Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Karelsk Björnhund or Malinois? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Akita and Karelian Bear Dog. Which is better: Akita or Karelian Bear Dog or Belgian Malinois?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Akita	Karelian Bear Dog	Belgian Malinois
Origins	Japan	Finland	Belgium
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Hunting Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	47	304	44
Reviews	9	1	10
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois breeds.	American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog	Karelsk Björnhund Karjalankarhukoira KBD	Malinois
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Medium	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)	44-50 pounds (20-23 kg)	Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)	47 pounds (21.5 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Akita or Karelian Bear Dog or Belgian Malinois? Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois height comparison:	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	19-23 inches (48-58 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	21 inches (53 cm)	Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$1000-$1200	$1200-$1400
Availability Which is easier to get, Akita or Karelian Bear Dog or Belgian Malinois?	Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.	Average: The Karelian Bear Dog is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which is easiest to train?	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are easy to train. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most alert?	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most protective?	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois? Compare temperaments.	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing	Independent Loyal Territorial Tenacious Brave Cautious	Active Stubborn Protective Alert Confident Friendly Watchful Hard working
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois?	High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Karelian Bear Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most vocal?	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.	Average: The Karelian Bear Dog barks occasionally. See more.	Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Karelian Bear Dog is a playful breed. See more.	The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Karelian Bear Dog breed in the home.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Belgian Malinois indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most flexible?	Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Akita or Karelian Bear Dog or Belgian Malinois?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Belgian Malinois dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which has lowest bite risk?	Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Karelian Bear Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which uses mouth most during play?	Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Karelian Bear Dog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed lives longest?	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog: 11 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers cold weather The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Karelian Bear Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which has fewer health issues?	The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Karelian Bear Dogs tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.	The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Frequent The Karelian Bear Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Skin Irritation Dry Skin Obesity Dental Problems Pituitary Dwarfism Baldness	Hip Dysplasia Eye Problems Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most active?	Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or Karelian Bear Dog or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs need a lot of exercises.	Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or Karelian Bear Dog or Belgian Malinois?	Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low to Average: The Karelian Bear Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.	2 to 2.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. What colors are available?	Black Red White Brown Fawn	Black White	Black Cream Fawn Brindle
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which requires most maintenance?	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Karelian Bear Dog requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which drools least?	The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. See more.	The Karelian Bear Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Karelian Bear Dog has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight	Dense	Weather-resistant Straight
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Akita or Karelian Bear Dog or Belgian Malinois? Akita or Karelian Bear Dog or {name3 shedding:	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs shed moderately. See more.	Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best with kids?	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are generally with other pets.	Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or Karelian Bear Dog or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or Karelian Bear Dog or Belgian Malinois?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or Karelian Bear Dog or Belgian Malinois?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois?	Yes Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Karelian Bear Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Karelian Bear Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.	Karelian Bear Dogs are commonly okay with elderly people.	Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Karelian Bear Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most puppies?	3-12 puppies	4-8 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Akita vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Akita, Karelian Bear Dog, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club	No data available	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club

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