Akita Inu vs German Wirehaired Pointer - Breed Comparison

Akita Inu vs German Wirehaired Pointer - Breed ComparisonGerman Wirehaired Pointer is originated from Germany but Akita Inu is originated from Japan. Both German Wirehaired Pointer and Akita Inu are having almost same height. German Wirehaired Pointer may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Akita Inu. Both German Wirehaired Pointer and Akita Inu has almost same life span. Both German Wirehaired Pointer and Akita Inu has same litter size. Both German Wirehaired Pointer and Akita Inu requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
Germany
Japan
Height Male:
60 - 68 cm
23 - 27 inches
66 - 71 cm
25 - 28 inches
Height Female:
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
32 - 39 kg
70 - 86 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
7 - 10
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Deutsch Drahthaar, Drahthaar
Japanese Akita, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog , Akita
Colors Available:
black flecked , Liver and white
White, Red Fawn, Sesame, Brindle
Coat:
Straight, wiry, harsh
Double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

german wirehaired pointerMedium to large sized, the German Wirehaired Pointer is a griffon type dog breed hailing from Germany and developed for hunting purposes in the 19th century.

Known as the Drahthaar in Germany, the dog is a mix of griffon, Deutscher Stichelhaar, German Shorthaired Pointer, Deutscher Kurzhaar as well as the Pudelpointer.

He was imported into the United States in the 1920s, and it was in 1953 that the German Drahthaar Club of America was formed.

akita inuThe Akita Inu, originating from Japan's snowy Akita Prefecture, has a long-standing legacy as a powerful hunting dog and loyal companion. Bred in the 1600s to track large game like boar and bear, the Akita quickly earned its place among Japanese nobility as a guardian and symbol of courage.

Its dignified nature and unwavering loyalty were immortalized in the true story of Hachikō, an Akita who waited nearly a decade for his deceased owner at a Tokyo train station. This devotion captured national and global admiration, leading to the breed’s recognition as a national treasure in Japan.

After World War II, American soldiers introduced Akitas to the West, giving rise to a larger, more robust variation known as the American Akita. Today, the Akita Inu remains a cherished breed worldwide for its strength, loyalty, and quiet dignity.

Description

german wirehaired pointer puppy - descriptionWell muscled, this is a medium to large sized dog standing at between 57 and 68cm in height and weighing between 27 and 32kg.

He has a weather resistant wiry coat which is of medium length and which is wiry and harsh. Coat color is liver and white as well as black flecked.The undercoat provides insulation against the cold.

He has quite a bit of facial hair in terms of eyebrows, beard and whiskers.He has webbed feet, typical of German Pointers. His tail is docked to about two-fifths of its natural length, but these days it is often left long.

Temperament:

Lively, playful, affectionate and intelligent, the German Wirehaired Pointer is easy to teach. He becomes wonderfully obedient with training and socialization and responds well to instructions to sit, come and stay.

He is an active dog and likes to be involved in the activities that his human family are involved in. He becomes bored and frustrated when he doesn’t get the exercise and attention he craves.

He isn’t suited to life in the city where the premises are small as he needs plenty of vigorous exercise every day. They do well in the country where they have plenty of place to run and where their hunting skills come into action.

akita inu puppy - descriptionThe Akita Inu is a large, powerful, and dignified dog breed known for its striking appearance, quiet nature, and unwavering loyalty.

Originating from Japan, it has a broad head, erect triangular ears, and a plush double coat that comes in red, white, brindle, or sesame, with characteristic urajiro (whitish markings). The Akita carries itself with pride and confidence, often aloof with strangers but deeply affectionate and protective toward its family.

Calm, intelligent, and strong-willed, the breed requires early socialization and firm, consistent training. Though not ideal for first-time owners, the Akita Inu is a loyal guardian and devoted companion for those who understand and respect its independent spirit.

Characteristics

german wirehaired pointer dog - characteristicsGerman Wirehaired Pointers make awesome pets as they’re lively, playful, social and loving. They particularly suit living in a home where the people are active, outdoor types.

