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Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Rott or Golden Flat Coat or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd" Compare Rottweiler and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Rottweiler or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Rottweiler Golden Retriever German Shepherd
OriginsGermany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank832
Reviews131621
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd breeds.
Rott
Rottie
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Large
Giant
Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg), Female: 85-115 pounds (38-52 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 112.5 pounds (51 kg), Female: 100 pounds (45 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rottweiler or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 23.5 inches (59.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$2000 $1000-$2000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rottweiler or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Rottweiler is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Rottweiler is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever 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 Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Rottweiler dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Rottweiler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Rottweiler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Fearless
Good-natured
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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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: Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Average: Rottweiler dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Golden Retriever 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
Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Rottweiler dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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?
Rottweiler dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Golden Retriever 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?
Rottweiler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Rottweiler barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Rottweilers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Rottweiler indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
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.

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Rottweiler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Golden Retriever 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: Rottweiler or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Rottweiler dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Golden Retriever 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.

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

High 🔼

The Rottweiler has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rottweiler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
8-12 years
The average lifespan of Rottweiler: 10 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
The Rottweiler is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Rottweiler should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever 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: Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Aortic Stenosis
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
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

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active?
Rottweiler dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rottweiler or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Rottweiler dogs have an average exercise need.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rottweiler or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Rottweiler dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Rottweiler breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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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 Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 4 to 10 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. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Rust
Mahogany
Golden
Light
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Rottweiler requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?
The Rottweiler 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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The Golden Retriever 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 Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Rottweiler has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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 Rottweiler or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Rottweiler or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Rottweiler dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Rottweiler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Rottweiler dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rottweiler or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Rottweiler dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rottweiler or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Rottweiler dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rottweiler or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Rottweiler dogs are not dog-friendly.
Golden Retriever dogs are very 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: Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Rottweiler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever 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
Rottweiler is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds 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?
Rottweilers are not the best breed for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

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

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

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

Not really

Rottweiler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, 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.
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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 Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use?

Yes

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
8-12 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, 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 Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, 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.

Rottweiler vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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 Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Colonial Rottweiler Club
Deutscher Rottweiler Klub
International Rottweiler Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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