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Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mally or Little Blue Dog or Sheepdog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie" Compare Alaskan Malamute and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name Alaskan Malamute Australian Shepherd Border Collie
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Sled Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank591738
Reviews3713
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Mally
Mal
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie? Which is the smallest dog, Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd? Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie weight comparison:
Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie? Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie height comparison:
Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie? Which is more expensive?
$1200-$1500 $600-$800 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie trainability comparison.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie? Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Border Collie 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: Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Border Collie 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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Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie playfulness comparison:
The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.
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 Australian Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?
Alaskan Malamute 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.
Australian Shepherd 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.
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie mouthiness comparison:
Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie health comparison. Which is the healthier: Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie?
The Alaskan Malamute is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie lifespan comparison. How long do Alaskan Malamute, Australian Shepherd and Border Collie breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Prefers cold weather
The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie? Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie energy level comparison:
Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?
Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?
Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie coat comparison:
Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Feathered Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Colors
What are the original Alaskan Malamute, Australian Shepherd and Border Collie color?
Black
Gray
Red
White
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie? Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie grooming comparison:
Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie? Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie 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, Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie?

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Alaskan Malamute or Australian Shepherd or Border Collie? Which is better for autism?

Not really

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

Not really

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

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?

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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie?

Not really

Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
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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Not really

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

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.

Not really

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

Not really

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie 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.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Alaskan Malamute and Australian Shepherd and Border Collie have?
4-10 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7 4-8 puppies

Alaskan Malamute vs Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
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.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association

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