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

"Find similarities and differences between Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever" Compare Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd. Which is better: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Doberman Pinscher German Shepherd Golden Retriever
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank1623
Reviews161914
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Doberman
Dobermann
Dobynm
Dobie
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which is the smallest dog, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Medium Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever weight comparison:
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) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
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) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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 (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

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

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever intelligence:
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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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever trainability comparison.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
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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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
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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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Golden Retriever 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: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
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.
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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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Social Needs
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
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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Golden Retriever 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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German 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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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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.
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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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Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever playfulness comparison:
Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
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.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
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.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever mouthiness comparison:
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Veterinarian Visits
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).
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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).
Life Expectancy
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever energy level comparison:
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Doberman Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
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.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
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. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Doberman Pinscher has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever coat comparison:
Fine Fuzzy Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Colors
What are the original Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever color?
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Golden
Light
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
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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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the 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 German 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.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
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.
Yes
Golden Retriever 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
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which is better for autism?

Not really

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

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

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

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?

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.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd and Golden Retriever have?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 5-10 puppies

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the 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. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
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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