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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

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Mally
Mal
Bjelkier
Nenetskaya Laika
Sammy
Samoiedskaya Sobaka
Smiley
Samoyedskaya
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed? Compare adult weight ranges.
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 Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Find price differences between these breeds.
$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

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which breed ranks highest?
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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which is easiest to train?
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 Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which breed is most alert?
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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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which breed is most protective?
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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed? Compare temperaments.
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

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which breed is most vocal?
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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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which breed is most playful?
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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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which has lowest bite risk?

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.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which uses mouth most during play?
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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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which has the strongest bite?

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.

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which breed lives longest?
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
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. 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 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.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which has fewer health issues?
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.
Vet Care Frequency
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.
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

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which breed is most active?
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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which is most prone to obesity?
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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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which needs most food?
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.

German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Gray
Red
White
Cream
White
Biscuit
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which requires most maintenance?
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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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which drools 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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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which has least natural smell?

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.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which requires most frequent baths?
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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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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German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
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.
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 Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which is best suited for service work?

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 Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which is best suited for water work?

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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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. 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 German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which has most military use?

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

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 4-10 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. 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.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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German Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. How are they classified?
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 Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. How are they classified internationally?
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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed. 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
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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