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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Malinois or Tsang-khyi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff" Compare German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Belgian Malinois Tibetan Mastiff
OriginsGermany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium Tibet flagTibet
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank244153
Reviews1932
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Malinois Tsang-khyi
Dok-Khyi
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Belgian Malinois? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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) 140-170 pounds (64-78 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) 155 pounds (71 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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) 25-28 inches (61-71 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) 26.5 inches (66 cm)

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff? Which is more expensive?
$800-$2000 $1200-$1400 $2500-$3500
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Tibetan Mastiff is easier than average to get.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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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Tibetan Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff?
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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Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff? 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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Tibetan Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Stubborn
Aloof
Protective
Courageous
Loyal
Strong
Willed
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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Sensitive: Tibetan Mastiff dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff?
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: Tibetan Mastiff dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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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Tibetan Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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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Tibetan Mastiff 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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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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Tibetan Mastiff 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 Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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: Tibetan Mastiffs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff?
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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A lot: Tibetan Mastiff is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff?
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.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Tibetan Mastiff breed.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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: Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

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

Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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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Tibetan Mastiff dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff?
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.
Tibetan Mastiffs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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
Autoimmune Hypothyroidism
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy
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.
Frequent
The Tibetan Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and Tibetan Mastiff 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
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Tibetan Mastiff: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Tibetan Mastiff can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff?
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. 6 to 8 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 Tibetan Mastiff 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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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Tibetan Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff coat comparison:
Fuzzy Weather-resistant
Straight
Thick
Hard
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and Tibetan Mastiff color?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
Brown
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff? German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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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Average: The Tibetan Mastiff requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff? 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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Tibetan Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff?
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.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Tibetan Mastiff has a high 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 Tibetan Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff?
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
Tibetan Mastiff 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
Tibetan Mastiff 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.
Tibetan Mastiffs are not the best breed for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois or Tibetan Mastiff? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Yes

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

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 Tibetan Mastiff?

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

Tibetan Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
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.

Not really

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

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois and Tibetan Mastiff have?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 5-12 puppies

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois vs Tibetan Mastiff 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 2006 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
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

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