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German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Bjelkier or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare German Shepherd and Samoyed. Which is better: German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Samoyed Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsGermany flagGermany Russia flagRussia Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Sled Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank25724
Reviews19156
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Bjelkier
Nenetskaya Laika
Sammy
Samoiedskaya Sobaka
Smiley
Samoyedskaya
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
Large Medium Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Samoyed? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog weight comparison:
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) 14-27 pounds (6-12 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) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog 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) 13-16 inches (33-41 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) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is more expensive?
$800-$2000 $1200-$1500 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Samoyed is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog intelligence:
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: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog trainability comparison.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Samoyed dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Samoyed dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? 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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Samoyed dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Stubborn
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Lively
Sociable
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
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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Samoyed dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog 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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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Samoyed is strong enough to escape from home.
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Shetland Sheepdog 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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Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog playfulness comparison:
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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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Samoyed barks occasionally.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
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 Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Samoyed dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog 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 Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Samoyed bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.
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 Samoyed has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:
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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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
The Shetland Sheepdog 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 Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog 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
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
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).
Average
The Samoyed should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Samoyed and Shetland Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Samoyed: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Samoyed dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? 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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Samoyed dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
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. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:
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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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog coat comparison:
Fuzzy Dense Dense
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Samoyed and Shetland Sheepdog color?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Cream
White
Biscuit
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Samoyed requires a lot of 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 Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? 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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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Samoyed has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average 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 Samoyed is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Samoyed dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Samoyed dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
No
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Samoyeds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog 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 Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

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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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 Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog?

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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Not really

Shetland Sheepdog 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.
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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 Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog 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.
See more.

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 Samoyed and Shetland Sheepdog have?
6-10 puppies 4-6 puppies 4-6 puppies

German Shepherd vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog 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 1906 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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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