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Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Shiba Inu or Deutscher Schäferhund or German Malinois? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois" Compare Shiba Inu and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Old German Shepherd Dog or German Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu Old German Shepherd Dog German Malinois
OriginsJapan flagJapan Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank452821416
Reviews910
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois breeds.
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Deutscher Schäferhund
Langstockhaariger
No data available
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Cross Breed

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) Male: 49-88 pounds (22-40 kg) Female: 44-83 pounds (20-37 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: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg) Male: 68.5 pounds (31 kg), Female: 63.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Old German Shepherd Dog or German Malinois? Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois height comparison:
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) Male: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm), Female: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) Male: 24 inches (57 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. 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: Old German Shepherd Dog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: German Malinois is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which is easiest to train?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are easy to train.
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German Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which breed is most alert?
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which breed is most protective?
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Malinois dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Curious
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Old German Shepherd Dog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: German Malinois 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: Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: German Malinois dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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German Malinois dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Shiba Inu 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 German Shepherd Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Malinois dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog rarely barks.
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Average: The German Malinois barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Old German Shepherd Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The German Malinois is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu 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 Old German Shepherd Dog 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 Malinois indoors.

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Old German Shepherd Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Old German Shepherd Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Malinois bite force: Ordinary.

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Old German Shepherd Dog: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shiba Inu 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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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 Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Old German Shepherd Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Malinoiss are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Old German Shepherd Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Malinois 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: Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Eye Problems
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

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Old German Shepherd Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Wiry
Fuzzy
Shaggy
Smooth
Fuzzy
Weather-resistant
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. 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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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Old German Shepherd Dog or German Malinois? Shiba Inu or Old German Shepherd Dog or {name3 shedding:
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Malinois dogs shed above average.
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Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Good With Comparison

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

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. 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 Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. 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 Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. 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 Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Old German Shepherd Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. 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 Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. 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.

Shiba Inu vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs German Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shiba Inu, Old German Shepherd Dog, and German Malinois. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
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.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
No data available No data available

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