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German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Hungarian Pointer or Sheepdog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie" Compare German Shepherd and Vizsla. Which is better: German Shepherd or Vizsla or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Vizsla Border Collie
OriginsGermany flagGermany Hungary flagHungary England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank23038
Reviews21813
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Hungarian Pointer
Hungarian Short-Haired Pointer
Magyar Vizsla
Rövidszőrű Magyar Vizsla
Hungarian Vizsla
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie? 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) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 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) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Vizsla or Border Collie? German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie 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: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 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: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $800-$1200 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Vizsla or Border Collie?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Vizsla is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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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Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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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Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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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Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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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Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie? 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
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
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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Sensitive: Border Collie 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 Vizsla vs Border Collie?
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: Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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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Border Collie 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.
See more.
Vizsla dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Border Collie 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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Border Collie 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 Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 Border Collie breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Vizsla or Border Collie?
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.
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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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Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie 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
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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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Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 Border Collie. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Golden
Rust
Russet Gold
Dark Sandy Gold
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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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Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Fine
Dense
Hard
Coarse
Short
No Undercoat
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Vizsla or Border Collie? 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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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Vizsla dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie 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.
Vizsla dogs are generally with other pets.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Vizsla or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Vizsla or Border Collie?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Vizsla or Border Collie?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie?
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
Border Collie 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.
No
Border Collie 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.
Vizslas are usually recommended for elderly people.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 Border Collie. 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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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

Border Collie 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 Border Collie. 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 Border Collie. 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 Vizsla vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-8 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 Border Collie. What's recommended?

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.

German Shepherd vs Vizsla vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Vizsla, and Border Collie. 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
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association

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