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Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Blue Dog or Alsatian wolf dog or Japanese Fighting Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken" Compare Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Tosa Ken
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank172352
Reviews7210
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken breeds.
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Japanese Fighting Dog
Japanese Mastiff
Japanese Tosa
Tosa Fighting Dog
Tosa Ken
Tosa Tōken
Tosa Inu
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 88-176 lbs (40-80 kg), Female: 84-120 lbs (38-54 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: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 132 pounds (60 kg), Female: 102 pounds (46 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken height comparison:
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (55-62 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (54-60 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: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$2000 $600-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Tosa Ken is a commonly available dog breed.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Australian Shepherd 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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Tosa Ken dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Tosa Ken dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken? Compare temperaments.
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Aggressive
Fearless
Brave
Suspicious
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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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken?
Average to High: Australian Shepherd 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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Average: Tosa Ken dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken social needs comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Tosa Ken dogs are a social breed.
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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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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Tosa Ken is strong enough to escape from home.
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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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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Tosa Ken dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Tosa Ken rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most playful?
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Tosa Kens, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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.
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.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Tosa Ken breed.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most flexible?
Australian Shepherd 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.
Tosa Ken dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Tosa Ken 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.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Tosa Ken has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which uses mouth most during play?
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than 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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Tosa Ken dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Tosa Ken bite force: The Strongest.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Tosa Ken: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which handles climate changes best?
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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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 Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which has fewer health issues?
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Tosa Kens tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
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.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The Tosa Ken should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken 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
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
Bloat

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most active?
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Tosa Ken dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Tosa Ken dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Tosa Ken dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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High: The Tosa Ken breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 4 to 7 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Brown
Fawn
Yellow
Brindle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Tosa Ken requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which drools least?
The Australian Shepherd 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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The Tosa Ken is an average drooler.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Tosa Ken has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Fuzzy Dense
Hard
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken? Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Tosa Ken dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which is best with kids?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Tosa Ken dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Tosa Ken dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Tosa Ken dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Tosa Ken dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Tosa Ken dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken?
Yes
Australian Shepherd 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.
No
Tosa Ken dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Tosa Ken is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Tosa Kens are commonly okay with elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Australian Shepherd 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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Not really

Tosa Ken breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. 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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Yes

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 Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which has most puppies?
6-9 puppies, average 7 6-10 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. 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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Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tosa Ken. Which has most recognition?
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.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

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