German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs Alaskan Husky – Which one is a better dog breed for you?
"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs Alaskan Husky"
Compare German Shepherd and Rottweiler. Which is better: German Shepherd or Rottweiler or Alaskan Husky?
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Name | German Shepherd | Rottweiler | Alaskan Husky |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) | Working Dogs | Sled Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 2 | 8 | 495 |
Reviews | 4 | 5 | 2 |
Rate |
Other Names | Alsatian, Berger Allemand, Alsatian wolf dog (UK), Deutscher Schäferhund, Schäferhund | Rottie, Rott | Husky (Alaskan) |
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Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred | Cross Breed |
AKC Group | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a Working breed. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
FCI Group | 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. | Not recognized by FCI. |
Breed 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 Colonial Rottweiler Club Deutscher Rottweiler Klub International Rottweiler Club | Dog Registry of America Inc. |
Price | $800-$2000 | $1200-$2000 | $1000-$1500 |
General Appearance - German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs Alaskan Husky
Size | Large | Large Giant | Medium |
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Weight | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) | Male: 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg), Female: 85-115 pounds (38-52 kg) | Male: 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg), Female: 35-48 pounds (16-22 kg) |
Avg. Weight | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) | Male: 112.5 pounds (51 kg), Female: 100 pounds (45 kg) | Male: 50 pounds (22.5 kg), Female: 41.5 pounds (19 kg) |
Height | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) | Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm) | 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) |
Avg. Height | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) | Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 23.5 inches (59.5 cm) | 22 inches (56 cm) |
Hair & Care - German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs Alaskan Husky
Coat | Fuzzy | Dense | Dense |
---|---|---|---|
Colors | Silver Tan Red Black | Mahogany Tan Rust Black | Gray White Blonde Orange Black |
Grooming | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Effortless: The Rottweiler requires minimal grooming. | Average: The Alaskan Husky requires average grooming effort. |
Shedding Level | German Shepherds are heavy shedders. | Rottweilers shed moderately. | Alaskan Huskys shed moderately. |
Characteristics - German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs Alaskan Husky
Temperament | Alert Courageous Intelligent Obedient Confident Curious Loyal Watchful | Alert Fearless Independent Loyal Courageous Good-natured Intelligent Protective | Agile Energetic Protective Alert Powerful Sensitive |
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Intelligent Rank | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: Rottweiler is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Average: Alaskan Husky's has average obedience intelligence. |
Trainability | German Shepherds are easy to train. | Rottweilers are easy to train. | Alaskan Huskys aren't famous for their trainability. |
Playfulness | German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Rottweilers, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Alaskan Husky is a highly playful breed. |
Sensitivity Level | German Shepherds don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household and frequent guest visits. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Alaskan Huskys don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household and frequent guest visits. |
Affection Level | German Shepherds are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Rottweilers are average dogs regarding their affection level. | Alaskan Huskys are highly affectionate dogs. |
Social Needs | German Shepherds need for social interaction is average. | Rottweilers need a lot of social interaction. | Alaskan Huskys need for social interaction is average. |
Barking | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | Low: The Rottweiler barks none to minimal. | Average to high: The Alaskan Husky is a vocal breed. |
Watchdog Ability | German Shepherds are one of the best watchdogs. | Rottweilers are one of the best watchdogs. | Alaskan Huskys are average watchdogs. |
Territorial | German Shepherds are extremely protective guard dogs. | Rottweilers are extremely protective guard dogs. | Alaskan Huskys are average defenders. |
Biting Potential |
High The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. |
High The Rottweiler has a high chance of biting somebody. |
Moderate The Alaskan Husky has an average chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness | German Shepherds have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Rottweilers have an average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Alaskan Huskys have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam | German Shepherds are not the biggest explorers. | Rottweilers tend to escape less than other breeds. | Alaskan Huskys have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. |
Prey Drive | German Shepherds have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Rottweilers have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Alaskan Huskys have a high impulse to chase and catch something. |
Apartment Friendly | German Shepherds are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. | Rottweilers are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. | Alaskan Huskys are not apartment-friendly dogs. |
