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

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd" Compare Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Goldendoodle German Shepherd
OriginsScotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States Canada flagCanada Germany flagGermany
Group Gun Dog Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank34472
Reviews16721
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd breeds.
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Curly Retriever
Goldenpoo
Curly Golden
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Cross Breed Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Miniature: 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)Standard: 45-100 pounds (20-45 kg), Medium: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Miniature: 22.5 pounds (10.5 kg)Standard: 72.5 pounds (32.5 kg), Medium: 37.5 pounds (17 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle or German Shepherd? Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) 13-24 inches (33-61 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $600-$800 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Goldendoodle dogs are very easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Goldendoodle dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Goldendoodle dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Energetic
Intelligent
Friendly
Trainable
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd 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: Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd?
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Goldendoodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Goldendoodle dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Goldendoodle dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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German Shepherd 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?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Goldendoodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Goldendoodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Goldendoodle bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
9-15 years
The average lifespan of Goldendoodle: 12 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. 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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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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Goldendoodles are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Goldendoodle should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Addison's Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
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

Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Goldendoodle has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 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. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Goldendoodle has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Curly
Wavy
Smooth
Straight
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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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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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle or German Shepherd? Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle or {name3 shedding:
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Goldendoodle dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Goldendoodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle or German Shepherd?
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle or German Shepherd?
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Goldendoodle dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Goldendoodle dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Goldendoodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Goldendoodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. 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 Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. 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 Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. 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 Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

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

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. 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 Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use?

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.

Yes

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

Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 4-8 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. 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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Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, and German Shepherd. 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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
International Designer Canine Registry
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

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