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Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd" Compare Blue Heeler and Australian Cattle Dog. Which is better: Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Blue Heeler Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia Australia flagAustralia Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank518562
Reviews2421
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd breeds.
Australian Cattle Dog
Cattle Dog
Queensland Heeler
Red Heeler
Blue Heeler
Cattle Dog
Red Heeler
Queensland Heeler
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) 30-62 pounds (13-28 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?
46 pounds (20.5 kg) 46 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog or German Shepherd? Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 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: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$800 $500-$700 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog or German Shepherd?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Australian Cattle Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Blue Heeler dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Australian Cattle Dog 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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Blue Heeler dogs are easy to train.
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Australian Cattle Dog dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Blue Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Australian Cattle Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Cattle Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Active
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Hard working
Resourceful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Aggressive
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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: Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd?
Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Average: Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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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
Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial.
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Australian Cattle Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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?
The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Australian Cattle Dog is strong enough to escape from home.
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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?
Blue Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Cattle Dog 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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Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Australian Cattle Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog or German Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Cattle Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?
Blue Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Australian Cattle Dog 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.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Cattle Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?
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 cold weather conditions
The Australian Cattle Dog 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.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Australian Cattle Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Blue Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Australian Cattle Dog 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Deafness
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

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active?
Blue Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Blue Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises.
Australian Cattle Dog dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog or German Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep.
Australian Cattle Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Cattle Dog'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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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 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.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Blue Heeler has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Cattle Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog or German Shepherd? Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog or {name3 shedding:
Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Cattle Dog dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Blue Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog or German Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog or German Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average friendly towards other 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: Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Blue Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Australian Cattle Dog 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
Blue Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Australian Cattle Dog is not the best dog breed 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?
Blue Heelers are not the best breed for elderly people.
Australian Cattle Dogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Blue Heeler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Australian Cattle Dog 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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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. 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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Not really

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 Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. 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.

Yes

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

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
1-7 puppies 1-7 puppies, average 5 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. 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.

Blue Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1980 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Blue Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
No data available 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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