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German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Comparison - Dog breed selector: Deutscher Wachtel or Golden Flat Coat or Gordon Castle Setters? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter" Compare German Spaniel and Golden Retriever. Which is better: German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter?
 
 
 
Name German Spaniel Golden Retriever Gordon Setter
OriginsGermany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank2973104
Reviews1141
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Deutscher Wachtel
Deutscher Wachtelhund
German Quail Dog
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Gordon Castle Setters
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter? Which is the smallest dog, German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever? German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter weight comparison:
40–55 pounds (18–25 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter? German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter height comparison:
Male: 19–21 inch (48–54 cm), Female: 18–20 inch (45–52 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 20 inch (51 cm), Female: 19 inch (48.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm)

German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $1000-$2000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter?
Average: The German Spaniel is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Gordon Setter is easier than average to get.

German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter intelligence:
Smart: The German Spaniel dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Gordon Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter trainability comparison.
German Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Gordon Setter dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter?
German Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Gordon Setter dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Spaniel dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Gordon Setter dogs are average defenders.
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German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter? German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Alert
Intelligent
Confident
Loyal
Fearless
Eager
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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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter?
Average to High: German Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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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: Gordon Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter social needs comparison:
German Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Gordon Setter dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the German Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Gordon Setter is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Spaniel 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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Gordon Setter dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter playfulness comparison:
German Spaniels are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Gordon Setter is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter?
Average: The German Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Average: The Gordon Setter barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter?
It is not recommended to keep the German Spaniel breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Gordon Setter breed.

German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Spaniel 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.
Gordon Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter?
German Spaniel 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.
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.

German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Low 🔽

The German Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Gordon Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter mouthiness comparison:
German Spaniel 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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Gordon Setter dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter?
German Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Gordon Setter 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: German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter health problems comparison:
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
No data available
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The German Spaniel 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).
Average
The Gordon Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter lifespan comparison. How long do German Spaniel, Golden Retriever and Gordon Setter breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Spaniel: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Gordon Setter: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter?
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 Gordon Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter?
2 to 2.5 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 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The German Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Gordon Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter coat comparison:
Wavy
Thick
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Soft
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Colors
What are the original German Spaniel, Golden Retriever and Gordon Setter color?
Brown
Brown Roan
Solid Red
Red & White
Golden
Light
Black
Tan
Red
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter? German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter grooming comparison:
Advanced: The German Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Gordon Setter requires a lot of grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter? German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
German Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Gordon Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter?
6-8 weeks
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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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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Hypoallergenic
German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter 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, German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter?

Medium

The German Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Gordon Setter has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The German Spaniel is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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The 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 Gordon Setter is an average drooler.
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German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Good With Comparison

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

German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Spaniel or Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter?

Not really

German Spaniel 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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Yes

Gordon Setter breed usually likes 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.

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.

German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter 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.
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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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Litter Size
How many puppies can German Spaniel and Golden Retriever and Gordon Setter have?
4-8 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-8 puppies

German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
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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