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Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Florentine Spitz or Alsatian wolf dog or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever" Compare Volpino Italiano and German Shepherd. Which is better: Volpino Italiano or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Volpino Italiano German Shepherd Golden Retriever
OriginsItaly flagItaly Germany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank21323
Reviews02116
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever breeds.
Florentine Spitz
Italian Spitz
Volpino
Cane de Quirinale
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Small Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
9-14 pounds (4–6 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
11.5 pounds (4–6 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Volpino Italiano or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
9.5-12 inches (24–30 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.8.5 inches (24–30 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$2000 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Volpino Italiano or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Average: The Volpino Italiano is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. 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: German Shepherd 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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which is easiest to train?
Volpino Italiano dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most alert?
Volpino Italiano dogs are good watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most protective?
Volpino Italiano dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Affectionate
Lively
Watchful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
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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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
Average to High: Volpino Italiano dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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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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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Volpino Italiano dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Volpino Italiano dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Volpino Italiano 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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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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Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Volpino Italiano is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
The Volpino Italiano is a playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. 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 Volpino Italiano 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.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?
Volpino Italiano dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Volpino Italiano or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Volpino Italiano dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Volpino Italiano has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which uses mouth most during play?
Volpino Italiano 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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Golden 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 Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Volpino Italiano bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Volpino Italiano: 15 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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 Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
Volpino Italianos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Volpino Italiano should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) 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 Golden Retriever 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: Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
No data available 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
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Volpino Italiano has a low to the 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 Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which needs most food?
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. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. What colors are available?
Black
Red
White
Fawn
Champagne
Honey
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Volpino Italiano requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which drools least?
The Volpino Italiano is a perfect example of a 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 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.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Volpino Italiano has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy Fuzzy Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Volpino Italiano or German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Volpino Italiano or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Volpino Italiano dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

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

Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

Volpino Italiano 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.
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Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden 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.
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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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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden 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.

Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 6-10 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden 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 Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz 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 Volpino Italiano, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which has most recognition?
No data available 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

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