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

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

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	Shiba Inu	Akita	German Shepherd
Origins	Japan	Japan	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	45	47	2
Reviews	9	9	21
User Ratings

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

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?	Medium	Large	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg)	Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg)	Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Akita or German Shepherd? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd height comparison:	Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1000	$800-$1200	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Akita or German Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even 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.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?	The Shiba Inu 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.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Shiba Inu 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.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Glaucoma Spinning Chylothorax	Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis	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

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 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.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Cream Sesame	Black Red White Brown Fawn	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?	Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?	The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very 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.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight	Fuzzy
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Akita or German Shepherd? Shiba Inu or Akita or {name3 shedding:	Shiba Inu dogs shed above average. See more.	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shiba Inu or Akita or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are 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 Shiba Inu or Akita or German Shepherd?	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shiba Inu or Akita or German Shepherd?	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd?	No Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	Yes Akita 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.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Shiba Inu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.	Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?	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.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?	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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?	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.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?	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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Shiba Inu 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.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. 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 Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. 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.

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	3-12 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. 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.

Shiba Inu vs Akita vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Shiba Inu, Akita, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry 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	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	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

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