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American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: AM Bulldog or Deutscher Boxer or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd" Compare American Bulldog and Boxer. Which is better: American Bulldog or Boxer or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name American Bulldog Boxer German Shepherd
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Guard Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank272112
Reviews3821
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd breeds.
AM Bulldog
American Bulldogge
American Bulldoggee
Old Country Bulldog
AmBulldog
Deutscher Boxer
German Boxer
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 70-120 pounds (32-54 kg), Female: 60-100 pounds (27-45 kg) Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 95 pounds (43 kg), Female: 80 pounds (36 kg) Male: 65 pounds (29.5 kg), Female: 59 pounds (26.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, American Bulldog or Boxer or German Shepherd? American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 22-28 inches (55-70 cm), Female: 20-26 inches (52-65 cm) Male: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 23.5 inches (59.5 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$600 $600-$1200 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, American Bulldog or Boxer or German Shepherd?
Average: The American Bulldog is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Boxer is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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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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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
American Bulldog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Boxer dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
American Bulldog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Boxer dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
American Bulldog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Boxer dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Affectionate
Gentle
Going
Social
Playful
Energetic
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Loyal
Fearless
Brave
Bright
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
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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They are a little bit more 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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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd?
High: American Bulldog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Boxer dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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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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Social Needs
American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
American Bulldog dogs are a social breed.
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Boxer dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
American Bulldog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Boxer dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
American Bulldog 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.
See more.
Boxer 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 dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The American Bulldog rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Boxer rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
The American Bulldog is a playful breed.
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The Boxer is a playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. 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 American Bulldog indoors.
Apartment-friendly dog the Boxer 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 German Shepherd indoors.

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
American Bulldog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Boxer dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: American Bulldog or Boxer or German Shepherd?
American Bulldog 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.
Boxer dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The American Bulldog has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Boxer has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?
American Bulldog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Boxer dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Bulldog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Boxer bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of American Bulldog: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Boxer: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?
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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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 American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
American Bulldogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Boxer is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The American Bulldog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Boxer 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Entropion
Cherry Eye
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Bloat
Deafness
Demodectic Mange
Aortic Stenosis
Boxer Cardiomyopathy
Corneal Dystrophy
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

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The American Bulldog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Boxer's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 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.

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?
Black
White
Brown
Fawn
White
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The American Bulldog requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Boxer requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?
The American Bulldog 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 Boxer is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The American Bulldog has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Boxer has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Waterproof Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more American Bulldog or Boxer or German Shepherd? American Bulldog or Boxer or {name3 shedding:
American Bulldog dogs shed moderately.
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Boxer dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

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.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

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

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

American Bulldog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

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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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. 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.

Yes

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

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
7-14 puppies 2-10 puppies, average 6 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. What's recommended?

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.

American Bulldog vs Boxer vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of American Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club
Animal Research Foundation
American Rare Breed Association
American Bulldog Association
National American Bulldog Association
John D Johnson Bulldog Registry
American Bulldog Club Of Canada
All American Bulldog 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
Canadian Canine Registry
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

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