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Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bobtail or Alsatian wolf dog or Apollo of Dogs? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane" Compare Old English Sheepdog and German Shepherd. Which is better: Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane?
 
 
 
Name Old English Sheepdog German Shepherd Great Dane
OriginsEngland flagEngland Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank70214
Reviews1193
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Bobtail Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane? Which is the smallest dog, Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane?
Large Large Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane weight comparison:
Male: from 65 pounds (29 kg), Female: from 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: from 65 pounds (29 kg), Female: from 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane? Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (51 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm)

Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane? Which is more expensive?
$1200-$1500 $800-$2000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane?
Very frequent: The Old English Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Great Dane is quite easy to get.

Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane intelligence:
Smart: The Old English Sheepdog dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane trainability comparison.
Old English Sheepdog dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane?
Old English Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Old English Sheepdog dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane? Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Funny
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Sociable
Adaptable
Bubbly
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Old English Sheepdog 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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Sensitive: Great Dane 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: Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane?
High: Old English Sheepdog 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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Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane social needs comparison:
Old English Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Great Dane dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Old English Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Old English Sheepdog dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Great Dane 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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Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane playfulness comparison:
The Old English Sheepdog is a playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane?
Average: The Old English Sheepdog barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane?
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 English Sheepdog 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.
Very house-friendly dog the Great Dane breed.

Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Old English Sheepdog 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.
Average: Great Dane dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane?
Old English Sheepdog 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.
Great Dane 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.

Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Old English Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Old English Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane mouthiness comparison:
Old English Sheepdog dogs have a higher 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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Great Dane dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane health comparison. Which is the healthier: Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane?
The Old English Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Great Danes are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Deafness
Entropion
Diabetes
Heat Intolerance
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
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Old English Sheepdog 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).
Rare
The Great Dane should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane lifespan comparison. How long do Old English Sheepdog, German Shepherd and Great Dane breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Old English Sheepdog: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Old English Sheepdog 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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane? Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane energy level comparison:
Old English Sheepdog 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.
Great Dane dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Old English Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Great Dane dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane?
Old English Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Great Dane dogs don't need too much sleep.

Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Old English Sheepdog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane coat comparison:
Waterproof
Shaggy
Double
Fuzzy Dense
Colors
What are the original Old English Sheepdog, German Shepherd and Great Dane color?
Gray
Blue
White
Grizzle
Merle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane? Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane grooming comparison:
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane? Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Old English Sheepdog dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Great Dane dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane?
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.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane?

Medium

The Old English Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Old English Sheepdog is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Great Dane drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Good With Comparison

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

Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Old English Sheepdog or German Shepherd or Great Dane? Which is better for autism?

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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane?

Not really

Old English Sheepdog 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.

Not really

Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military 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.

Yes

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

Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Old English Sheepdog and German Shepherd and Great Dane have?
5-8 puppies 6-10 puppies 10-15 puppies

Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd vs Great Dane Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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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