They make superb jogging- or cycling companions and will thrive on sharing these activities with a family member. He is a dog who has a need to be loved and included in all that his family gets up to. He wants lots of pats and stroking to show him that you care.

Give him the love and care he craves and you’re guaranteed to have the most wonderful loving pet.

akita inu dog - characteristicsThe Akita Inu is a large, noble, and powerful breed known for its dignified presence, strong loyalty, and quiet confidence. Originally bred for hunting and guarding, Akitas are naturally protective, courageous, and independent thinkers.

They form deep bonds with their family but are often aloof with strangers. Calm and clean by nature, they rarely bark without reason and carry themselves with elegance and strength.

Their double coat is thick and weather-resistant, requiring regular grooming, and they shed heavily, especially seasonally.

While intelligent, Akitas can be stubborn, so they thrive best with experienced owners who can offer consistent training and leadership. With proper care and socialization, the Akita Inu is a devoted, majestic companion.

Health Problems

german wirehaired pointer puppies - health problemsGerman Wirehairs are generally healthy, and when you look after them well they can reach 12, 13 or 14 years of age. Also, if both German Wirehaired Pointer parents have certificates proving they were tested and cleared of hip dysplasia, hereditary eye diseases and blood-clotting disease, then your pet will have less risk of developing these conditions.

Your pet isn’t likely to get sick, but like all breeds of dogs, they're prone to certain diseases and conditions. Hip Dysplasia is something that can be noticed when your pet is still a puppy.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a heritable condition where the thigh bone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Your dog can battle with pain so that he no longer wants to play, he battles to get up after lying down and he may even begin to show signs of lameness. Arthritis can develop too.

Cataracts:

You’ll notice cloudiness on the eye lens that can grow over time. Not all cataracts impair vision, although there are some instances where vision loss is experienced. Cataracts can sometimes be surgically removed with good results.

akita inu puppies - health problemsThe Akita Inu is generally a strong and resilient breed, but it is prone to several genetic and breed-specific health issues.

Common concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and hypothyroidism, all of which can affect mobility, vision, and metabolism.

The breed is also susceptible to autoimmune disorders like VKH-like syndrome and sebaceous adenitis, a skin condition causing hair loss and irritation. Additionally, Akitas may experience bloat (gastric torsion), a life-threatening emergency common in deep-chested dogs.

Regular veterinary care, proper diet, and responsible breeding practices are essential to help minimize health risks and ensure a long, healthy life.

Caring The Pet

german wirehaired pointer dogs - caringYour German Wirehaired Pointer isn’t a heavy shedder so brushing his coat twice a week will be ideal for him to rid the coat of loose hairs.

Diet:

Your German Wirehaired Pointer is an active dog and this has to be taken into account when looking at diet. He will require a diet with quality protein. You’ve also got to look at things such as whether your dog is neutered or spayed as they require less calories. On the other hand there are dogs that will require more calories because of their activity levels.

Make sure your German Wirehaired Pointer eats a top quality dog food. Add in some homemade food such as cooked brown rice, chicken and vegetables from time to time as well as some raw meat. You have to constantly remember that your dog’s health depends on the nutrition you provide.

akita inu dogs - caringCaring for an Akita Inu involves commitment, consistency, and understanding of the breed's unique needs. They require regular grooming, especially during seasonal shedding, with brushing at least 2–3 times a week and daily during coat blow periods.

Akitas thrive on routine exercise, such as long walks or playtime in a secure area, but they aren’t overly energetic. Training and socialization should start early, using positive reinforcement and calm, firm leadership to manage their independent and protective nature.

They are best suited to homes where they are the only pet or properly introduced to others. Akitas are clean, quiet, and typically bond closely with their family, so providing mental stimulation, affection, and clear boundaries is key.

Regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, and proper social interaction help keep your Akita healthy, happy, and well-adjusted.

Comparison with other breeds

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  32. Akita Inu vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Akita Inu vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Akita Inu vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Akita Inu vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Akita Inu vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Akita Inu vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Akita Inu vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Akita Inu vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Akita Inu vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Akita Inu vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Akita Inu vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Akita Inu vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Akita Inu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Akita Inu vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Akita Inu vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
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