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Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Csivava or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs German Shepherd" Compare Chihuahua and German Shepherd. Which is better: Chihuahua or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Chihuahua German Shepherd
OriginsMexico flagMexico Germany flagGermany
Group Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank322
Reviews1721
User Ratings

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

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
2-6 pounds (1-3 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?
4 pounds (2 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Chihuahua or German Shepherd? Is a Chihuahua taller than a German Shepherd?
6-9 inches (15-23 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?
7.5 inches (19 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$600-$800 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Chihuahua or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Quick
Devoted
Lively
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Chihuahua vs German Shepherd?
Sensitive: Chihuahua 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: Chihuahua vs German Shepherd?
High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Chihuahua vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua vs German Shepherd?
Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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 Chihuahua vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Chihuahua 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.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Chihuahua 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: Chihuahua or German Shepherd?
Chihuahua 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.

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Chihuahua dogs have an 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 Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Chihuahua bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Chihuahua vs German Shepherd?
Rare
The Chihuahua 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: Chihuahua vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Heart Murmurs
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hydrocephalus
Hypoglycemia
Shivering
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

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
Chihuahua dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Chihuahua vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or German Shepherd?
Chihuahua dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity.
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 Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Chihuahua and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Fawn
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

High 🔼

The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Fine Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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 Chihuahua or German Shepherd? Do Chihuahua dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

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

Not really

Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Chihuahua and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
2-4 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Chihuahua and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Chihuahua 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.

Chihuahua vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Chihuahua and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Chihuahua and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno 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 Chihuahua 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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