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

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug" Compare Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Pug?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Pug
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland China flagChina
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank17331
Reviews71613
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug breeds.
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Carlin
Chinese Pug
Dutch Bulldog
Dutch Mastiff
Mini Mastiff
Mops
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug? Compare adult weight ranges.
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: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 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: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Pug? Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug 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: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 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: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $1000-$2000 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Pug?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed ranks highest?
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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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Golden Retriever 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, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Pug dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Pug dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug? Compare temperaments.
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Playful
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Cheerful
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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Pug 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 Golden Retriever vs Pug?
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: Pug 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 Pug 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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Pug 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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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Pug 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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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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Pug 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 Golden Retriever vs Pug Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Average: The Pug barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most playful?
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: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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 recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
Pug dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Pug?
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.
Pug dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Pug has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Pug dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Pug bite force: Weak.

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
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 Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug 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
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Entropion
Vaccination Sensitivity
Demodectic Mange
Distichiasis
Corneal Ulcers
Dry Eye
Hemi-vertebrae
Cheyletiella Dermatitis
Nerve Degeneration
Proptosis
Pug Dog Encephalitis
Staphylococcus Infection
Yeast Infection

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which breed is most active?
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Pug dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Pug? 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.
Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Pug?
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Golden
Light
Black
Fawn
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which drools 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.
See more.
The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Pug? 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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Pug dogs shed above average.
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Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is best with kids?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
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.
Pug dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Pug? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Pug?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Pug?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Pug dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug?
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.
No
Pug 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.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Pug 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.
Pugs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Not really

Pug breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has most military use?

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.

Not really

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

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. Which has most puppies?
6-9 puppies, average 7 5-10 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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, Golden Retriever, and Pug. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs Pug Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. How are they classified?
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 1885 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. 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
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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