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Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Hovie or Little Blue Dog or Deutscher Schäferhund? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog" Compare Hovawart and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Hovawart or Australian Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog?
 
 
 
Name Hovawart Australian Shepherd Old German Shepherd Dog
OriginsGermany flagGermany United States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany
Group Guard Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank37517282
Reviews271
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog breeds.
Hovie Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Deutscher Schäferhund
Langstockhaariger
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is the largest?
Large
Giant
Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog? Compare adult weight ranges.
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 49-88 pounds (22-40 kg) Female: 44-83 pounds (20-37 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 68.5 pounds (31 kg), Female: 63.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Hovawart or Australian Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog? Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog height comparison:
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm), Female: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 24 inches (57 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm)

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$1200 $600-$800 Unknown
Availability
Which is easier to get, Hovawart or Australian Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog?
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog is a commonly available dog breed.

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Old German Shepherd Dog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is easiest to train?
Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most alert?
Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most protective?
Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog? Compare temperaments.
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Old German Shepherd Dog 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: Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog?
Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog social needs comparison:
Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Hovawart 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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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Old German Shepherd Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Old German Shepherd Dog indoors.

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed is most flexible?
Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Hovawart or Australian Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog?
Hovawart 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.
Australian Shepherd 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.

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Old German Shepherd Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Old German Shepherd Dog: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. 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 cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd 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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has fewer health issues?
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Old German Shepherd Dog 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?
Average
The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Old German Shepherd Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
No data available

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. What colors are available?
Black
Blonde
Golden
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Tan
Brown
Grey
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which drools least?
The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Old German Shepherd Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Old German Shepherd Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Silky Feathered Wiry
Fuzzy
Shaggy
Smooth
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. 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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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Hovawart or Australian Shepherd or Old German Shepherd Dog? Hovawart or Australian Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are heavy shedders.
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Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Good With Comparison

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

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. 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 Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

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 Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

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

Old German Shepherd Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

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 Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. 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.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has most puppies?
6-8 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. 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.

Hovawart vs Australian Shepherd vs Old German Shepherd Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Hovawart, Australian Shepherd, and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
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.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
No data available

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