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German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Carlin or Chrysanthemum Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu" Compare German Shepherd and Pug. Which is better: German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Pug Shih Tzu
OriginsGermany flagGermany China flagChina China flagChina
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank23120
Reviews191015
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Carlin
Chinese Pug
Dutch Bulldog
Dutch Mastiff
Mini Mastiff
Mops
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu?
Large Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Pug or Pug? German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu? German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) 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) Male: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm)

German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu? Which is more expensive?
$800-$2000 $300-$500 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu trainability comparison.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Pug dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu? 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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Pug dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu? German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Cheerful
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
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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Pug dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Shih Tzu 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 Pug vs Shih Tzu?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Pug dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu 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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Pug dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Pug 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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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Pug barks occasionally.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu?
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 Pug breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.

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

German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Pug bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.
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 Pug has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Pug dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu 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
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Entropion
Vaccination Sensitivity
Demodectic Mange
Distichiasis
Corneal Ulcers
Dry Eye
Hemi-vertebrae
Cheyletiella Dermatitis
Nerve Degeneration
Proptosis
Pug Dog Encephalitis
Staphylococcus Infection
Yeast Infection
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
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).
Rare
The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Pug and Shih Tzu breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu?
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.

German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu? German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Pug dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu coat comparison:
Fuzzy Fine Dense
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Pug and Shih Tzu color?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Fawn
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu? German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu? German Shepherd or Pug or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Pug dogs shed above average.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu?
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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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low 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 Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu 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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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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Pug or Shih Tzu? Which is better for autism?

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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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.

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a 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.

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 Pug vs Shih Tzu?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

Shih Tzu 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.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
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 Pug vs Shih Tzu 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 Pug and Shih Tzu have?
6-10 puppies 2-4 puppies 2-5 puppies

German Shepherd vs Pug vs Shih Tzu 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 1885 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy 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. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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