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

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie" Compare Golden Retriever and German Shepherd. Which is better: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever German Shepherd Border Collie
OriginsScotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank3238
Reviews141913
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which is the smallest dog, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie weight comparison:
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) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie height comparison:
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) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$2000 $800-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie intelligence:
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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Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie trainability comparison.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
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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Sensitive: Border Collie 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: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
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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High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
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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Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
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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Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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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Border Collie 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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Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie playfulness comparison:
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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The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
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.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
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.
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie mouthiness comparison:
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.
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Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie health comparison. Which is the healthier: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie health problems comparison:
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
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
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).
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie lifespan comparison. How long do Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and Border Collie breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
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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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie energy level comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
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. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie weight gain potential comparison:
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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Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie coat comparison:
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Fuzzy Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Colors
What are the original Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and Border Collie color?
Golden
Light
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie grooming comparison:
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Hypoallergenic
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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, Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
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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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which is better for autism?

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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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Yes

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

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?

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.
See more.

Not really

Border Collie 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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Not really

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.

Not really

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

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie 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.
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Litter Size
How many puppies can Golden Retriever and German Shepherd and Border Collie have?
5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 4-8 puppies

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association

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