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

"Find similarities and differences between American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog" Compare American Staffordshire Terrier and German Shepherd. Which is better: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
 
 
 
Name American Staffordshire Terrier German Shepherd American Bulldog
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany United States flagUnited States
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank832272
Reviews6191
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Stafford
Staffy
Amstaff
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
AM Bulldog
American Bulldogge
American Bulldoggee
Old Country Bulldog
AmBulldog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

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

Size
Which is bigger, American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog? Which is the smallest dog, American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
Medium Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog weight comparison:
57-67 pounds (25-30 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 70-120 pounds (32-54 kg), Female: 60-100 pounds (27-45 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
62 pounds (27.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 95 pounds (43 kg), Female: 80 pounds (36 kg)
Height
Which is taller, American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog height comparison:
Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22-28 inches (55-70 cm), Female: 20-26 inches (52-65 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 18 inches (45.5 cm), Female: 17 inches (43.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

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

Price
Which is cheaper, American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $800-$2000 $500-$600
Availability
Which is easier to get, American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
Very frequent: The American Staffordshire Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The American Bulldog is a commonly available dog breed.

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

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog intelligence:
Smart: The American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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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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Trainability
American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog trainability comparison.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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American Bulldog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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American Bulldog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Bulldog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog behavior/temperament comparison:
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Affectionate
Gentle
Going
Social
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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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
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 Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog?
High: American Staffordshire 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: American Bulldog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog social needs comparison:
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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American Bulldog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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American Bulldog 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 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 Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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American Bulldog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog playfulness comparison:
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The American Bulldog is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog?
Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The American Bulldog rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
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 Shepherd 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 American Bulldog indoors.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: American Staffordshire 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.
American Bulldog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
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.
American Bulldog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

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

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Staffordshire Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Low 🔽

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

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The American Bulldog has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog mouthiness comparison:
American Staffordshire 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.
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American Bulldog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog health comparison. Which is the healthier: American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
American Bulldogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog 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
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Entropion
Cherry Eye
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
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 Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The American Bulldog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog lifespan comparison. How long do American Staffordshire Terrier, German Shepherd and American Bulldog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of American Bulldog: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog?
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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.

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

Energy Level
Who has more energy a American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog energy level comparison:
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 Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
American Bulldog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
American Bulldog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
American Bulldog dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low to the 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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Low to Average: The American Bulldog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog coat comparison:
Fine Fuzzy Fine
Colors
What are the original American Staffordshire Terrier, German Shepherd and American Bulldog color?
Black
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
White
Brown
Fawn
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog? American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog grooming comparison:
Effortless: The American Staffordshire Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The American Bulldog requires minimal grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog? American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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American Bulldog dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
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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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 Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog 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 Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog?

Medium

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

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Bulldog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is an average drooler.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The American Bulldog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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 Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
American Bulldog dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog? Which dog is more friendly?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
American Bulldog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
American Bulldog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
American Bulldog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
American Bulldog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog?
Yes
American Staffordshire 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
American Bulldog 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 Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
American Bulldog 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 Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
American Bulldogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

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

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good 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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: American Staffordshire Terrier or German Shepherd or American Bulldog? Which is better for autism?

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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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.

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 Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog?

Not really

American Staffordshire Terrier 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.
See more.

Not really

American Bulldog 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.
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Yes

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.

Yes

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

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog 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 Staffordshire Terrier and German Shepherd and American Bulldog have?
5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 7-14 puppies

American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd vs American Bulldog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Bull type Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club
Animal Research Foundation
American Rare Breed Association
American Bulldog Association
National American Bulldog Association
John D Johnson Bulldog Registry
American Bulldog Club Of Canada
All American Bulldog Club

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