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Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Alsatian wolf dog or Lab? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Maltese and German Shepherd. Which is better: Maltese or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Maltese German Shepherd Labrador Retriever
OriginsItaly flagItaly Germany flagGermany England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank3321
Reviews32111
User Ratings

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

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Small Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

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

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
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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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Labrador Retriever 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: Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever?
High: Maltese 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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Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Malteses, 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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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese 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.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?
Maltese 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.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?
Maltese 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.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
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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 Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Labrador Retriever 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 Maltese 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).
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which breed is most active?
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever?
Maltese 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.
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Maltese 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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High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup 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. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. What colors are available?
White Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which drools least?
The Maltese 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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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Fuzzy Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
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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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever? Maltese or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

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

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

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

Not really

Maltese 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.
See more.

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. 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.
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 Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. 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.

Not really

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

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 6-10 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. 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.

Maltese vs German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. 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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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