Which is Better Between the Akbash and the German Pinscher?

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Akbash Versus German Pinscher: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akbash and the German Pinscher? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akbash and the German Pinscher better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akbash and the German Pinscher.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akbash and the German Pinscher is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akbash and for the German Pinscher. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akbash and the German Pinscher.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akbash or the German Pinscher.

Akbash versus German Pinscher: Overview

A very important difference between the Akbash and the German Pinscher is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akbash is a large-sized dog while the German Pinscher is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Akbash and the German Pinscher are Working Dogs. This means both the Akbash and the German Pinscher were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Akbash versus German Pinscher: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash to the German Pinscher based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akbash and the German Pinscher

Factor Akbash German Pinscher
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $610 $2690
Price Range $500 – $800 $2500 – $2825
Temperament Score 87.5 percent 91.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akbash in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the German Pinscher. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Pinscher is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Akbash is a better pet than the German Pinscher. So, you should get the Akbash!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akbash and the German Pinscher so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akbash and the German Pinscher

    Below is a list of where the Akbash and the German Pinscher are most different:

    • Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, German Pinschers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, German Pinschers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Akbashs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, German Pinschers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Akbashs have low exercise needs. However, German Pinschers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    The Similarities Between the Akbash and the German Pinscher

    The Akbash and the German Pinscher are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akbash and the German Pinscher are most similar:

    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akbash and the German Pinscher are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Akbash versus German Pinscher

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akbash and the German Pinscher.

    Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akbash versus German Pinscher

    The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of German Pinschers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Pinschers is 13.0 years.

    German Pinschers live longer than Akbashs.

    Temperament of the Akbash Versus the German Pinscher

    The German Pinscher has a better temperament than the Akbash.

    This is because the temperament score for the German Pinscher is 91.9 percent while the temperament score for the Akbash is 87.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Akbash has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.9 percent, the German Pinscher has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Akbash and the German Pinscher by measuring the temperaments of 16 Akbashs and 37 German Pinschers.

    Price of Akbash versus Price of German Pinscher

    The average price of the Akbash puppy is $610. The price of the Akbash typically ranges from $500 – $800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Akbash puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the German Pinscher puppy is $2690. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $2500 – $2825. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 6 German Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The German Pinscher is more expensive than the Akbash.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akbash and German Pinscher. For different price points, the charts show how many Akbash puppies or how many German Pinscher puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akbash puppy or the German Pinscher puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus German Pinscher

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Akbashs shed more than German Pinschers?

    Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    German Pinschers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Akbash or the German Pinscher

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akbash or the German Pinscher?

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

    German Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Akbash Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Pinscher?

    Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    German Pinschers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about German Pinschers?

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

    German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. German Pinscher

    Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    German Pinschers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akbash or the German Pinscher?

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about German Pinschers?

    Akbashs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    German Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akbashs and German Pinschers?

    Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the German Pinscher?

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    German Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Is the Akbash Better for Apartment Owners than the German Pinscher?

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akbash or the German Pinscher?

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akbash versus German Pinscher. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akbash and the German Pinscher better suits you and your family.