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Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Hovie or Doberman or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd" Compare Hovawart and Doberman Pinscher. Which is better: Hovawart or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Hovawart Doberman Pinscher German Shepherd
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Guard Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank375162
Reviews21821
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd breeds.
Hovie Doberman
Dobermann
Dobynm
Dobie
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Large
Giant
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 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?
55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Hovawart or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd height comparison:
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 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?
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$1200 $800-$1000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Hovawart or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. 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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Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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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 Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Doberman Pinscher 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 Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
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: Doberman Pinscher dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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: Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Doberman Pinscher 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
Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
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Doberman Pinscher 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?
Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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?
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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Their prey drive is low.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Doberman Pinscher 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.

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Doberman Pinscher 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: Hovawart or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
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.
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.

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?
Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Doberman Pinscher 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 Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, 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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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. 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.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
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.
Rare
The Doberman Pinscher 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: Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Wobbler's Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy
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

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. 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.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Hovawart or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
Doberman Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Hovawart or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Doberman Pinscher dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Doberman Pinscher 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 Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 5 to 6 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.

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?
Black
Blonde
Golden
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?
The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Doberman Pinscher drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Silky Fine Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, 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.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Hovawart or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Hovawart or Doberman Pinscher or {name3 shedding:
Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
German Shepherd 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.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Hovawart or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Hovawart or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Hovawart or Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not the most 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: Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Hovawart dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Doberman Pinscher 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
Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Doberman Pinscher 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?
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, 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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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 Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, 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.

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 Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. 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

Doberman Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

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, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Hovawart vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, 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 Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. 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 Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Hovawart, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd. 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
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
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian 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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