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

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd" Compare Australian Kelpie and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Australian Kelpie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Australian Kelpie Golden Retriever German Shepherd
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia Scotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank52332
Reviews41621
User Ratings

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

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
25-45 pounds (11-20 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
35 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Kelpie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd height comparison:
17-20 inches (43-51 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
18.5 inches (47 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$700 $1000-$2000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Kelpie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Robust
Eager
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Average: Australian Kelpie dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Australian Kelpie dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Australian Kelpie 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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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Kelpie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Australian Kelpie 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.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Kelpie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Australian Kelpie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Kelpie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Australian Kelpie: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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 Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
Australian Kelpies tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Australian Kelpie should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Osteoarthritis
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Collie Eye Anomaly
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

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie 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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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Australian Kelpie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Double Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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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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.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Kelpie or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Australian Kelpie or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Australian Kelpie dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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 Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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 Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

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

Not really

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

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

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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 Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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.

Yes

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

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
4-7 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
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 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
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. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Kelpie, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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