Adaptability | German Shepherds adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Rottweilers adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. | Alaskan Huskys adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
Tolerates Being Left Alone | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | Rottweilers 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. |
Fighting Dog |
Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dog. |
Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dog. |
Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Good With - German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs Alaskan Husky
Stranger Friendly | German Shepherds are stranger friendly dogs. | Rottweilers are not stranger friendly dogs. | Alaskan Huskys are very stranger friendly dogs. |
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Child Friendly | German Shepherds are very kid-friendly dogs. | Rottweilers are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | Alaskan Huskys are average friendly dogs towards children. |
Cat Friendly | German Shepherds are average friendly towards cats. | Rottweilers are average friendly towards cats. | Alaskan Huskys are not cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly | German Shepherds are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Rottweilers are not dog-friendly. | Alaskan Huskys are very dog-friendly dogs. |
Office Friendly |
No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Rottweiler is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Alaskan Husky is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Rottweilers are not the best breed for elderly people. | Alaskan Huskys are commonly okay with elderly people. |
Pet Friendly | German Shepherds are generally with other pets. | Rottweilers are generally with other pets. | Alaskan Huskys do best when they’re the only pet at the family. |
Good For First Time Owners |
No German Shepherds are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
No Rottweilers are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
No Alaskan Huskys are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
Service Dog |
Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
Therapy Dog |
Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog |
Yes A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) |
Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Boat Dog |
Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Rottweiler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Alaskan Husky breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog |
Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Health Factors - German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs Alaskan Husky
Health Issues | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. | The Rottweiler is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | Alaskan Huskys tend to have more and frequent health issues than other breeds. |
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Health Problems | Allergies Blindness Bloat Cancer Cataracts Cherry Eye Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Cushing's Syndrome Degenerative Myelopathy Demodectic Mange Diabetes Digestive Problems Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Heart Disease Hemophilia A Hemophilia B Hip Dysplasia Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lens Luxation Lupus Megaesophagus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Panosteitis Paralysis Perianal Fistula Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Retinal Dysplasia Seborrhea Vitiligo Von Willebrand's Disease Wobbler's Syndrome | Allergies Aortic Stenosis Bloat Elbow Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Osteosarcoma Panosteitis Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis | Hyperthyroidism Laryngeal Paresis Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 8-11 years | 10-15 years |
Hypoallergenic | No | No | No |
Energy Level | German Shepherds are high energy dogs. | Rottweilers have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Alaskan Huskys are high energy dogs. |
Exercise Need | German Shepherds need quite a lot of exercise. | Rottweilers have an average exercise need. | Alaskan Huskys need a lot of exercises. |
Sleeping Need | German Shepherds don't need too much sleep. | Rottweilers are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend to much time with sleeping. | Alaskan Huskys are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend to much time with sleeping. |
Avg. daily food consumption | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | Recommended daily amount: 4 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. |
Weight Gain Potential | Low to Average. | High: The Rottweiler breed has a strong tendency to overweight. | Low to Average. |
Weather & Climate | Tolerates warm and cold weather. | Prefers average to warm weather conditions |
Prefers cold weather The Alaskan Husky can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. |
Stinkiness |
Medium The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
Medium The Rottweiler has an average chance of bad smell. |
Medium The Alaskan Husky has an average chance of bad smell. |
Drooling tendency | The German Shepherd is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency. | The Rottweiler drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. | The Alaskan Husky is an average drooler. |
Reproducibility - German Shepherd vs Rottweiler vs Alaskan Husky
Gestation Length | 60-64 days | 60-64 days | 60-64 days |
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How often can the have a litter? |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size | 6-10 puppies | 8-12 puppies | 4-10 puppies |
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