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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

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd" Compare Akita and St. Bernard. Which is better: Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Akita St. Bernard German Shepherd
OriginsJapan flagJapan Switzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank47482
Reviews9919
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
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
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
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.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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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.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
St.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
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.
See more.
St.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

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
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: St.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
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.
See more.
High: St.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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St.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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.
St.
See more.
German 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.
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Their prey drive is low.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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.
See more.
St.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Akita vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?
Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Low: The St.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
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.
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.
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.
See more.
St.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

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.
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.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Akita vs 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.
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.
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.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

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
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.
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Average: The St.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Akita or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Akita or St. Bernard or {name3 shedding:
Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
St.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
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.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
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.
See more.
The St.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

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.
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.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
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.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
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.
See more.

Not really

St.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

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.
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.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Akita and 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.
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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