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American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Foxhound or Alsatian wolf dog or Mally? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute" Compare American Foxhound and German Shepherd. Which is better: American Foxhound or German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute?
 
 
 
Name American Foxhound German Shepherd Alaskan Malamute
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany United States flagUnited States
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Sled Dogs
Popularity Rank187259
Reviews1213
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute breeds.
No data available Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Mally
Mal
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute? Compare adult weight ranges.
65-75 pounds (29-34 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
70 pounds (31.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)
Height
Which is taller, American Foxhound or German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute? American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute height comparison:
21-25 inches (53-64 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)

American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$600 $800-$2000 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, American Foxhound or German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute?
Frequent: The American Foxhound is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.

American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. 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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Outstanding: German Shepherd 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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is easiest to train?
American Foxhound dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most alert?
American Foxhound dogs are not the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most protective?
American Foxhound dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute? Compare temperaments.
Loving
Independent
Intelligent
Loyal
Tempered
Kind
Sweet
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
American Foxhound dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute?
High: American Foxhound 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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Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute social needs comparison:
American Foxhound dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
American Foxhound dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
American Foxhound dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: American Foxhound is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most playful?
The American Foxhound is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the American Foxhound 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.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.

American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most flexible?
American Foxhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: American Foxhound or German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute?
American Foxhound 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.
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.

American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The American Foxhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which uses mouth most during play?
American Foxhound dogs have an 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.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Foxhound bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of American Foxhound: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The American Foxhound can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers cold weather
The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has fewer health issues?
American Foxhounds tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Alaskan Malamute is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The American Foxhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute health problems comparison:
No data available 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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy

American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most active?
American Foxhound dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: American Foxhound or German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
American Foxhound dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: American Foxhound or German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute?
American Foxhound dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.

American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The American Foxhound breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of a high-quality dog food a day. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The American Foxhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Fuzzy Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more American Foxhound or German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute? American Foxhound or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
American Foxhound dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
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American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Good With Comparison

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

American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

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

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

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

Not really

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

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

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

Not really

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

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

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has most puppies?
5-7 puppies 6-10 puppies 4-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. 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 Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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American Foxhound vs German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Scent hounds section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of American Foxhound, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has most recognition?
No data available 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.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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