Buddy

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.

Flat Coated Retrievers are close relatives of Golden Retrievers. They are happy-go-lucky at all times, and love people. Flat-Coated Retrievers have a never ending lust for fun, and food. They love people, and will always know how to put a smile on your face. Full-grown, they typically weigh 60-70 pounds and stand 22-25 inches tall.

Flat Coated Retrievers are generally excellent with children of all ages. They can be a little overzealous for toddlers, but are otherwise great with children. Flat-Coated Retrievers can get along just fine with your other pets, especially if they are raised with them around. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Flat-Coated Retrievers have the stamina of a marathon runner, and then some. They need lots of exercise, every day. If you don’t exercise them properly, they’ll be frustrated, and may act out. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Flat-Coated Retrievers have a medium-long coat that’s actually pretty easy to maintain, but does shed quite a bit. As long as you brush their hair about once a week they’ll look as cute as ever, plus you’ll cut down a little bit on shedding. If your Flat-Coated Retriever hasn’t begged you to go swimming often enough, you’ll need to give them a bath every once in awhile. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Flat Coated Retrievers are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. With all that energy, a Flat-Coated Retriever fits best in a home where there’s easy access to a big yard or playspace. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.