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Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Comparison - Dog breed selector: Doberman or Malinois or Irish Red Setter? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter" Compare Doberman Pinscher and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or Irish Setter?
 
 
 
Name Doberman Pinscher Belgian Malinois Irish Setter
OriginsGermany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium Ireland flagIreland
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank164472
Reviews18104
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter breeds.
Doberman
Dobermann
Dobynm
Dobie
Malinois Irish Red Setter
Red Setter
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or Irish Setter? Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter height comparison:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $1200-$1400 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or Irish Setter?
Very frequent: The Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which is easiest to train?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most alert?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most protective?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Doberman Pinscher dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter?
High: Doberman Pinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter social needs comparison:
Doberman Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Doberman Pinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
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Belgian Malinois 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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Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Belgian Malinois indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most flexible?
Doberman Pinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Irish Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or Irish Setter?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Belgian Malinois 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.
Irish Setter dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which uses mouth most during play?
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Irish Setter dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which has fewer health issues?
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Irish Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Doberman Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Irish Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Wobbler's Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Doberman Pinscher has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which needs most food?
5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 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.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Red
Mahogany
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which drools least?
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.
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The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Weather-resistant
Straight
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or Irish Setter? Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or {name3 shedding:
Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which is best with kids?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Irish Setter dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or Irish Setter? Which dog is more friendly?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or Irish Setter?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Doberman Pinscher or Belgian Malinois or Irish Setter?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter?
Yes
Doberman Pinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Irish Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Doberman Pinscher is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Irish Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.
Irish Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. 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.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. 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 Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. 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 Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. 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 Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Doberman Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. 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 Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which has most military use?

Yes

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

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.

Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 7-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Doberman Pinscher vs Belgian Malinois vs Irish Setter Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, and Irish Setter. Which has most recognition?
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
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
Canadian Canine Registry

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