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German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Mally or Bjelkier? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed" Compare German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute. Which is better: German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Alaskan Malamute Samoyed
OriginsGermany flagGermany United States flagUnited States Russia flagRussia
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Sled Dogs Sled Dogs
Popularity Rank25957
Reviews21316
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Mally
Mal
Bjelkier
Nenetskaya Laika
Sammy
Samoiedskaya Sobaka
Smiley
Samoyedskaya
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
Large Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Alaskan Malamute? German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 45-65 pounds (20.5-30 kg), Female: 35-50 pounds (16-20.5 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 42.5 pounds (19 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed? German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 21-23.5 inches (53-60 cm), Female: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 21-23.5 inches (56.5 cm), Female: 20 inches (50.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed? Which is more expensive?
$800-$2000 $1200-$1500 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Samoyed is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Samoyed dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed trainability comparison.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
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Samoyed dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Samoyed dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Samoyed dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed? German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Playful
Stubborn
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Lively
Sociable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: German Shepherd 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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Samoyed dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Samoyed dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
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Samoyed dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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The wanderlust potential of the Samoyed is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Samoyed dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
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Average: Samoyeds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
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Average: The Samoyed barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
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.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute 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 Samoyed indoors.

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Samoyed dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Alaskan Malamute 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.
Samoyed 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.

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Alaskan Malamute is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Samoyed is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed health problems comparison:
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
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Diabetes
Pulmonic Stenosis
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Samoyed should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Samoyed: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed?
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 cold weather
The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers cold weather
The Samoyed can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed? German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.
Samoyed dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Samoyed dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.
Samoyed dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Samoyed's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed coat comparison:
Fuzzy Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Dense
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed color?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Gray
Red
White
Cream
White
Biscuit
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed? German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Samoyed requires a lot of grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed? German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
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Samoyed dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Samoyed has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Samoyed is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Alaskan Malamute dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Samoyed dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Alaskan Malamute dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Samoyed dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Alaskan Malamute is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Samoyed is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Alaskan Malamutes are usually recommended for elderly people.
Samoyeds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed? Which is better for autism?

Yes

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

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Samoyed breed usually doesn't like 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.
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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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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.

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed 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.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed have?
6-10 puppies 4-10 puppies 4-6 puppies

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs 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
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.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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