It’s been a couple years since I had to put down my Akita, these are the two breeds I’ve narrowed it down to after over a year research. Problem is they’re both pretty rare, at least in my region and not any breeders around me.

Leaning towards the BRT because I’ve read they’re generally a little more calm inside, giant schnauzers are a bit more prone to getting overly excited inside and running over little kids (probably going to have one of those in the next year or too as well). I really like both options though, intelligent breeds, athletic working dogs with good natural defensive drive, don’t shed and also more unassuming breeds compared to rottys, dobermans etc

I’d add a pic of each but on the mobile rn

I’ve had dogs come from 3-9000mi away. Don’t let distance deter you. What specifically are you looking to get out of a dog? Do you live in the city or country?

I looked into the BRT when I got my recent Caucasian Ovcharka. They are very cool dogs. Extremely intelligent. We have a breeder in my state but they didn’t have any upcoming litters planned plus I had my heart set on a CO or Central Asian.


Giants are also fantastic dogs though they are high energy. Still I recommend looking for working lines who breed for stability and drive.

why not another Akita?

I understand that, I just meant it would be nice if there was a breeder of either breed within a few hours so I could meet the dogs and see how they are.

I live in the country for now but unfortunately have to move next year due to my gf going to MD school, which will take us into a large city, probably urban area. I want a dog that intelligent, large but not too big that it cant go on half/full day hikes or camp with us and it needs to be a breed that has good protection instincts, I also would strongly prefer going with a breed tat isnt going to be shedding much, I can handle other forms of grooming.
I have a few friends with CO's. The BRT breeder Ive been talking to has good working lines with lost of defensive drive and stability. I have come across some show breeders who seem to have bloodlines where all drive has been removed, probably too much Newfy blood.
My mom no longer breeds them, and I helped deliver the litter mine came from. So I had her all 14 years and was with her when she was born and when she passed. Its still kinda tough for me to think about having another one. Plus being around so many Akitas in my life, I know that from a temperament perspective, a lot of them are very difficult and can easily be animal or even human aggressive, and most arent as affectionate as mine was. Also the shedding was just horrible.