Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Alsatian wolf dog or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever"
Compare Akita and German Shepherd. Which is better: Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Name | Akita | German Shepherd | Golden Retriever |
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Origins | Japan | Germany | Scotland |
Group | Working Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Gun Dog |
Popularity Rank | 47 | 2 | 3 |
Reviews | 9 | 21 | 16 |
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 |
Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which is the smallest dog, Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | Large | Large | Large |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Akita or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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) | Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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) | Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which is more expensive? | $800-$1200 | $800-$2000 | $1000-$2000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
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Trainability
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever trainability comparison. | Akita dogs are easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. | Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
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. | Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever behavior/temperament comparison: |
Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy |
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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. | Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? | 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. | High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison: | Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. | Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. |
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. | Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. |
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. | Golden Retriever 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. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever playfulness comparison: | Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? | Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | 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 recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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. | Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | 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. | Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary. |
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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. | Moderate ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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. | Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? | 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. | Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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 |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Hemangiosarcoma Osteosarcoma Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis |
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). |
Rare The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Life Expectancy
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Akita, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever 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 |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? | 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. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever energy level comparison: | Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. | Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? 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. | Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | 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. | Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | 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 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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. | High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever coat comparison: |
Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight | Fuzzy |
Silky Wavy Shiny Straight |
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Colors
What are the original Akita, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever color? |
Black Red White Brown Fawn |
Black Tan Red Silver | Golden Light |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever grooming comparison: | Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Akita or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding: | Akita dogs are heavy shedders. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. | Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | 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. | 2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. |
Hypoallergenic
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever? | Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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. | Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly? | Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? | Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? |
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 Golden Retriever 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. |
Yes Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds 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. | Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Akita or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? 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. | Yes This breed makes a perfect 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. | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. |
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. | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. |
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? | 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. | Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes 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 Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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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 Golden Retriever have? | 3-12 puppies | 6-10 puppies | 5-10 puppies |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever 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 1925 as a Sporting breed. |
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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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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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