Akita vs German Shorthaired Pointer
Working · Large vs Sporting · Large
AkitaLarge
A courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal Japanese guardian — one breed, one master philosophy.
Weight: 100–130 lbsLifespan: 10–14 years
German Shorthaired PointerLarge
A friendly, smart, willing-to-please all-around hunting and family dog with a liver-spotted coat.
Weight: 55–70 lbsLifespan: 10–12 years
Quick take
- • Akita is the larger breed at 100–130 lbs (males) vs 55–70 lbs for the German Shorthaired Pointer.
- • The Akita typically lives longer (10–14 years).
- • The German Shorthaired Pointer has higher daily energy needs.
- • The German Shorthaired Pointer sheds less.
- • The German Shorthaired Pointer is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Akita | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Sporting |
Size | Large | Large |
Origin | Japan | Germany |
Height (male) | 26–28" | 23–25" |
Height (female) | 24–26" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 100–130 lbs | 55–70 lbs |
Weight (female) | 70–100 lbs | 45–60 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–14 years | 10–12 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | medium | short |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Akita
The Akita is a courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal Japanese guardian — one breed, one master philosophy. Originally from Japan, this large working breed typically weighs 100–130 lbs and lives 10–14 years. Breeders describe them as courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal.
About the German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a friendly, smart, willing-to-please all-around hunting and family dog with a liver-spotted coat. Originally from Germany, this large sporting breed typically weighs 55–70 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, smart, willing to please.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Akita health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
German Shorthaired Pointer health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Eye conditions
- • Lymphedema