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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Malinois or Rott? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler" Compare German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Belgian Malinois Rottweiler
OriginsGermany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank2448
Reviews19311
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Malinois Rott
Rottie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler?
Large Large Large
Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg), Female: 85-115 pounds (38-52 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 112.5 pounds (51 kg), Female: 100 pounds (45 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler 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: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 22-25 inches (56-63 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 (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 23.5 inches (59.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler? Which is more expensive?
$800-$2000 $1200-$1400 $1200-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rottweiler is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: Rottweiler is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler trainability comparison.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Rottweiler dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Rottweiler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler? 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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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Rottweiler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Fearless
Good-natured
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 Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Average: Rottweiler dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Rottweiler dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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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The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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Rottweiler dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Belgian Malinois 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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Rottweiler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Rottweilers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Low: The Rottweiler barks none to minimal.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler?
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 Belgian Malinois 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 Rottweiler indoors.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler 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.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Rottweiler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Belgian Malinois 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.
Rottweiler dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rottweiler 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.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

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

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Rottweiler 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 Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler 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
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Aortic Stenosis
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic 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 Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Rottweiler should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and Rottweiler breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
8-12 years
The average lifespan of Rottweiler: 10 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler?
3 to 4 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. Recommended daily amount: 4 to 10 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 Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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High: The Rottweiler breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rottweiler has an average 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 Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Rottweiler 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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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Rottweiler dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Rottweiler dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Rottweiler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Rottweiler dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Rottweiler dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rottweiler 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
Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Rottweiler 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.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.
Rottweilers are not the best breed for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler 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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Rottweiler? 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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Yes

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

Yes

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

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.
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.

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler?

Not really

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

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Rottweiler 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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Yes

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.

Not really

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

Yes

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

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler 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 Belgian Malinois and Rottweiler have?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 8-12 puppies

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler 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 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 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. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type 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.
Australian National Kennel Council
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
Colonial Rottweiler Club
Deutscher Rottweiler Klub
International Rottweiler Club

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