Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Gentle Giant or Little Blue Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Akita and Leonberger. Which is better: Akita or Leonberger or Australian Shepherd?

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	Leonberger	Australian Shepherd
Origins	Japan	Germany	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	47	100	17
Reviews	9	4	7
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd breeds.	American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog	Gentle Giant Gentle Lion Leonbergi Leo	Little Blue Dog Aussie
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Giant	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)	Male: 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)	Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)	Male: 150 pounds (68 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg)	Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Akita or Leonberger or Australian Shepherd? Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	Male: 29-31 inches (74-80 cm), Female: 27-29 inches (61-74 cm)	Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	Male: 30 inches (77 cm), Female: 28 inches (67.5 cm)	Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$1500-$2000	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Akita or Leonberger or Australian Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Leonberger is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.	Leonberger dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Leonberger dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Leonberger dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd? Compare temperaments.	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing	Loving Obedient Loyal Fearless Companionable Adaptable	Active Loving Protective Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Good-natured
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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd?	High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Leonberger dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Leonberger dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed. 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.	Leonberger dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. 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.	Leonberger dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.	Low: The Leonberger barks none to minimal. See more.	Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Leonberger is a playful breed. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Leonberger 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 Australian Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?	Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Leonberger dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Akita or Leonberger or Australian Shepherd?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Leonberger dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?	Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Leonberger has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?	Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Leonberger dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Leonberger bite force: The Strongest.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years	8-10 years The average lifespan of Leonberger: 9 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. 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. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Leonberger can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. 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.	Leonbergers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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.	Frequent The Leonberger should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Bloat Entropion Inherited Polyneuropathy Ectropion Elbow Dysplasia Addison's Disease Eosinophilic Panosteitis	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Deafness Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Distichiasis Collie Eye Anomaly Detached Retina Nasal Solar Dermatitis Osteochondrosis Dissecans Persistent Pupillary Membranes

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most active?	Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Leonberger dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or Leonberger or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Leonberger dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or Leonberger or Australian Shepherd?	Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Leonberger dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. 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.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Leonberger's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals	1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. What colors are available?	Black Red White Brown Fawn	Red Brown Yellow Sandy Reddish Mahogany	Black Red Blue Merle
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Leonberger requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. 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 Leonberger is an average drooler. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Leonberger has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight	Waterproof	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. 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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Akita or Leonberger or Australian Shepherd? Akita or Leonberger or {name3 shedding:	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Leonberger dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best with kids?	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Leonberger dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.	Leonberger dogs are generally with other pets.	Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or Leonberger or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or Leonberger or Australian Shepherd?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or Leonberger or Australian Shepherd?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Leonberger dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd?	Yes Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Leonberger dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Australian Shepherd 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 Leonberger is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Australian Shepherd 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.	Leonbergers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used 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 Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	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, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a 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, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Leonberger breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. 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.	Yes 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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Akita vs Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most puppies?	3-12 puppies	6-8 puppies	6-9 puppies, average 7
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. 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, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. 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 Leonberger vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Akita, Leonberger, and Australian Shepherd. 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. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Australian Shepherd Club Of America

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