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German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Barboncino Miniatura or Continental Toy Spaniel? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon" Compare German Shepherd and Miniature Poodle. Which is better: German Shepherd or Miniature Poodle or Papillon?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Miniature Poodle Papillon
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany France flagFrance Spain flagSpain France flagFrance Belgium flagBelgium
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank243553
Reviews2135
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Barboncino Miniatura
Barbone
Carniche Moyen
Pudle
Zwergpudel
Continental Toy Spaniel
Epagneul Nain
Epagneul Nain Continental
Phalène
Squirrel Dog
Butterfly Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which breed is the largest?
Large Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 15-17 pounds (7-8 kg) Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 16 pounds (7.5 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Miniature Poodle or Papillon? German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 11-15 inches (28-38 cm) Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 13 inches (33 cm) Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)

German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $1000-$1500 $400-$600
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Miniature Poodle or Papillon?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Miniature Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which is easiest to train?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Miniature Poodle dogs are very easy to train.
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Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which breed is most alert?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Miniature Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
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Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which breed is most protective?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Miniature Poodle dogs are average defenders.
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Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
Happy
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
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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Papillon 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 Miniature Poodle vs Papillon?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Miniature Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Papillon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Miniature Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Papillon 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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Miniature Poodle dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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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Miniature Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Papillon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Miniature Poodle is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Miniature Poodle is a playful breed.
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The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. 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.
Very house-friendly dog the Miniature Poodle breed.
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 Papillon indoors.

German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which breed is most flexible?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Miniature Poodle dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Papillon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Miniature Poodle or Papillon?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Miniature Poodle dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. 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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Miniature Poodle dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Papillon 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, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Poodle bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak.

German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Poodle: 15 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. 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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Miniature Poodle is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Papillon 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 Miniature Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Papillon 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 Miniature Poodle vs Papillon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon 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
Bloat
Epilepsy
Addison's Disease
Collapsed Trachea
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypoglycemia

German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
Black
Tan
Red
White
Sable
Lemon
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which drools least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Miniature Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Papillon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Poodle has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Dense
Curly
Thick
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. 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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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Miniature Poodle or Papillon? German Shepherd or Miniature Poodle or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Miniature Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
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Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Miniature Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Miniature Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Miniature Poodle or Papillon? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Miniature Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Miniature Poodle or Papillon?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Miniature Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Miniature Poodle or Papillon?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Miniature Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Papillon 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 Miniature Poodle vs Papillon?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Miniature Poodle dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Papillon 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
Miniature Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Papillon 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.
Miniature Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Miniature Poodle vs Papillon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. 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, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. 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, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. 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, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. 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

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

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

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 2-8 puppies, average 5 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. 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, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. 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 Miniature Poodle vs Papillon Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. 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 1915 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. How are they classified internationally?
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 Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
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
Canadian Canine Registry
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

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