Is the Akbash or the East Siberian Laika better for families with children?

Both the Akbash and the East Siberian Laika are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Akbash or the East Siberian Laika?

The Akbash and East Siberian Laika shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Akbash or the East Siberian Laika?

The East Siberian Laika is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Akbash or East Siberian Laika bigger?

Akbash and East Siberian Laika are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Akbash or East Siberian Laika?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Akbash or East Siberian Laika?

For apartment or flat living, Akbash has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Akbash vs East Siberian Laika: Which Is Calmer?

Akbash vs East Siberian Laika: full comparison

Trait	Akbash	East Siberian Laika
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Medium	Very High
Trainability	Low	Medium
Friendliness	Low	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	High	High
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	Very High	High
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The East Siberian Laika has noticeably higher energy than the Akbash.

Size and living space

The Akbash is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the East Siberian Laika is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Akbash wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The East Siberian Laika is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Akbash needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The East Siberian Laika needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Akbash takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. The East Siberian Laika is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. On guarding instinct, Akbash is a formidable natural guardian with a strong protective drive, whereas East Siberian Laika keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Akbash has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, East Siberian Laika has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, East Siberian Laika has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Akbash and East Siberian Laika are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Akbash and East Siberian Laika are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Akbash if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the East Siberian Laika if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalised match from 300+ breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — in about 2 minutes.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Akbash or the East Siberian Laika better for families with children?: Both the Akbash and the East Siberian Laika are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Akbash or the East Siberian Laika?: The Akbash and East Siberian Laika shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Akbash or the East Siberian Laika?: The East Siberian Laika is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Akbash or East Siberian Laika bigger?: Akbash and East Siberian Laika are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Akbash or East Siberian Laika?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Akbash or East Siberian Laika?: For apartment or flat living, Akbash has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Akbash vs East Siberian Laika