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Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chien De Berger Belge or Alsatian wolf dog or American Akita? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita" Compare Belgian Sheepdog and German Shepherd. Which is better: Belgian Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Akita?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Sheepdog German Shepherd Akita
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank120247
Reviews4219
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita breeds.
Chien De Berger Belge
Groenendael
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Belgian Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Akita? Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1400 $800-$2000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Belgian Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Akita?
Frequent: The Belgian Sheepdog is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.

Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Belgian Sheepdog is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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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 Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is easiest to train?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Akita dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most alert?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most protective?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita? Compare temperaments.
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Hard
Working
Watchful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita?
Average to High: Belgian Sheepdog dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita social needs comparison:
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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 dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Belgian Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most playful?
The Belgian Sheepdog is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Belgian Sheepdog breed in the home.
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.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.

Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most flexible?
Belgian Sheepdog 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.
Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Belgian Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Akita?
Belgian Sheepdog 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.
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.

Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Belgian Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which uses mouth most during play?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs have a lower than 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.
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Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Belgian Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Sheepdog: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Belgian Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even 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.
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Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which has fewer health issues?
The Belgian Sheepdog 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 Akita 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Hyperthyroidism
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
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis

Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Belgian Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of a high-quality dog food a day. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. What colors are available?
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Belgian Sheepdog requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which drools least?
The Belgian Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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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.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Belgian Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Soft
Thick
Fuzzy Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. 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.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Belgian Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Akita? Belgian Sheepdog or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Belgian Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is best with kids?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Belgian Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Akita? Which dog is more friendly?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Belgian Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Akita?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Belgian Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Akita?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita?
Yes
Belgian Sheepdog 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
Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Belgian Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Belgian Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. 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.
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Not really

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. 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 Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent 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 Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Belgian Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 3-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Belgian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which has most recognition?
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
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.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

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