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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Malinois or American Akita? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita" Compare German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Akita?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Belgian Malinois Akita
OriginsGermany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank24447
Reviews21109
User Ratings

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

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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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
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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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?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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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?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Belgian Malinois dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Belgian Malinois indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which breed is most flexible?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Belgian Malinois 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: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Akita?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Belgian Malinois 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.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which handles climate changes best?
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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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 German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least 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: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita health problems comparison:
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
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois 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 German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 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.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois 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 German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which drools least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Belgian Malinois 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 German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Weather-resistant
Straight
Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which requires most frequent baths?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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 German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Akita? German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Good With Comparison

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

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good 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 German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Not really

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

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

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 German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, 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 German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Belgian Malinois 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 German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, 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 German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. 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.

Yes

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

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 3-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, 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 German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. 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.
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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Akita. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. 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 German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, 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
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
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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