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Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Blue Dog or Golden Flat Coat or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd" Compare Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever German Shepherd
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1732
Reviews71419
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever? Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), 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?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Golden 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 Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd trainability comparison.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are 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 Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden 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 Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? 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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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
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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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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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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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Golden 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?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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 Shepherd 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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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Golden 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 Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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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 Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
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 recommended to keep the Golden 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 Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd 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.
Golden 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 Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
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.
Golden 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 Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden 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 Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden 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 Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than 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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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd 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
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
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?
Average
The Australian Shepherd 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).
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 Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden 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 Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
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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Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
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. 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 Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd 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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High: The Golden 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 Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Feathered Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd color?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Golden
Light
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Golden 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 Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
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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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Australian Shepherd vs Golden 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 Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average 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 Shepherd 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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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden 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 Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Golden 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 Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Australian Shepherd 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.
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 Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds 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 Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs Golden 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.
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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 Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? 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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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 Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?

Not really

Australian Shepherd 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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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.
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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.

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 Shepherd vs Golden 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.
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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 Golden Retriever and German Shepherd have?
6-9 puppies, average 7 5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd 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 1925 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
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
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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