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

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita" Compare German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher. Which is better: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Doberman Pinscher Akita
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank21647
Reviews19169
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Doberman
Dobermann
Dobynm
Dobie
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
Large Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Doberman Pinscher? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 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: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 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: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita? Which is more expensive?
$800-$2000 $800-$1000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher 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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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita trainability comparison.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
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Akita dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
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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Sensitive: Doberman Pinscher 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.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Doberman Pinscher 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
German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Doberman Pinscher 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?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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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Their prey drive is low.
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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 Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
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Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
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 Doberman Pinscher breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Doberman Pinscher 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs have a lower than 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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German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher 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
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Wobbler's Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
Veterinarian Visits
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).
Rare
The Doberman Pinscher 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.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher and Akita breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita?
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 warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Doberman Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Doberman Pinscher dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 5 to 6 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Doberman Pinscher has an 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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German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita coat comparison:
Fuzzy Fine Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher and Akita color?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita? German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
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Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
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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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita 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, German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Doberman Pinscher drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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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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German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher 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: German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Doberman Pinscher 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
Doberman Pinscher 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.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher or Akita? Which is better for autism?

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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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita?

Not really

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

Doberman Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Akita 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.
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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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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.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita 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 German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher and Akita have?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 3-12 puppies

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds 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.
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
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
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

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher vs Akita

Reviews

  • German shepherd

    Apr 24, 2020, 2:43:06 PM:

    Great