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German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or AM Bulldog or Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees" Compare German Shepherd and American Bulldog. Which is better: German Shepherd or American Bulldog or Great Pyrenees?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd American Bulldog Great Pyrenees
OriginsGermany flagGermany United States flagUnited States Spain flagSpain France flagFrance
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Guard Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank227266
Reviews2135
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
AM Bulldog
American Bulldogge
American Bulldoggee
Old Country Bulldog
AmBulldog
Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées
Chien Des Pyrénées
Gos De Muntanya Dels Pirineus
Montañés Del Pirineo
Patou
Great Pyrenees
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 70-120 pounds (32-54 kg), Female: 60-100 pounds (27-45 kg) Male: from 100 pounds (45 kg), Female: from 85 pounds (38 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 95 pounds (43 kg), Female: 80 pounds (36 kg) Male: from 100 pounds (45 kg), Female: from 85 pounds (38 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or American Bulldog or Great Pyrenees? German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22-28 inches (55-70 cm), Female: 20-26 inches (52-65 cm) Male: 27-32 inches (69-81 cm), Female: 25-29 inches (63-74 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 29.5 inches (75 cm), Female: 27 inches (68.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $500-$600 $500-$600
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or American Bulldog or Great Pyrenees?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The American Bulldog is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Great Pyrenees is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which is easiest to train?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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American Bulldog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Great Pyrenees dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which breed is most alert?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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American Bulldog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Great Pyrenees dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which breed is most protective?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Bulldog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Great Pyrenees dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Affectionate
Gentle
Going
Social
Confident
Affectionate
Patient
Gentle
Strong
Willed
Fearless
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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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: American Bulldog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Great Pyrenees dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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American Bulldog dogs are a social breed.
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Great Pyrenees 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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American Bulldog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Great Pyrenees 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?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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American Bulldog 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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Great Pyrenees dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The American Bulldog rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Great Pyrenees is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The American Bulldog is a playful breed.
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Great Pyreneess are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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.
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 American Bulldog indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Great Pyrenees breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which breed is most flexible?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
American Bulldog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Great Pyrenees dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or American Bulldog or Great Pyrenees?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
American Bulldog 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.
Great Pyrenees 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 American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The American Bulldog has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Great Pyrenees has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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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American Bulldog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Great Pyrenees dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Bulldog bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Pyrenees bite force: The Strongest.

German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of American Bulldog: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Great Pyrenees: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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 average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers cold weather
The Great Pyrenees 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, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
American Bulldogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Great Pyreneess are commonly healthy dogs.
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).
Frequent
The American Bulldog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Great Pyrenees should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees 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
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Entropion
Cherry Eye
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Bloat
Entropion
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease

German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which breed is most active?
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
American Bulldog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Great Pyrenees dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or American Bulldog or Great Pyrenees? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
American Bulldog dogs have an average exercise need.
Great Pyrenees dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or American Bulldog or Great Pyrenees?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
American Bulldog dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Great Pyrenees dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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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Low to Average: The American Bulldog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Great Pyrenees's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals

German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
White
Brown
Fawn
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The American Bulldog requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Great Pyrenees requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which drools least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The American Bulldog 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 Great Pyrenees is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Bulldog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Great Pyrenees has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Fine Dense
Double
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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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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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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 German Shepherd or American Bulldog or Great Pyrenees? German Shepherd or American Bulldog or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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American Bulldog dogs shed moderately.
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Great Pyrenees dogs shed above average.
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German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
American Bulldog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Great Pyrenees dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
American Bulldog dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Great Pyrenees dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or American Bulldog or Great Pyrenees? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
American Bulldog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Great Pyrenees dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or American Bulldog or Great Pyrenees?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
American Bulldog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Great Pyrenees dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or American Bulldog or Great Pyrenees?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
American Bulldog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Great Pyrenees dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Bulldog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Great Pyrenees 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
American Bulldog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Great Pyrenees 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.
American Bulldogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Great Pyreneess are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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

American Bulldog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Great Pyrenees breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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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Yes

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

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, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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 American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 7-14 puppies 6-9 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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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German Shepherd vs American Bulldog vs Great Pyrenees Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, American Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees. 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
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club
Animal Research Foundation
American Rare Breed Association
American Bulldog Association
National American Bulldog Association
John D Johnson Bulldog Registry
American Bulldog Club Of Canada
All American Bulldog 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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