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German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Little Blue Dog or Bernedoodles? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle" Compare German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Bernedoodle?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Bernedoodle
OriginsGermany flagGermany United States flagUnited States Canada flagCanada
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank217605
Reviews2172
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Bernedoodles
Bernese Mountain Poo
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Small
Large
Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 10-90 pounds (4.5-41 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 50 pounds (23 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Bernedoodle? German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) 10-29 inches (25.5-74 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) 19 inches (48 cm)

German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $600-$800 $700-$4500
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Bernedoodle?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Bernedoodle is a commonly available dog breed.

German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Very smart: Bernedoodle is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which is easiest to train?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Bernedoodle dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which breed is most alert?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Bernedoodle dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which breed is most protective?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Bernedoodle dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Stubborn
Loyal
Gentle
Clever
Goofy
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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Sensitive: Australian 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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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Bernedoodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Bernedoodle 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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Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Bernedoodle dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Bernedoodle 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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German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Bernedoodle barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Bernedoodle is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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 Australian 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 Bernedoodle indoors.

German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernedoodle bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
12-18 years
The average lifespan of Bernedoodle: 15 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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 cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Bernedoodles 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).
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Bernedoodle 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 Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle 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
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Eye Problems
Elbow Dysplasia
Skin Diseases

German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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 to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Bernedoodle has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Bernedoodle has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Feathered Curly
Wavy
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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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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 Australian Shepherd or Bernedoodle? German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Bernedoodle dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Bernedoodle 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.
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Bernedoodle dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Bernedoodle? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Bernedoodle dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Bernedoodle?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Bernedoodle dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd or Bernedoodle?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Bernedoodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Bernedoodle 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
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Bernedoodle 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.
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Bernedoodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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

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

Bernedoodle breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which has most military use?

Yes

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

German Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7 3-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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 Australian Shepherd vs Bernedoodle Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Bernedoodle. 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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club

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