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Akita vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better American Akita or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs German Shepherd" Compare Akita and German Shepherd. Which is better: Akita or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Akita German Shepherd
OriginsJapan flagJapan Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank472
Reviews921
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Akita and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Akita and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Akita vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Akita and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 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: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Akita or German Shepherd? Is an Akita taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 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 (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Akita vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Akita and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1200 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Akita or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Akita vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Akita dogs are easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Akita vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Akita and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Akita vs German Shepherd?
Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs German Shepherd?
High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Akita vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Akita vs German Shepherd?
The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Akita vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Akita 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.

Akita vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
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 German Shepherd indoors.

Akita vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Akita 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 German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Akita vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Akita 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
Which has a stronger bite: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Akita vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Akita and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Akita vs German Shepherd?
Average
The Akita 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
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 German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Akita vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
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 German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Akita vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Akita and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
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 German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Akita and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
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 German Shepherd? Do Akita dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Akita vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German 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.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or German Shepherd?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or German Shepherd? Can an Akita and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Akita dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Akita 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 best for first time owners: Akita vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Akita 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
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.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Akita vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Akita 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
Which is better at pulling: an Akita or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

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 history between Akita and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

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

Yes

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

Akita vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Akita and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
3-12 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Akita and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Akita and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Akita vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Akita and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Akita and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Akita and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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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