Akita vs German Shepherd

Compare the Akita to the German Shepherd. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Akitas and German Shepherds.

Akita vs German Shepherd
Akita
German Shepherd
Akita
German Shepherd
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General Details
Akita
German Shepherd
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-14 Years
Height
24-28 Inches
22-26 Inches
Weight
70-130 Pounds
75-95 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Above Average
History
Akita
German Shepherd
Origin Country
Japan
Germany
Origin Year
1600 AD
1899 AD
Temperament
Akita
German Shepherd
Overall Friendliness
Below Average
Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
None
Average
Pet Friendly
None
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Below Average
Personality
Akita
German Shepherd
Traits
Aggressive
Stubborn
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Akita
German Shepherd
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
30-75 °F
40-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Akita
German Shepherd
Energy Level
Medium
High
Exercise Required
Medium
High
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
30 MPH
Strength
Very High
High
Grooming Needs
Akita
German Shepherd
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium to High
Shedding
Medium
High
Dander
Medium
High
Drool
None
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Akita
German Shepherd
Dominant / Alpha
Yes
No
Family / Pack
No
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Akita
German Shepherd
Distracted Easy
Yes
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Akita
German Shepherd
Aggression
Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Below Average
Above Average
Fighting
Average
Below Average
Guarding
Above Average
Above Average
Herding
None
Above Average
Hunting
Average
Above Average
Protection
Above Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Akita
German Shepherd
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-14 Years
Health Concerns
Akita
German Shepherd
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Sebaceous adenitis
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Akita
German Shepherd
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Medium
Short to Medium
Coat Coloring
Akita
German Shepherd
Breed Colors
Black
Black Brindle
Brown
Brown Brindle
Fawn
Fawn Brindle
Red
Red Brindle
Silver
Silver Brindle
White
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Blue
Gray
Liver
White
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