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German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund or Deutscher Wachtel? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel" Compare German Shepherd and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is better: German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer or German Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd German Shorthaired Pointer German Spaniel
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank210297
Reviews2161
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund
Kurzhaar
Deutsch Kurzhaar
GSP Dog
Deutscher Wachtel
Deutscher Wachtelhund
German Quail Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large
Medium
Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg) 40–55 pounds (18–25 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg) 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer or German Spaniel? German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 23-25 inches (59-64 cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 19–21 inch (48–54 cm), Female: 18–20 inch (45–52 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 24 inches (61.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 20 inch (51 cm), Female: 19 inch (48.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $600-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer or German Spaniel?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shorthaired Pointer is quite easy to get.
Average: The German Spaniel is a commonly available dog breed.

German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent dog breed.
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Smart: The German Spaniel dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which is easiest to train?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are very easy to train.
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German Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which breed is most alert?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which breed is most protective?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average defenders.
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German Spaniel dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Trainable
Bold
Cooperative
Boisterous
Energetic
Alert
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 German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average to High: German Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Spaniel 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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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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The wanderlust potential of the German Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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German Spaniel dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The German Shorthaired Pointer barks occasionally.
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Average: The German Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The German Shorthaired Pointer is a highly playful breed.
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German Spaniels are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the German Shorthaired Pointer breed.
It is not recommended to keep the German Spaniel breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The German Shorthaired Pointer has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shorthaired Pointer bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Spaniel: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. 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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Spaniels 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).
Rare
The German Shorthaired Pointer should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Spaniel 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 German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel 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
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Entropion
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Cardiomyopathy
Pannus
Gastric Torsion
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
Lymphedema
No data available

German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which breed is most active?
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer or German Spaniel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer or German Spaniel?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The German Shorthaired Pointer has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The German Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shorthaired Pointer has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Dense Wavy
Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. 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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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer or German Spaniel? German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs shed moderately.
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German Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Spaniel dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
German Spaniel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer or German Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer or German Spaniel?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
German Spaniel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer or German Spaniel?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
German Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Spaniel 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
German Shorthaired Pointer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Spaniel 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.
German Shorthaired Pointers are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Spaniels are commonly okay with elderly people.

German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. 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, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. 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, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. 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

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

German Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. 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, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. 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 German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 7-12 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. 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, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. 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 German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. 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 Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Spaniel. 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 Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
No data available

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