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

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever" Compare German Shepherd and Boxer. Which is better: German Shepherd or Boxer or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Boxer Golden Retriever
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank2113
Reviews21816
User Ratings

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

German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 65 pounds (29.5 kg), Female: 59 pounds (26.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Boxer or Golden Retriever? German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 23.5 inches (59.5 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $600-$1200 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Boxer or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Boxer is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Energetic
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Loyal
Fearless
Brave
Bright
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Boxer dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Boxer dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Boxer dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Boxer 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 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 vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Boxer rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Boxer is a playful breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
Apartment-friendly dog the Boxer breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Boxer dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Boxer or Golden Retriever?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Boxer dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Boxer has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Boxer bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Boxer: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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 German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Boxer is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Boxer should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
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
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Bloat
Deafness
Demodectic Mange
Aortic Stenosis
Boxer Cardiomyopathy
Corneal Dystrophy
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Boxer's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 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.

German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
White
Fawn
Brindle
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Boxer requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which drools least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Boxer is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Boxer has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

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

German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

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

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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Yes

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

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.

Yes

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

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

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

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 German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Not really

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

German Shepherd vs Boxer vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 2-10 puppies, average 6 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Boxer, and Golden Retriever. 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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
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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