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Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Alsatian wolf dog or Alpine Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard" Compare Akita and German Shepherd. Which is better: Akita or German Shepherd or St. Bernard?
 
 
 
Name Akita German Shepherd St. Bernard
OriginsJapan flagJapan Germany flagGermany Switzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank47248
Reviews9219
User Ratings

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

Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard? 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) 110-200 pounds (50-91 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) 155 pounds (70.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Akita or German Shepherd or St. Bernard? Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard 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) 25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 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) 25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm)

Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $800-$2000 $1500-$1800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Akita or German Shepherd or St. Bernard?
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The St.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most alert?
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
St.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most protective?
Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
St.
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Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard? Compare temperaments.
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Independent
Happy
Friendly
Gentle
Going
Social
Quiet
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.
Sensitive: St.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard?
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.
See more.
High: St.
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Social Needs
Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard social needs comparison:
Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
St.
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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.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
St.
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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.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
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Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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.
St.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Akita or German Shepherd or St. Bernard?
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.
St.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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.

Moderate

The St.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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.
See more.
St.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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 🔼

St.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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
8-10 years
The average lifespan of St.
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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.
Very healthy dog breed.
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).
Rare
The St.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard 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
Bloat
Epilepsy
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most active?
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
St.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or German Shepherd or St. Bernard? 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.
St.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or German Shepherd or St. Bernard?
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.
St.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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.
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 St.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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. 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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 St. Bernard. What colors are available?
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Red
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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.
See more.
Average: The St.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The St.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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.

High 🔼

The St.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Fuzzy Dense
Rough
Smooth
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Akita or German Shepherd or St. Bernard? Akita or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
St.
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Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which is best with kids?
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
St.
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.
St.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or German Shepherd or St. Bernard? Which dog is more friendly?
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
St.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or German Shepherd or St. Bernard?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
St.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or German Shepherd or St. Bernard?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
St.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard?
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.
No
St.
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
St.
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.
St.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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 St. Bernard. 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 St. Bernard. Which is best suited for water work?

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

St.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which is best for draft work?

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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 St. Bernard Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Which has most puppies?
3-12 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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 St. Bernard. What's recommended?

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.

Akita vs German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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 in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Akita, German Shepherd, and St. Bernard. 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 St. Bernard. 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
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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