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German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Hungarian Pointer or Stafford? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier" Compare German Shepherd and Vizsla. Which is better: German Shepherd or Vizsla or American Staffordshire Terrier?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Vizsla American Staffordshire Terrier
OriginsGermany flagGermany Hungary flagHungary United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank23083
Reviews2187
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Hungarian Pointer
Hungarian Short-Haired Pointer
Magyar Vizsla
Rövidszőrű Magyar Vizsla
Hungarian Vizsla
Stafford
Staffy
Amstaff
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 62 pounds (27.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Vizsla or American Staffordshire Terrier? German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm), Female: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 24 inches (61 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm) Male: 18 inches (45.5 cm), Female: 17 inches (43.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Energetic
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Trainable
Companionable
Cheerful
Quiet
Easygoing
Willing
Evenly Tempered
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious
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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Sensitive: Vizsla dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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American Staffordshire Terrier 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 Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Vizsla dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Vizsla dogs are a social breed.
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American Staffordshire Terrier 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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Vizsla dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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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Vizsla dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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American Staffordshire Terrier 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 Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Vizsla has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Vizsla bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Staffordshire Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Vizsla: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Vizsla is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The American Staffordshire Terrier 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 Vizsla should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The American Staffordshire Terrier 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 Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier 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
Cancer
Epilepsy
Sebaceous Adenitis
No data available

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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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Low to Average: The Vizsla has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The American Staffordshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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. 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Golden
Rust
Russet Gold
Dark Sandy Gold
Black
Blue
White
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Vizsla requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The American Staffordshire Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which drools least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Vizsla is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is an average drooler.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Vizsla has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Staffordshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Fine
Dense
Hard
Coarse
Short
No Undercoat
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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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6-8 weeks
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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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Vizsla or American Staffordshire Terrier? German Shepherd or Vizsla or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Vizsla dogs shed moderately.
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American Staffordshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Vizsla dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier 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.
Vizsla dogs are generally with other pets.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Vizsla or American Staffordshire Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Vizsla or American Staffordshire Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards cats.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Vizsla or American Staffordshire Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Vizsla dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Staffordshire Terrier 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
Vizsla is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
American Staffordshire Terrier 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.
Vizslas are usually recommended for elderly people.
American Staffordshire Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Vizsla breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

American Staffordshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-8 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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 Vizsla vs American Staffordshire Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1960 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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 Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Bull type Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and American Staffordshire Terrier. 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
No data available

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