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

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

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

Name	Akita	German Shepherd	Kangal Dog
Origins	Japan	Germany	Turkey
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	47	2	492
Reviews	9	21	13
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	Kangal Shepherd Dog Sivas Kangal Turkish Kangal Kangal Coban Kopegi
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog? Which is the smallest dog, Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog?	Large	Large	Giant
Weight Which is heavier, Akita or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal 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)	Male: 110-145 pounds (50-66 kg), Female: 90-120 pounds (41-54 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: 127.5 pounds (58 kg), Female: 105 pounds (47.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal 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: 30-32 inches (77-86 cm), Female: 28-30 inches (72-77 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: 31 inches (81.5 cm), Female: 29 inches (74.5 cm)

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1200	$800-$2000	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal 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 Kangal Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog intelligence:	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.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog trainability comparison.	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	Kangal Dog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog?	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Kangal Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal 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. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Kangal Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog behavior/temperament comparison:	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Independent Protective Alert Sensitive Selfish Calm Controlled
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog?	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.	High: Kangal Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog social needs comparison:	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Kangal Dog dogs are known to be antisocial. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Kangal Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Kangal 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. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog playfulness comparison:	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Kangal Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog?	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Kangal Dog rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal 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 Kangal Dog breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal 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: Kangal 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 Kangal 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.	Kangal Dog dogs love being alone, they need their own free time.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Kangal Dog bite force: The Strongest.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
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 Kangal Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog mouthiness comparison:	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.	Kangal Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal 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 Kangal Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal 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	Fatty Tumors
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 Kangal Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog lifespan comparison. How long do Akita, German Shepherd and Kangal 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 Kangal Dog: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog?	Prefers cold weather The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog energy level comparison:	Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.	Kangal Dog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal 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.	Kangal Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal 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.	Kangal Dog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal 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.	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog weight gain potential comparison:	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.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Kangal Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog coat comparison:	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight	Fuzzy	Dense Double
Colors What are the original Akita, German Shepherd and Kangal Dog color?	Black Red White Brown Fawn	Black Tan Red Silver	Black Gray Cream
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog? Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog grooming comparison:	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Kangal Dog requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog? Akita or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Kangal Dog dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog?	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Kangal 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. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Kangal Dog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. See more.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal 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.	Kangal Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog? Which dog is more friendly?	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Kangal Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog?	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Kangal Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Kangal Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Kangal Dog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal 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 Kangal 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 Kangal 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.	Kangal Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal 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. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Akita or German Shepherd or Kangal Dog? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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 Kangal Dog?	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.	Not really Kangal Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
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. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal 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. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Akita and German Shepherd and Kangal Dog have?	3-12 puppies	6-10 puppies	5-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal 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.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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.	Not recognized by FCI.
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 America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog

Reviews