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

"Find similarities and differences between American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle" Compare American Pit Bull Terrier and German Shepherd. Which is better: American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle?
 
 
 
Name American Pit Bull Terrier German Shepherd Poodle
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany France flagFrance
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank33627
Reviews101914
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Pit
Pit Bull
Pitbull
Pitty
APBT
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Barbone
Caniche
Chien Canne
Grosse Pudel
French Poodle
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

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

Size
Which is bigger, American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle? Which is the smallest dog, American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle?
Medium Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle weight comparison:
22-78 pounds (10-35 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
50 pounds (22.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle? American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle height comparison:
14-24 inches (35-60 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 15 inches (38 cm) or more
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
19 inches (47.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 15 inches (38 cm) or more

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

Price
Which is cheaper, American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle? Which is more expensive?
$500-$700 $800-$2000 $1000-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle?
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.

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

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle intelligence:
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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Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle trainability comparison.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Poodle dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory.
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American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle? American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle behavior/temperament comparison:
Stubborn
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
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: 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 Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle?
High: American Pit Bull Terrier 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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High: Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle social needs comparison:
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle playfulness comparison:
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Poodle is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle?
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Poodle is a vocal breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle?
It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.
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.
Very house-friendly dog the Poodle breed.

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

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

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

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

High 🔼

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

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

Health Issues
American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle health comparison. Which is the healthier: American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle?
American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Poodle 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 Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Allergies
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
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Ear Infections
Addison's Disease
Cushing's Syndrome
Runny Eyes
Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd)
Neonatal Encephalopathy (news)
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Premature Graying
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle lifespan comparison. How long do American Pit Bull Terrier, German Shepherd and Poodle breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle?
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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle?
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 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. 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 Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle coat comparison:
Fine Fuzzy Curly
Colors
What are the original American Pit Bull Terrier, German Shepherd and Poodle color?
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle? American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle grooming comparison:
Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle? American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle?
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.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle?

Medium

The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
See more.
The Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle Good With Comparison

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

American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle 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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Yes

This breed makes good 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: American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd or Poodle? Which is better for autism?

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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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?

Yes

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

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 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.

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle?

Not really

American Pit Bull Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Yes

Poodle breed usually likes 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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle 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 Pit Bull Terrier and German Shepherd and Poodle have?
5-8 puppies 6-10 puppies 2-4 puppies

American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd vs Poodle Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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