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German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Yorkie or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese" Compare German Shepherd and Yorkshire Terrier. Which is better: German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Yorkshire Terrier Maltese
OriginsGermany flagGermany England flagEngland Italy flagItaly
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank2933
Reviews21233
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Yorkie Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?
Large Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 2-3 kg (4-7 pounds) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 21.5 cm (8.5 inches) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $600-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Yorkshire Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
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: Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Yorkshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Maltese 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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Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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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Yorkshire Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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.
Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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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Yorkshire Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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 warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Yorkshire Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Maltese 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).
Rare
The Yorkshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Maltese 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 Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese 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
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Maltese 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 Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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 Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Blue
Gold
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which drools least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Fine Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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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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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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese 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.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese 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
Yorkshire Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese 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.
Yorkshire Terriers are not recommended for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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

Yorkshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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 Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 4-6 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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 Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese. 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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