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Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Australischer Kelpie or Lab or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd" Compare Australian Kelpie and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Australian Kelpie Labrador Retriever German Shepherd
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia England flagEngland Canada flagCanada Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank52312
Reviews3919
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Australischer Kelpie
Barb
Kelpie
Australian Sheepdog
Lab
Labrador
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Medium Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
25-45 pounds (11-20 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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?
35 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd height comparison:
17-20 inches (43-51 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 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?
18.5 inches (47 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive?
$500-$700 $1000-$2000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd trainability comparison.
Australian Kelpie dogs are very easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Australian Kelpie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Australian Kelpie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Robust
Eager
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
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: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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: Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Average: Australian Kelpie dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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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
Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Australian Kelpie dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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?
The wanderlust potential of the Australian Kelpie is strong enough to escape from home.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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?
Australian Kelpie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Australian Kelpie is a playful breed.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie rarely barks.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
It is not recommended to keep the Australian Kelpie breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever 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.

Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Australian Kelpie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Labrador Retriever 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Kelpie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Low 🔽

The Australian Kelpie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Australian Kelpie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Labrador Retriever 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.

Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Australian Kelpies tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Osteoarthritis
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
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
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Australian Kelpie should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Labrador Retriever 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).
Life Expectancy
Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Australian Kelpie, Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Australian Kelpie: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd?
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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:
Australian Kelpie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Kelpie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Australian Kelpie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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High: The Labrador Retriever 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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Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Double Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Australian Kelpie, Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd color?
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
Brown
Fawn
Chocolate
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Australian Kelpie requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Australian Kelpie dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
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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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.
Hypoallergenic
Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd 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, Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd?

Medium

The Australian Kelpie has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Australian Kelpie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Kelpie dogs are generally with other pets.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Kelpie dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Australian Kelpie dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Australian Kelpie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd?
Australian Kelpie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly 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: Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Australian Kelpie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Labrador Retriever 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?
No
Australian Kelpie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Labrador Retriever 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?
Australian Kelpies are usually recommended for elderly people.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd 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: Australian Kelpie or Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd? 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?

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.

Yes

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd?

Not really

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

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd 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 Australian Kelpie and Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd have?
4-7 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever vs German Shepherd 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 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
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
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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