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American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Cocker or Curly Retriever or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare American Cocker Spaniel and Goldendoodle. Which is better: American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name American Cocker Spaniel Goldendoodle Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States Canada flagCanada Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank2944724
Reviews376
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Cocker
Merry Cocker
Cocker Spaniel
Curly Retriever
Goldenpoo
Curly Golden
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog breed type comparison:
Purebred Cross Breed Purebred

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is the smallest dog, American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?
Medium Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Goldendoodle? American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog weight comparison:
15-30 pounds (7-14 kg) Miniature: 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)Standard: 45-100 pounds (20-45 kg), Medium: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
22.5 pounds (10.5 kg) Miniature: 22.5 pounds (10.5 kg)Standard: 72.5 pounds (32.5 kg), Medium: 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog? American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
15-16.5 inches (38-41 cm) 13-24 inches (33-61 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
15-16.5 inches (39.5 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $600-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The American Cocker Spaniel is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog intelligence:
Very smart: American Cocker Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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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: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog trainability comparison.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite easy to train.
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Goldendoodle dogs are very easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs.
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Goldendoodle dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Goldendoodle dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog? American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Outgoing
Outright
Tempered
Merry
Trusting
Joyful
Sociable
Energetic
Intelligent
Friendly
Trainable
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog?
High: American Cocker Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Goldendoodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
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Goldendoodle dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the American Cocker Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
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Goldendoodle dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Shetland Sheepdog 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?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Goldendoodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Shetland Sheepdog 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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American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog playfulness comparison:
The American Cocker Spaniel is a playful breed.
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The Goldendoodle is a playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Average to High: The American Cocker Spaniel is a vocal breed.
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Average: The Goldendoodle barks occasionally.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very house-friendly dog the American Cocker Spaniel breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Goldendoodle breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Goldendoodle dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?
American Cocker Spaniel 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Shetland Sheepdog 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.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Goldendoodle bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Low 🔽

The American Cocker Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Goldendoodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Goldendoodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog?
American Cocker Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Goldendoodles are commonly healthy dogs.
The Shetland Sheepdog 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: American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Primary Seborrhea
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Addison's Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The American Cocker Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Goldendoodle should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do American Cocker Spaniel, Goldendoodle and Shetland Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of American Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
9-15 years
The average lifespan of Goldendoodle: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 2 to 3 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? American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the American Cocker Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Goldendoodle has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog coat comparison:
Feathered Curly
Wavy
Smooth
Straight
Dense
Colors
What are the original American Cocker Spaniel, Goldendoodle and Shetland Sheepdog color?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Brown
Buff
Black
Gray
Red
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog? American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog? American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or {name3 shedding:
American Cocker Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
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Goldendoodle dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
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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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Hypoallergenic
American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog 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, American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Medium

The American Cocker Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Goldendoodle has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The American Cocker Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Goldendoodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Goldendoodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Goldendoodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog?
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Yes
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Goldendoodle dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
American Cocker Spaniel is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Goldendoodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
American Cocker Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Goldendoodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog 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.
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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: American Cocker Spaniel or Goldendoodle or Shetland Sheepdog? 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.

Not really

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

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: American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Yes

American Cocker Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog 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.
See more.

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

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.

Not really

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

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog 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 American Cocker Spaniel and Goldendoodle and Shetland Sheepdog have?
4-7 puppies 4-8 puppies 4-6 puppies

American Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section. Not recognized by FCI. 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.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
International Designer 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
Canadian Canine Registry

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