Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Alsatian wolf dog or Blue Heeler? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog"
Compare Akita and German Shepherd. Which is better: Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog?
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| Name | Akita | German Shepherd | Australian Cattle Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Japan |  Germany |  Australia |
| Group | Working Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 47 | 2 | 56 |
| Reviews | 9 | 19 | 4 |
| User Ratings |
| Other Names
What other names do they have? |
American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
Blue Heeler Cattle Dog Red Heeler Queensland Heeler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Size and Weight Comparison
| Size
Which is bigger, Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? Which is the smallest dog, Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | Large | Large | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight
Which is heavier, Akita or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog weight comparison: | 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) | 30-62 pounds (13-28 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) | 46 pounds (20.5 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog height comparison: | 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) | Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 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) | Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Price and Availability Comparison
| Price
Which is cheaper, Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? Which is more expensive? | $800-$1200 | $800-$2000 | $500-$700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Australian Cattle Dog is quite easy to get. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog intelligence: | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: Australian Cattle Dog is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainability
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog trainability comparison. | Akita dogs are easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs are easy to train. |
| Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog behavior/temperament comparison: |
Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Aggressive |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog? | High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average: Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. |
| Social Needs
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog social needs comparison: | Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs need for social interaction is average. |
| 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. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. | The wanderlust potential of the Australian Cattle Dog is strong enough to escape from home. |
| 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. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Playfulness
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog playfulness comparison: | Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Australian Cattle Dog is a highly playful breed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog? | Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | Low to Average: The Australian Cattle Dog rarely barks. |
| Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | 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. | Not an apartment-friendly dog the Australian Cattle Dog breed. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | 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. | Average: Australian Cattle Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | 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. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Cattle Dog bite force: Ordinary. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Australian Cattle Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. |
| Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog mouthiness comparison: | Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Health Issues
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog? | 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. | The Australian Cattle Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog 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 | Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Deafness |
| Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
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). |
Average The Australian Cattle Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
| Life Expectancy
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog lifespan comparison. How long do Akita, German Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog: 13 years |
| Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog? | Prefers cold weather The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Australian Cattle Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Level
Who has more energy a Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog?
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog energy level comparison: | Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs are high-energy dogs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? 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. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs need a lot of exercises. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | 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. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | 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. | 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog weight gain potential comparison: | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Cattle Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog coat comparison: |
Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight | Fuzzy | Dense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors
What are the original Akita, German Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog color? |
Black Red White Brown Fawn |
Black Tan Red Silver | Red Blue Speckled Mottled |
| Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog grooming comparison: | Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Effortless: The Australian Cattle Dog requires minimal grooming. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? Akita or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding: | Akita dogs are heavy shedders. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs shed moderately. |
| Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
| Hypoallergenic
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | No See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
| Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog? | Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Australian Cattle Dog has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the 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. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Australian Cattle Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Good With Comparison
| Pet Friendly
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. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs are generally with other pets. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? Which dog is more friendly? | Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
| Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? | Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog? |
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. |
Yes Australian Cattle Dog 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. |
No Australian Cattle Dog 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. | Australian Cattle Dogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Akita or German Shepherd or Australian Cattle Dog? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog? | 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. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. |
| Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog? | Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Australian Cattle Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| Fighting Dog / Military Dog | 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 German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Reproducibility Comparison
| Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
| Litter Size
How many puppies can Akita and German Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog have? | 3-12 puppies | 6-10 puppies | 1-7 puppies, average 5 |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog Recognition Comparison
| AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1980 as a Herding breed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | 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. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) section. |
| Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds? |
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 |
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 |
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