American Akita
American Akita
VS
German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd Dog

American Akita vs German Shepherd Dog

Compare American Akita and German Shepherd Dog side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
American Akita
German Shepherd Dog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
61 – 71 cm
61 – 65 cm
Weight
35 – 55 kg
33 – 37 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
9 – 13 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
4/5
Sponsored Ad

Characteristics

American Akita
Super smart
Giant
German Shepherd Dog
Great with kids
High energy
Protective
Easy to train
Large

Summary

About American Akita
Large, powerful spitz-type dog with a broad, bear-like head and curled tail. Calm, loyal, and strongly protective with family, but reserved with strangers and often aloof with other dogs. Thick double coat sheds heavily. Intelligent, independent, and best suited to experienced, consistent owners.
About German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog is a medium‑large, athletic working breed, highly intelligent and trainable. Loyal and naturally protective, it needs extensive daily mental and physical exercise. It has a double coat with notable shedding and is widely used in police, military, and search and rescue roles.

Similar breeds

View more