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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
Reviews7190
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
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 Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

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

Size
Which is bigger, Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken? Which is the smallest dog, Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
Large Large Large
Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken weight comparison:
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
Which is cheaper, Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken? Which is more expensive?
$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

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken intelligence:
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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Trainability
Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken trainability comparison.
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 Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
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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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken? 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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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

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken behavior/temperament comparison:
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

Playfulness
Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken playfulness comparison:
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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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken?
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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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
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

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.
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?

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.
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.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Tosa Ken has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken mouthiness comparison:
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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Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken health comparison. Which is the healthier: Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken?
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.
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
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.
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.
Life Expectancy
Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken lifespan comparison. How long do Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd and Tosa Ken breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
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
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken?
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.
See more.

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

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken energy level comparison:
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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken 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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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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Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken coat comparison:
Feathered Fuzzy Dense
Hard
Colors
What are the original Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd and Tosa Ken color?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Brown
Fawn
Yellow
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken grooming comparison:
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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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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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
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.
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Hypoallergenic
Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken 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 German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken?

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.
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 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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Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken?
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.
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
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.
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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: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd or Tosa Ken? 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: Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken?

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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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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Yes

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.

Yes

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

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken 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.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Litter Size
How many puppies can Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd and Tosa Ken have?
6-9 puppies, average 7 6-10 puppies 6-8 puppies

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs Tosa Ken 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 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 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.
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.
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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