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Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Stafford or Little Blue Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Akita and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which is better: Akita or American Staffordshire Terrier or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Akita American Staffordshire Terrier Australian Shepherd
OriginsJapan flagJapan United States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States
Group Working Dogs Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank478317
Reviews977
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd breeds.
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Stafford
Staffy
Amstaff
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg) 62 pounds (27.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Akita or American Staffordshire Terrier or Australian Shepherd? Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 18 inches (45.5 cm), Female: 17 inches (43.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $800-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Akita or American Staffordshire Terrier or Australian Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The American Staffordshire Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Akita dogs are easy to train.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
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.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd?
High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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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.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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.
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American Staffordshire Terrier 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.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is a playful breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
It is not recommended to keep the American Staffordshire Terrier 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 Australian Shepherd indoors.

Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Akita or American Staffordshire Terrier or Australian Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
American Staffordshire Terrier 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.
Australian Shepherd 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 American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?
Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Staffordshire Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. 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.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. 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.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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.
Average
The American Staffordshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes

Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most active?
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or American Staffordshire Terrier or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or American Staffordshire Terrier or Australian Shepherd?
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. 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.
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Low to Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. What colors are available?
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Black
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The American Staffordshire Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. 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.
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is an average drooler.
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The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Staffordshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Fine Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. 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.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Akita or American Staffordshire Terrier or Australian Shepherd? Akita or American Staffordshire Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or American Staffordshire Terrier or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or American Staffordshire Terrier or Australian Shepherd?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or American Staffordshire Terrier or Australian Shepherd?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd?
Yes
Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Australian Shepherd 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.
Yes
American Staffordshire Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Australian Shepherd 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.
American Staffordshire Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. 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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

American Staffordshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Akita vs American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
3-12 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. 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, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. 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 American Staffordshire Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. 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 Terriers group, in the Bull type Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Australian Shepherd. 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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America

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