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Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées or Alsatian wolf dog or American Akita? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita" Compare Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd. Which is better: Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd or Akita?
 
 
 
Name Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Akita
OriginsSpain flagSpain France flagFrance Germany flagGermany Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank66247
Reviews5219
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita breeds.
Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées
Chien Des Pyrénées
Gos De Muntanya Dels Pirineus
Montañés Del Pirineo
Patou
Great Pyrenees
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is the largest?
Giant Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: from 100 pounds (45 kg), Female: from 85 pounds (38 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: from 100 pounds (45 kg), Female: from 85 pounds (38 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, Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd or Akita? Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita height comparison:
Male: 27-32 inches (69-81 cm), Female: 25-29 inches (63-74 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: 29.5 inches (75 cm), Female: 27 inches (68.5 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)

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$600 $800-$2000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd or Akita?
Very frequent: The Great Pyrenees is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is easiest to train?
Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most alert?
Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most protective?
Great Pyrenees dogs strongly protect their territory.
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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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Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita? Compare temperaments.
Confident
Affectionate
Patient
Gentle
Strong
Willed
Fearless
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: Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita?
Average: Great Pyrenees dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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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
Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita social needs comparison:
Great Pyrenees 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?
Great Pyrenees dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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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?
Great Pyrenees dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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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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Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Great Pyrenees is a vocal 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most playful?
Great Pyreneess are not the most playful dog 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Great Pyrenees 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.

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most flexible?
Great Pyrenees dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different 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: Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd or Akita?
Great Pyrenees 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.

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which uses mouth most during play?
Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which has the strongest bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Pyrenees bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Great Pyrenees: 11 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Great Pyrenees can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also 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.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which has fewer health issues?
Great Pyreneess are commonly healthy dogs.
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?
Rare
The Great Pyrenees should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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: Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Bloat
Entropion
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
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

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which breed is most active?
Great Pyrenees dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd or Akita? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Great Pyrenees dogs have an average exercise need.
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: Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd or Akita?
Great Pyrenees 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.

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Great Pyrenees's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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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.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which needs most food?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Great Pyrenees, 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. What colors are available?
White Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which drools least?
The Great Pyrenees is a perfect example of a 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Double
Fuzzy Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Great Pyrenees, 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.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd or Akita? Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Great Pyrenees dogs shed above average.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is best with kids?
Great Pyrenees 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?
Great Pyrenees dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd or Akita? Which dog is more friendly?
Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd or Akita?
Great Pyrenees dogs are 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 Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd or Akita?
Great Pyrenees 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: Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita?
Yes
Great Pyrenees 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
Great Pyrenees 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?
Great Pyreneess are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Great Pyrenees, 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 Great Pyrenees, 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.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Great Pyrenees, 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

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.
See more.

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 Great Pyrenees, 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.

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. Which has most puppies?
6-9 puppies 6-10 puppies 3-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Great Pyrenees, 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, 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.

Great Pyrenees vs German Shepherd vs Akita Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933 as a Working 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 Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, and Akita. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. 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 Great Pyrenees, 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
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
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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