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Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Bully or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd" Compare Bull Terrier and German Shepherd. Which is better: Bull Terrier or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Bull Terrier German Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland Germany flagGermany
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank602
Reviews721
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Bull Terrier and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Bully
Gladiator
English Bull Terrier
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Bull Terrier and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Bull Terrier and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 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?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bull Terrier or German Shepherd? Is a Bull Terrier taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 22-24 inches (56-60 cm), 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?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Bull Terrier and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1500 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bull Terrier or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Bull Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Bull Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Bull Terrier dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Bull Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Bull Terrier and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Protective
Tempered
Sweet
Trainable
Keen
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd?
Sensitive: Bull Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd?
Average to High: Bull Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Bull Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd?
Bull Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Bull Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Bull Terrier rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The Bull Terrier is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
Apartment-friendly dog the Bull Terrier breed.
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.

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Bull Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different 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: Bull Terrier or German Shepherd?
Bull Terrier 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.

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Bull Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Bull Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Bull Terrier: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Bull Terrier and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
Very healthy dog breed.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd?
Rare
The Bull Terrier 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: Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Heart Murmurs
Deafness
Hereditary Nephritis
Lens Luxation
Spinning
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

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bull Terrier or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bull Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bull Terrier or German Shepherd?
Bull Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
High: The Bull Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Bull Terrier and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Effortless: The Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Bull Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Bull Terrier and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Dense
Smooth
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bull Terrier or German Shepherd? Do Bull Terrier dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Bull Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bull Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bull Terrier or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Bull Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bull Terrier or German Shepherd?
Bull Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bull Terrier or German Shepherd? Can a Bull Terrier and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Bull Terrier dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Bull Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Bull Terrier 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
Bull Terrier is not the best dog breed 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?
Bull Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Bull Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Bull Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Bull Terrier and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

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

Yes

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

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Bull Terrier and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
1-9 puppies, average 5 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Bull Terrier and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Bull Terrier and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Bull Terrier and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Bull Terrier and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Bull type Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Bull Terrier and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
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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