Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Tervuren or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd" Compare Akita and Belgian Tervuren. Which is better: Akita or Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Akita	Belgian Tervuren	German Shepherd
Origins	Japan	Belgium	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	47	103	2
Reviews	9	1	21
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd breeds.	American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog	Tervuren	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Large	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)	Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Akita or Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd? Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd height comparison:	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$1200-$1400	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Akita or Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Belgian Tervuren is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Very smart: Belgian Tervuren is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.	Belgian Tervuren dogs are very easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Belgian Tervuren dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Belgian Tervuren dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing	Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Loyal Attentive	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
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. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd?	High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Belgian Tervuren dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Belgian Tervuren dogs are a social breed. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
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. See more.	Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
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. See more.	Belgian Tervuren dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.	A lot: Belgian Tervuren is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Belgian Tervuren is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.	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 Belgian Tervuren indoors.	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 German Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?	Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Belgian Tervuren dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Akita or Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Belgian Tervuren 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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?	Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Belgian Tervuren has a low chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?	Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Belgian Tervuren dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Belgian Tervuren bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Belgian Tervuren: 13 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German 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. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German 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 Belgian Tervuren is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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 Belgian Tervuren should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis	No data available	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active?	Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Belgian Tervuren dogs are high-energy dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Belgian Tervuren dogs need a lot of exercises.	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd?	Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Belgian Tervuren dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German 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. See more.	Low to Average: The Belgian Tervuren has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.	2 to 3 cups of a high-quality dog food a day.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?	Black Red White Brown Fawn	Black Cream Fawn Brindle	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Belgian Tervuren requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German 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. See more.	The Belgian Tervuren is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Belgian Tervuren has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight	Thick Double	Fuzzy
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German 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. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Akita or Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd? Akita or Belgian Tervuren or {name3 shedding:	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Belgian Tervuren dogs shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Belgian Tervuren dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.	Belgian Tervuren dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or Belgian Tervuren or German Shepherd?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Belgian Tervuren dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd?	Yes Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Belgian Tervuren dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German 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.	No Belgian Tervuren is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German 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.	Belgian Tervurens are usually recommended for elderly people.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German 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.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German 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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Belgian Tervuren breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Akita vs Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?	3-12 puppies	6-10 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German 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, Belgian Tervuren, and German 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 Belgian Tervuren vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Akita, Belgian Tervuren, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.	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, Belgian Tervuren, and German 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 Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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