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Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chowdren or Alsatian wolf dog or Doberman? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher" Compare Chow Chow and German Shepherd. Which is better: Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher?
 
 
 
Name Chow Chow German Shepherd Doberman Pinscher
OriginsChina flagChina Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank76216
Reviews62118
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher breeds.
Chowdren
Chow
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Doberman
Dobermann
Dobynm
Dobie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher? Compare adult weight ranges.
45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher? Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher height comparison:
Male: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
20 inches (51 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$2000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher?
Very frequent: The Chow Chow is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed ranks highest?
Low: The Chow Chow is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is easiest to train?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most alert?
Chow Chow dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most protective?
Chow Chow dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher? Compare temperaments.
Aloof
Independent
Protective
Intelligent
Loyal
Quiet
Detached
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Chow Chow dogs are less 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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Sensitive: Doberman Pinscher 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: Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher?
Slightly Below Average: Chow Chow dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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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: Doberman Pinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher social needs comparison:
Chow Chow dogs are kinda antisocial.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Chow Chow dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Doberman Pinscher 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?
Chow Chow dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Chow Chow barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most playful?
Chow Chows are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. 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 Chow Chow 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.
Very house-friendly dog the Doberman Pinscher breed.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most flexible?
Chow Chow dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Doberman Pinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher?
Chow Chow dogs handle alone time quite well.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Chow Chow has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which uses mouth most during play?
Chow Chow 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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Doberman Pinscher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Chow Chow bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed lives longest?
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Chow Chow: 14 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Chow Chow can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has fewer health issues?
The Chow Chow is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Chow Chow should have a complete physical check-up at least 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).
Rare
The Doberman Pinscher 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: Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Ectropion
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
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Wobbler's Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most active?
Chow Chow dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Chow Chow dogs exercise need is minimal.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Doberman Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher?
Chow Chow dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Doberman Pinscher dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Chow Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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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 Doberman Pinscher has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which needs most food?
4 to 5 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. 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
Cinnamon
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which drools least?
The Chow Chow is an average drooler.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Doberman Pinscher drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Chow Chow has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Fuzzy Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Chow Chow or German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher? Chow Chow or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Chow Chow dogs shed above average.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
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Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Good With Comparison

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

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. 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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. 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.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. 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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Chow Chow 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.
See more.

Not really

Doberman Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has most military use?

Yes

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has most puppies?
3-6 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. 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.

Chow Chow vs German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has most recognition?
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
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
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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