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

"Find similarities and differences between Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd" Compare Blue Heeler and Doberman Pinscher. Which is better: Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Blue Heeler Doberman Pinscher German Shepherd
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank518162
Reviews21821
User Ratings

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

Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 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) Male: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 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: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$800 $800-$1000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Blue Heeler dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher 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, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Blue Heeler dogs are easy to train.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are quite 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, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Blue Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Doberman Pinscher 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, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Active
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Hard working
Resourceful
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
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.
See more.
Sensitive: Doberman Pinscher dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: Doberman Pinscher 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.
See more.
Social Needs
Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial.
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Doberman Pinscher 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.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
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.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher 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, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
The Blue Heeler is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Doberman Pinscher 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?
Blue Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
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, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, 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 warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
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).
Rare
The Doberman Pinscher 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Wobbler's Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy
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 Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active?
Blue Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Blue Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises.
Doberman Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep.
Doberman Pinscher dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, 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: The Doberman Pinscher has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 5 to 6 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 Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, 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, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?
Blue
Red speckled
Blue speckled
Blue Mottled
Red Mottled
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Blue Heeler requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?
The Blue Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Doberman Pinscher 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 German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Blue Heeler has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher 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, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Fine Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, 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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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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 Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher or {name3 shedding:
Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
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.
Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not the most 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: Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Blue Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Doberman Pinscher 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
Doberman Pinscher 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.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, 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, Doberman Pinscher, 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, Doberman Pinscher, 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

Doberman Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, 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.
See more.

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 Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
1-7 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, 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, Doberman Pinscher, 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 Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Blue Heeler, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type 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, Doberman Pinscher, 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
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
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

Rate This Comparsion - Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd

Reviews

  • Strongly disagree

    Dec 8, 2023, 3:21:00 PM:

    Bad my dog copper is a Queensland heeler and he is loving to all my family members kid friendly protective as heck and that is why I disagree with some of the answers.