German Longhaired Pointer vs Akita
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
German Longhaired Pointer
Foundation Stock Service
Akita
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
German Longhaired Pointer Overview
German Longhaired Pointers embody versatility with their athletic build and distinctive medium-length coat. Their balanced proportions combine strength with elegance, featuring a noble head, expressive eyes, and well-feathered tail. These dogs display a harmonious blend of power and grace in their movement, with their coat typically showing liver-colored patches on a white background.
Akita Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Akita stands as a testament to Japanese breeding excellence. With a bear-like head, small triangular eyes, and thick double coat, these dogs command attention. Their muscular build and dignified stance reflect their ancient heritage as hunters and guardians. Displaying unwavering loyalty and natural protective instincts, Akitas combine strength with remarkable gentleness toward family members.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: German Longhaired Pointers are less energetic than Akitas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Longhaired Pointers require less grooming attention compared to Akitas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Longhaired Pointers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Akitas.
- Trainability: Akitas may be slightly easier to train due to their Akita's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Akitas adapt better to apartment living, while German Longhaired Pointers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer and Akita, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Japan |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-28 inches 56-71 cm | 24-28 inches 61-71 cm |
| Weight | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg | 70-130 lbs 32-59 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Versatile, Calm, Family-Oriented | Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Akita |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
German Longhaired Pointer Temperament
The German Longhaired Pointer is known for being versatile, calm, family-oriented, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Akita Temperament
The Akita is characterized by being courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the German Longhaired Pointer and Akita, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
Akita
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
Akita
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
Akita
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 2/5
Akita
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
German Longhaired Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Longhaired Pointers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, German Longhaired Pointers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Akita Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Akitas need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Akitas require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
German Longhaired Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Von Willebrand's
Akita Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Thyroid Issues
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Pros & Cons
German Longhaired Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Highly trainable
- Good family dog
- Versatile worker
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Not suited for apartment living
- Strong hunting instincts
Akita
Pros
- Extremely loyal to family
- Excellent guard dog
- Clean and fastidious
- Quiet unless necessary
- Independent nature
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Same-sex dog aggression
- Not ideal for first-time owners
- Heavy shedding
- Strong-willed personality
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the German Longhaired Pointer and Akita, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.