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

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita" Compare German Shepherd and Samoyed. Which is better: German Shepherd or Samoyed or Akita?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	German Shepherd	Samoyed	Akita
Origins	Germany	Russia	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Sled Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	2	57	47
Reviews	21	16	9
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita breeds.	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	Bjelkier Nenetskaya Laika Sammy Samoiedskaya Sobaka Smiley Samoyedskaya	American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Medium	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	Male: 45-65 pounds (20.5-30 kg), Female: 35-50 pounds (16-20.5 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: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 42.5 pounds (19 kg)	Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Akita? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita height comparison:	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)	Male: 21-23.5 inches (53-60 cm), Female: 19-21 inches (48-53 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: 21-23.5 inches (56.5 cm), Female: 20 inches (50.5 cm)	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$2000	$1200-$1500	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Akita?	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Samoyed is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Smart: The Samoyed dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which is easiest to train?	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	Samoyed dogs are easy to train. See more.	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which breed is most alert?	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Samoyed dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which breed is most protective?	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Samoyed dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita? Compare temperaments.	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Playful Stubborn Alert Intelligent Friendly Lively Sociable	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. See more.	Samoyed dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita?	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Samoyed dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita social needs comparison:	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Samoyed dogs are a social breed. See more.	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Samoyed is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
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. See more.	Samoyed dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Samoyed barks occasionally. See more.	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which breed is most playful?	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Samoyeds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Samoyed, 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 Samoyed indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which has lowest bite risk?	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Samoyed 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, Samoyed, and Akita. Which uses mouth most during play?	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Samoyed dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Samoyed bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which breed lives longest?	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Samoyed: 13 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Samoyed, 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. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Samoyed can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which has fewer health issues?	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	The Samoyed 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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 Samoyed 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Samoyed 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) Bloat Diabetes Pulmonic Stenosis	Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which breed is most active?	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.	Samoyed dogs are high-energy dogs.	Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Samoyed or Akita? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Samoyed 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 Samoyed or Akita?	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.	Samoyed dogs don't need too much sleep.	Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Samoyed's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Samoyed, 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Silver	Cream White Biscuit	Black Red White Brown Fawn
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Advanced: The Samoyed requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which drools least?	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Samoyed is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Samoyed has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fuzzy	Dense	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Samoyed, 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. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Shepherd or Samoyed or Akita? German Shepherd or Samoyed or {name3 shedding:	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Samoyed dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which is best with kids?	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Samoyed dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.	Samoyed dogs are generally with other pets.	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Samoyed or Akita? Which dog is more friendly?	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Samoyed or Akita?	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Samoyed or Akita?	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Samoyed dogs are 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 Samoyed vs Akita?	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Samoyed 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 Samoyed 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.	Samoyeds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which has best nose work ability?	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 & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which is best for SAR work?	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.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Samoyed 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.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Samoyed, 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. See more.	Not really 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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of German Shepherd, Samoyed, 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 Samoyed vs Akita Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. Which has most puppies?	6-10 puppies	4-6 puppies	3-12 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Samoyed, 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, Samoyed, 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. See more.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Samoyed, 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 1906 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Akita. How are they classified internationally?	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 Nordic Sledge Dogs 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 German Shepherd, Samoyed, 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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