Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Alpine Mastiff or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you
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Compare Akita and St. Bernard. Which is better: Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
Name | Akita | St. Bernard | German Shepherd |
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Origins | Japan | Switzerland Italy | Germany |
Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 47 | 48 | 2 |
Reviews | 9 | 9 | 19 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog |
Alpine Mastiff Bernhardiner St. Barnhardshund St. Bernard Saint |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | Large | Giant | Large |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Akita or St. Bernard or St. Bernard? Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd weight comparison: | Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) | 110-200 pounds (50-91 kg) | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) |
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg) | 155 pounds (70.5 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd height comparison: | Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) | 25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm) | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) |
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) | 25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? | $800-$1200 | $1500-$1800 | $800-$2000 |
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Availability
Which is easier to get, Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The St. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd intelligence: | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
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Trainability
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. | Akita dogs are easy to train. | A slightly harder to train than average. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | St. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
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. | St. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison: |
Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing |
Independent Happy Friendly Gentle Going Social Quiet |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
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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: St. | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? | High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: St. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
Social Needs
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. | St. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. |
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. | St. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
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. | Their prey drive is low. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison: | Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. | St. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? | Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. | Low: The St. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | 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 St. | 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. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd 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. | St. | German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | St. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary. | Above 400 PSI 🔼 St. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
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Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody. | Moderate ⏺ The St. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison: | Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | St. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? | The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | Very healthy dog breed. | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. |
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Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd health problems comparison: | Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Bloat Epilepsy Entropion Elbow Dysplasia Dilated Cardiomyopathy |
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 |
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 St. |
Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
Life Expectancy
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Akita, St. Bernard and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years |
8-10 years The average lifespan of St. |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? | Prefers cold weather The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd energy level comparison: | Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | St. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | St. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. | St. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. | 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison: | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd coat comparison: |
Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight |
Dense Rough Smooth | Fuzzy |
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Colors
What are the original Akita, St. Bernard and German Shepherd color? |
Black Red White Brown Fawn |
Black Red White Brown Brindle Tricolor |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd grooming comparison: | Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. | Average: The St. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Akita or St. Bernard or {name3 shedding: | Akita dogs are heavy shedders. | St. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
Hypoallergenic
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | No See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? | Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell. | High 🔼 The St. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. | The St. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison
Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Akita dogs are generally with other pets. | St. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
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Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | St. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | St. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats. | St. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? | Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | St. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? |
Yes Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
No St. |
Yes German 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 St. |
No German 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. | St. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd 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. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog? | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. | 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. |
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog? | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. |
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? | Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really St. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Fighting Dog / Military Dog | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Akita and St. Bernard and German Shepherd have? | 3-12 puppies | 6-8 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd 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 1885 as a Working breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. |
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FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. | Not recognized by FCI. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds? |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club |
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 |
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