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American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Stafford or Glatthaariger Pinscher or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd" Compare American Staffordshire Terrier and German Pinscher. Which is better: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Pinscher or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name American Staffordshire Terrier German Pinscher German Shepherd
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Hunting Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank831362
Reviews7221
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd breeds.
Stafford
Staffy
Amstaff
Glatthaariger Pinscher
Standard Pinscher
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
57-67 pounds (25-30 kg) 25-35 pounds (11-16 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?
62 pounds (27.5 kg) 30 pounds (13.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, American Staffordshire Terrier or German Pinscher or German Shepherd? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm) 16-19 inches (41-48 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: 18 inches (45.5 cm), Female: 17 inches (43.5 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $1400-$1600 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, American Staffordshire Terrier or German Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The American Staffordshire Terrier is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The German Pinscher is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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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 Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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German Pinscher dogs are 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 Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Pinscher 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 Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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German Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious
Loving
Courageous
Lively
Outright
Tempered
Spirited
Familiar
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
American Staffordshire Terrier 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: 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 Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
High: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: German Pinscher dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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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 Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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German Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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 Staffordshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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The wanderlust potential of the German Pinscher is strong enough to escape from home.
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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 Staffordshire 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 Pinscher dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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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 Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier barks occasionally.
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Average: The German Pinscher barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a playful breed.
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The German Pinscher is a playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the American Staffordshire 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 Pinscher indoors.
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 Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: German Pinscher 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Pinscher or German Shepherd?
American Staffordshire 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The German Pinscher 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 Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Pinscher 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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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Staffordshire Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of German Pinscher: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, 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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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.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The American Staffordshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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 Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
No data available 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

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
German Pinscher dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Pinscher 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 Staffordshire Terrier or German Pinscher or German Shepherd?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
German Pinscher dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The German Pinscher 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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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 2.5 cup 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 Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, 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 Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?
Black
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
Brown
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The American Staffordshire Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The German Pinscher requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is an average drooler.
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The German Pinscher 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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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The American Staffordshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The German Pinscher has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, 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.
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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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Shedding Level
Who sheds more American Staffordshire Terrier or German Pinscher or German Shepherd? American Staffordshire Terrier or German Pinscher or {name3 shedding:
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Pinscher dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Pinscher 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 Staffordshire Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
German Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly American Staffordshire Terrier or German Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly American Staffordshire Terrier or German Pinscher or German Shepherd?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly American Staffordshire Terrier or German Pinscher or German Shepherd?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards other 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 Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Yes
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Pinscher 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?
Yes
American Staffordshire Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
German Pinscher 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 Staffordshire Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Pinschers are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

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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Yes

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

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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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, 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 Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, 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 Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

German Pinscher 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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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. 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 Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use?

Yes

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, 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 Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. 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.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2003 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for American Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Bull type Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer 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 Staffordshire Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
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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