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German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Bjelkier or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever" Compare German Shepherd and Samoyed. Which is better: German Shepherd or Samoyed or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Samoyed Golden Retriever
OriginsGermany flagGermany Russia flagRussia Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Sled Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank2573
Reviews211616
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Bjelkier
Nenetskaya Laika
Sammy
Samoiedskaya Sobaka
Smiley
Samoyedskaya
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 45-65 pounds (20.5-30 kg), Female: 35-50 pounds (16-20.5 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 42.5 pounds (19 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Golden Retriever? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 21-23.5 inches (53-60 cm), Female: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 21-23.5 inches (56.5 cm), Female: 20 inches (50.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $1200-$1500 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Samoyed is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Samoyed dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which is easiest to train?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Samoyed dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most alert?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Samoyed dogs are good watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most protective?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Samoyed dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Stubborn
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Lively
Sociable
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
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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Samoyed dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever 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 Samoyed vs Golden Retriever?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Samoyed dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Samoyed dogs are a social breed.
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Golden Retriever 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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The wanderlust potential of the Samoyed is strong enough to escape from home.
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Golden Retriever 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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Samoyed dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Golden Retriever 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 Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Samoyed barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Samoyeds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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.
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 Samoyed indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Samoyed has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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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Samoyed dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Samoyed bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Samoyed: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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 cold weather
The Samoyed can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Samoyed is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers 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).
Average
The Samoyed should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever 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 Samoyed vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever 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
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Diabetes
Pulmonic Stenosis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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 Samoyed's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Cream
White
Biscuit
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Samoyed requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which drools least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Samoyed is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Samoyed has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Dense Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Samoyed or Golden Retriever? German Shepherd or Samoyed or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Samoyed dogs are heavy shedders.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Samoyed dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Samoyed or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Samoyed or Golden Retriever?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Samoyed or Golden Retriever?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Samoyed dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever 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
Samoyed is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Samoyeds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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

Samoyed breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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 Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 4-6 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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 Samoyed vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever. 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
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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