Akita vs German Shepherd Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Overall Winner

Akita

4/6

categories

Best for Apartments

Akita

5/5 · Ideal

Easiest Grooming

Akita

2/5 · Low maintenance

Longest Lifespan

Akita

10-14 years

Easiest to Train

German Shepherd

5/5 · Easy

Most Active

German Shepherd

5/5 · Active

Best for First-Time Owners

🤝 Tie

4/6

67%

Akita

👑 Winner

3/6

50%

German Shepherd

* This summary is based on data from our database. Always make your final decision based on your individual needs.

Basic Info

Origin
Japan
Germany
Popularity
#47
#2
Common Names & Aliases
American AkitaJapanese AkitaGreat Japanese Dog
Alsatian wolf dogBerger AllemandDeutscher SchäferhundSchäferhundAlsatian
Breed Classification
Purebred
Purebred
Size Classification
Large
Large
Weight Statistics
Male: 34-54 kg, Female: 34-50 kg
Male: 30-40 kg, Female: 22-32 kg
Average Weight
Male: 44.2 kg, Female: 42 kg
Male: 34.9 kg, Female: 27.2 kg
Height
Male: 66-71 cm, Female: 61-66 cm
Male: 60-65 cm, Female: 55-60 cm
Average Height
Male: 68.5 cm, Female: 63.5 cm
Male: 62.5 cm, Female: 57.5 cm
Intelligence Rating
3/5
5/5
Watchdog Rating
5/5
5/5
Training Difficulty
4/5
4/5
Territorial Protection
5/5
5/5
Price Range
$800-$1200
$800-$2000
Availability
5/5
5/5
Personality Traits
AlertDignifiedFriendlyResponsiveCourageousDocileIntelligentVigilantIndependentFaithfulWillingProtective
AlertCourageousIntelligentObedientConfidentCuriousLoyalWatchful
Sensitivity Level
5/5
5/5
Impulse to Wander or Roam
4/5
1/5
Prey Drive
4/5
4/5
Affection Level
5/5
5/5
Social Needs
3/5
3/5
Barking Frequency
1/5
2/5
Playful Nature
3/5
3/5
Apartment Adaptability
5/5
3/5
Lifestyle Adaptability
5/5
5/5
Alone Time Tolerance
Moderate
Moderate
Bite Risk Assessment
Moderate
High
Mouthing Tendency
3/5
5/5
Bite Strength Rating
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Average Lifespan
10-14 years
9-13 years
Climate Tolerance
Prefers cold weather
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Health Concerns
3/5
4/5
Health Problems
BloatHip DysplasiaHypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Sebaceous Adenitis
AllergiesBlindnessBloatCancerCataractsCherry EyeChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureCushing's SyndromeDegenerative MyelopathyDemodectic MangeDiabetesDigestive ProblemsElbow DysplasiaEpilepsyExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyHeart DiseaseHemophilia AHemophilia BHip DysplasiaHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLens LuxationLupusMegaesophagusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusPanosteitisParalysisPerianal FistulaProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Retinal DysplasiaSeborrheaVitiligoVon Willebrand's DiseaseWobbler's Syndrome
Vet Care Frequency
Average
Rare
Energy Rating
4/5
5/5
Sleeping Need
2/5
1/5
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
4/5
4/5
Obesity Tendency
4/5
2/5
Food Consumption
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.
Allergy Friendliness
No
No
Coat Colors
RedFawnWhiteBlackBrown
SilverTanRedBlack
Grooming Requirements
2/5
3/5
Shedding Level
5/5
5/5
Drooling Tendency
5/5
1/5
Stinkiness Rating
Medium
Medium
Coat Characteristics
FluffyDenseStraightWaterproof
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
3-4 weeks
8-12 weeks
Cat Friendly
3/5
3/5
Child Compatibility
4/5
5/5
Dog Friendly
3/5
2/5
Stranger Friendly
2/5
4/5
Office Friendly
No
No
Senior Citizens Friendly
Recommended
Highly Recommended
Pet Compatibility
Average
Average
Good For First Time Owners
Yes
Yes
Service Dog Capability
Not really
Yes
Therapy Work Suitability
Not really
Yes
Scent Detection Ability
Not really
Yes
Search & Rescue Potential
Not really
Yes
Maritime Work Ability
Not really
Not really
Draft Work Capability
Not really
Not really
Military Service Background
Yes
Yes
Puppy Litter Size
3-12 puppies
6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
60-64 days
60-64 days
Breeding Frequency
Once a year.
Once a year.
AKC Classification
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
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
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.National Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
Winner / Best value