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German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Rott or Pit? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier" Compare German Shepherd and Rottweiler. Which is better: German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Rottweiler American Pit Bull Terrier
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank28336
Reviews191110
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Rott
Rottie
Pit
Pit Bull
Pitbull
Pitty
APBT
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Large Large
Giant
Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Rottweiler or Rottweiler? German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg), Female: 85-115 pounds (38-52 kg) 22-78 pounds (10-35 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 112.5 pounds (51 kg), Female: 100 pounds (45 kg) 50 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier? German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm) 14-24 inches (35-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 23.5 inches (59.5 cm) 19 inches (47.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which is more expensive?
$800-$2000 $1200-$2000 $500-$700
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rottweiler is quite easy to get.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Rottweiler is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier trainability comparison.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Rottweiler dogs are easy to train.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Rottweiler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Rottweiler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier? German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Fearless
Good-natured
Stubborn
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Rottweiler dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Rottweiler dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Rottweiler dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Rottweiler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Rottweilers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low: The Rottweiler barks none to minimal.
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Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
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 Rottweiler indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Rottweiler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Rottweiler dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rottweiler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The Rottweiler has a high chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Rottweiler dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Rottweiler is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier health problems comparison:
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
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Aortic Stenosis
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Allergies
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Rottweiler should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Rottweiler and American Pit Bull Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
8-12 years
The average lifespan of Rottweiler: 10 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier? German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Rottweiler dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Rottweiler dogs have an average exercise need.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Rottweiler dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 4 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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High: The Rottweiler breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier coat comparison:
Fuzzy Dense Fine
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Rottweiler and American Pit Bull Terrier color?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Rust
Mahogany
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier? German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Rottweiler requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier? German Shepherd or Rottweiler or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Rottweiler dogs shed moderately.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
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.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rottweiler has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Rottweiler drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The American Pit Bull Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Rottweiler dogs are generally with other pets.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Rottweiler dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Rottweiler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Rottweiler dogs are average friendly towards cats.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Rottweiler dogs are not dog-friendly.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rottweiler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Rottweiler is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Rottweilers are not the best breed for elderly people.
American Pit Bull Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good 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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Rottweiler or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier?

Not really

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

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

American Pit Bull Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

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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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Rottweiler and American Pit Bull Terrier have?
6-10 puppies 8-12 puppies 5-8 puppies

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs American Pit Bull Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a Working breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
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
Colonial Rottweiler Club
Deutscher Rottweiler Klub
International Rottweiler Club
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club

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