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German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Hovie or Japanese Shiba Inu? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu" Compare German Shepherd and Hovawart. Which is better: German Shepherd or Hovawart or Shiba Inu?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Hovawart Shiba Inu
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Guard Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank237545
Reviews2129
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Hovie Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large
Giant
Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Hovawart or Shiba Inu? German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $1000-$1200 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Hovawart or Shiba Inu?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which is easiest to train?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most alert?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most protective?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
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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Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
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Shiba Inu 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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Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu 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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Hovawart 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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Shiba Inu 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 Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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 Hovawart breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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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Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Shiba Inu 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, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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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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 Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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 Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu 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
Underactive Thyroid
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax

German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most active?
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Hovawart dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Hovawart or Shiba Inu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Hovawart or Shiba Inu?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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 Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Blonde
Golden
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which drools least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Silky Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Hovawart or Shiba Inu? German Shepherd or Hovawart or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
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German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu 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.
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Hovawart or Shiba Inu? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Hovawart or Shiba Inu?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Hovawart or Shiba Inu?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Hovawart dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shiba Inu 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.
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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

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

Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

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

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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 Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-8 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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German Shepherd vs Hovawart vs Shiba Inu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Hovawart, and Shiba Inu. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

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