita | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Weight | 20–32 kg | 32–59 kg |
| Lifespan | 11–13 yrs longer | 10–13 yrs |
| Shedding | Heavy shedding | Heavy shedding |
| Barking | Quiet | Quiet |
| Trainability | Challenging | Challenging |
| Good with kids | Not ideal | Not ideal |
| Good with cats | Chases cats | Chases cats |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| UK puppy price | £1 000–£2 500 | £800–£2 500 |
| Insurance/month | £35–£80/mo cheaper | £45–£100/mo |
Green highlight = advantage on that trait. Prices are UK averages from reputable KC-registered breeders (2024–25).
Quick verdict
Chow Chow
Akita
Which should you choose?
Both the Chow Chow and Akita have their merits — the right choice depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and what matters most in a dog. Here is an honest breakdown of who each breed suits best.
Choose the Chow Chow if…
- Longevity matters to you — Chow Chows tend to live longer
- Their temperament — aloof, loyal, independent — matches what you are looking for
Choose the Akita if…
- Their temperament — loyal, courageous, dignified — matches what you are looking for
Energy and exercise requirements
The Akita is the higher-energy breed here — Akitas need 90–120 minutes of exercise daily, while the Chow Chow is more manageable at 60–90 minutes per day. This difference matters significantly if you have a small home, work long hours, or aren't an active exerciser.
Cost comparison
Buying a Chow Chow costs £1 000–£2 500 from a reputable UK breeder, compared to £800–£2 500 for a Akita. Insurance is another key variable: Chow Chows run £35–£80/mo monthly versus £45–£100/mo for Akitas. Over a dog's lifetime, insurance and food costs typically dwarf the initial purchase price — factor both into your budget.
Which is easier to live with day-to-day?
Energy level is the dominant practical difference here. Both breeds have moderate exercise needs that most owners can meet comfortably.
The honest summary
On balance, the Chow Chow edges ahead on the metrics that matter most to the majority of UK dog owners — but "better" is always personal. If the Akita's specific traits match your situation, go with the Akita.
Both the Chow Chow and Akita can be wonderful dogs in the right hands and the right home. The worst outcome is choosing based on looks or trend alone — make sure their energy level, grooming needs, and temperament fit your life before you commit.
Before you decide
Whatever breed you choose, buy from a reputable breeder who health-tests their breeding stock — not a puppy farm or pet shop. For the Chow Chow, check what health testing the relevant breed club recommends (KC Assured Breeders follow minimum health testing requirements). The same applies to the Akita. A slightly higher purchase price from a responsible breeder is almost always cheaper than the veterinary bills from a poorly-bred dog.
If you're still undecided after reading this comparison, consider meeting dogs of both breeds in person — at a breed club event, through a local rescue, or by contacting a reputable breeder who allows you to meet the parents. Temperament on paper and temperament in the room are not always the same thing. Spend time with both breeds before committing: it's a 10–15 year relationship.