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Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Blue Dog or Mally or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever" Compare Australian Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Sled Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank17593
Reviews7314
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Mally
Mal
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever? Which is the smallest dog, Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Alaskan Malamute? Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever weight comparison:
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever? Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $1200-$1500 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever intelligence:
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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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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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever trainability comparison.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever? Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Australian 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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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever?
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Golden Retriever 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?
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever 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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Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever playfulness comparison:
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever?
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever?
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 Australian Shepherd indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever?
Australian Shepherd 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.
Alaskan Malamute dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever mouthiness comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever?
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Alaskan Malamute is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Australian Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers cold weather
The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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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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Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 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 Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever coat comparison:
Feathered Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Colors
What are the original Australian Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever color?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Gray
Red
White
Golden
Light
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever? Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever grooming comparison:
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever? Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or {name3 shedding:
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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Hypoallergenic
Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever 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 Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever 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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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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Australian Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever? Which is better for autism?

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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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.

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 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.

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever?

Not really

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

Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes 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.
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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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Fighting Dog / Military 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.

Not really

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

Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever 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.
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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 Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever have?
6-9 puppies, average 7 4-10 puppies 5-10 puppies

Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
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

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