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Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chowdren or Alsatian wolf dog or Deutscher Schäferhund? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog" Compare Chow Chow and German Shepherd. Which is better: Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog?
 
 
 
Name Chow Chow German Shepherd Old German Shepherd Dog
OriginsChina flagChina Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank762282
Reviews6211
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog breeds.
Chowdren
Chow
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Deutscher Schäferhund
Langstockhaariger
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog? Compare adult weight ranges.
45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 49-88 pounds (22-40 kg) Female: 44-83 pounds (20-37 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 68.5 pounds (31 kg), Female: 63.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog? Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog height comparison:
Male: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm), Female: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
20 inches (51 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 24 inches (57 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm)

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$2000 Unknown
Availability
Which is easier to get, Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog?
Very frequent: The Chow Chow is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog is a commonly available dog breed.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed ranks highest?
Low: The Chow Chow is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Old German Shepherd Dog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is easiest to train?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most alert?
Chow Chow dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most protective?
Chow Chow dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog? Compare temperaments.
Aloof
Independent
Protective
Intelligent
Loyal
Quiet
Detached
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Chow Chow dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Old German Shepherd Dog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog?
Slightly Below Average: Chow Chow dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog social needs comparison:
Chow Chow dogs are kinda antisocial.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Chow Chow dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Chow Chow dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Chow Chow barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most playful?
Chow Chows are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Old German Shepherd Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Chow Chow indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Old German Shepherd Dog indoors.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most flexible?
Chow Chow dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog?
Chow Chow dogs handle alone time quite well.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Chow Chow has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Old German Shepherd Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which uses mouth most during play?
Chow Chow dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Chow Chow bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Old German Shepherd Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed lives longest?
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Chow Chow: 14 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Old German Shepherd Dog: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Chow Chow can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has fewer health issues?
The Chow Chow is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Old German Shepherd Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Chow Chow should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Old German Shepherd Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Ectropion
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
No data available

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most active?
Chow Chow dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Chow Chow dogs exercise need is minimal.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog?
Chow Chow dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Chow Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which needs most food?
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
Cinnamon
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Brown
Grey
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which drools least?
The Chow Chow is an average drooler.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Old German Shepherd Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Chow Chow has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Old German Shepherd Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Fuzzy Wiry
Fuzzy
Shaggy
Smooth
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog? Chow Chow or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Chow Chow dogs shed above average.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are heavy shedders.
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Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is best with kids?
Chow Chow dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Chow Chow dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Chow Chow dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog?
Chow Chow dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog?
Chow Chow dogs are not dog-friendly.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog?
No
Chow Chow dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Chow Chow is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Old German Shepherd Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Chow Chows are not the best breed for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Old German Shepherd Dogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Chow Chow breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Old German Shepherd Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has most puppies?
3-6 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
No data available

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