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

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog" Compare Akita and German Shepherd. Which is better: Akita or German Shepherd or Dutch Shepherd Dog?
 
 
 
Name Akita German Shepherd Dutch Shepherd Dog
OriginsJapan flagJapan Germany flagGermany Netherlands flagNetherlands
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank472525
Reviews9212
User Ratings

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

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare adult weight ranges.
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) Male: 61-70 pounds (27-31 kg) Female: 52-61 pounds (23-27 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) Male: 65.5 pounds (29 kg) Female: 56.5 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Akita or German Shepherd or Dutch Shepherd Dog? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd 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: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (53-61 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: 23.5 inches (60 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm)

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $800-$2000 $1000-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Akita or German Shepherd or Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which is easiest to train?
Akita dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most alert?
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most protective?
Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog? Compare temperaments.
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Alert
Affectionate
Obedient
Reliable
Loyal
Trainable
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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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog?
High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog 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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Dutch Shepherd Dog 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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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Dutch Shepherd Dog 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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Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd Dog indoors.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most flexible?
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: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Akita or German Shepherd or Dutch Shepherd 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.
Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dutch Shepherd Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which breed lives longest?
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 Dutch Shepherd Dog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Dutch Shepherd Dog 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.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Dutch Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd 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
No data available

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which needs most food?
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. 3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. What colors are available?
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Blue
Silver
Yellow
Brindle
Golden
Grey
Salt & Pepper
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Dutch Shepherd Dog doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Dutch Shepherd Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Fuzzy Wiry
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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8-12 weeks
Very 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 German Shepherd or Dutch Shepherd Dog? Akita or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs shed moderately.
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Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which is best with kids?
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
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.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Dutch Shepherd Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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
Dutch Shepherd 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
Dutch Shepherd 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.
Dutch Shepherd Dogs are commonly okay with elderly people.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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

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

Dutch Shepherd Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. Which has most puppies?
3-12 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Akita vs German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. How are they classified?
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 as a Miscellaneous breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Akita, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd Dog. 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
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
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

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