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Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Gordon Castle Setters or Malinois or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd" Compare Gordon Setter and Belgian Malinois. Which is better: Gordon Setter or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Gordon Setter Belgian Malinois German Shepherd
OriginsScotland flagScotland Belgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank104442
Reviews11021
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd breeds.
Gordon Castle Setters Malinois Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 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: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Gordon Setter or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 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: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $1200-$1400 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Gordon Setter or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
Frequent: The Gordon Setter is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Gordon Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Gordon Setter dogs are easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois 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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Gordon Setter dogs are good watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Gordon Setter dogs are average defenders.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Intelligent
Confident
Loyal
Fearless
Eager
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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: Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?
High: Gordon Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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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
Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Gordon Setter dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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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?
The wanderlust potential of the Gordon Setter is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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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?
Gordon Setter dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Belgian Malinois 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 dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Gordon Setter barks occasionally.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
The Gordon Setter is a highly playful breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly 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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Gordon Setter 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 Belgian Malinois indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Gordon Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Belgian Malinois 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: Gordon Setter or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Belgian Malinois 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Gordon Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?
Gordon Setter dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Belgian Malinois dogs have an 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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Gordon Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Gordon Setter: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Gordon Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
The Gordon Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Gordon Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least 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: Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
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

Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Gordon Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the 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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Gordon Setter requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?
The Gordon Setter is an average drooler.
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The Belgian Malinois 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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Gordon Setter has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Soft
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Weather-resistant
Straight
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?
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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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 Gordon Setter or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Gordon Setter or Belgian Malinois or {name3 shedding:
Gordon Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Gordon Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Gordon Setter dogs are generally with other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Gordon Setter or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Gordon Setter dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Gordon Setter or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
Gordon Setter dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Gordon Setter or Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd?
Gordon Setter dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other 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: Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Gordon Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Belgian Malinois 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?
No
Gordon Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Belgian Malinois 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?
Gordon Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

Gordon Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Belgian Malinois 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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, 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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, 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.

Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, 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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, 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.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Gordon Setter vs Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters 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 Gordon Setter, Belgian Malinois, 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
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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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