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?
Name | Akita | German Shepherd | Kangal Dog |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Working Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 47 | 2 | 492 |
Reviews | 9 | 21 | 13 |
User Ratings |
Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog breeds. |
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 |
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Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog? Compare their breeding categories. | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Size and Weight Comparison
Size Classification
Compare size differences between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which breed is the largest? | Large | Large | Giant |
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Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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: 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 Range
Compare puppy costs for Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Find price differences between these breeds. | $800-$1200 | $800-$2000 | $600-$800 |
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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
Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which breed ranks highest? | 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. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which is easiest to train? | Akita dogs are easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. | Kangal Dog dogs are quite easy to train. |
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which breed is most alert? | Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Kangal Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which breed is most protective? | Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Kangal Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison
Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog? Compare temperaments. |
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 |
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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. | 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 Kangal 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. | High: Kangal Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog social needs comparison: | Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. | Kangal Dog dogs are known to be antisocial. |
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. | Kangal Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. |
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. | 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. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which breed is most vocal? | Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | Low to Average: The Kangal Dog rarely barks. |
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which breed is most playful? | Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: Kangal Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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. | Not an apartment-friendly dog the Kangal Dog breed. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison
Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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: Kangal Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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 Kangal Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. |
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Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which uses mouth most during play? | 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. | Kangal Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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. | Above 400 PSI 🔼 Kangal Dog bite force: The Strongest. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison
Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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 Kangal Dog: 13 years |
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Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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. | 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. |
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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 Kangal 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 Kangal 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 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 |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which breed is most active? | 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. |
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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. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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. | 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 Kangal Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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. | 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which is best for allergy sufferers? | No See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
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Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. What colors are available? |
Black Red White Brown Fawn |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Black Gray Cream |
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which requires most maintenance? | Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Kangal Dog requires average grooming effort. |
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | 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. |
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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 Kangal Dog has an average chance of bad smell. |
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. How do their fur characteristics differ? |
Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight | Fuzzy |
Dense Double |
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired 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. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. | Kangal Dog dogs are heavy shedders. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Good With Comparison
Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which is best with kids? | Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Kangal Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. |
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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. | 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. |
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 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 Capability
Compare service dog potential between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which is best suited for service work? | 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. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which excels in therapy work? | 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. |
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. |
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. |
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which is best suited for water work? | 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 Kangal Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which is best for draft work? | 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. | Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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. | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Reproducibility Comparison
Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal Dog. Which has most puppies? | 3-12 puppies | 6-10 puppies | 5-10 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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 Kangal Dog. What's recommended? | 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. |
Akita vs German Shepherd vs Kangal Dog Recognition Comparison
AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
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FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Akita, German Shepherd, and Kangal 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 Kangal 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. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club |
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