Bear

Border Collies are one of the smartest and most focused breeds around. These sweet dogs are happiest when they have an activity to do or job to work on, whether it’s playing fetch, digging a hole, or keeping an eye on you. Full-grown, they typically weigh 30-55 pounds and stand 18-22 inches tall.

Border Collies are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. The Border Collie gets along well with other pets and children, but it may try to dominate dogs of the same sex. They should be socialized as puppies with small, non-canine pets so they can overcome their natural prey instincts. They're fairly vocal dogs that bark regularly.

Border Collies need high-energy owners to satisfy their appetite for exercise and activity. If they get bored or restless, they’re known to act out. The best way to keep Border Collies active is to give them work to do, whether it’s an exercise like running or a game like Frisbee. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Border Collies have thick, shiny undercoats and colorful outer coats that come in several colors, including solid, bicolor, tricolor, merle (lighter coat with speckled patches), or sable (light undercoat with black-tipped hairs). These dogs are average shedders that don’t need much grooming. Brush them once or twice a week to keep their coats clean, and only bathe them when needed. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Border Collies are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. They’re adaptable to just about any living setting, so as long as they get enough exercise and attention, they will be happy spending time indoors, outdoors, in warm climates, or cooler places. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

As a Japanese breed, Akitas are intelligent, independent, and protective of those they love. They were originally bred to hunt wild animals, and they’re still known for possessing a strong prey drive. Despite their protectiveness, Akitas love people and want nothing more than to be treated as a valued member of the family. Full-grown, they typically weigh 70-130 pounds and stand 24-28 inches tall.

Akitas are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Akitas prefer to be the only pet in the household, but they typically get along well with other animals of the opposite gender when raised together. Otherwise, they see other pets and strangers as dangerous and aren’t afraid to defend their territory. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

Akitas are high-energy dogs that require plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They enjoy long walks, playtime with the family, and other fun activities that keep them engaged. Akitas are naturally energetic, so they love large, enclosed spaces where they can run and play. Overall, their exercise needs are high.

Akitas have a double coat of coarse, short hair and an undercoat that’s soft and dense. They may have red, white, or streaked coats that shed twice a year - once in the spring and fall. In between, brushing them once a week will keep them fresh and fly. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Akitas are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. Akitas prefer to be the only pet in the household, but they typically get along well with other animals of the opposite gender when raised together. They also need plenty of exercise and playtime, so the more space they have to roam, the better. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.