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Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Doberman or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd" Compare Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd. Which is better: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Doberman Pinscher German Shepherd
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank162
Reviews1821
User Ratings

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

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Doberman Pinscher and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 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: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Is a Doberman Pinscher taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 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: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Doberman Pinscher and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Doberman Pinscher and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Sensitive: Doberman Pinscher 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: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
High: Doberman Pinscher 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
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Doberman Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
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 Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Doberman Pinschers, 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 Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Doberman Pinscher 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.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a lower 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 Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Rare
The Doberman Pinscher 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: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Wobbler's Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy
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

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Doberman Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Doberman Pinscher 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.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
5 to 6 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.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
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.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Fine Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Do Doberman Pinscher dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Can a Doberman Pinscher and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Doberman Pinscher dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Doberman Pinscher 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: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Doberman Pinscher 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
Doberman Pinscher 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?
Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

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

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type 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 Doberman Pinscher 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
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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

Rate This Comparsion - Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd

Reviews

  • Cam

    Sep 18, 2019, 8:00:42 PM:

    This was really helpful and had all the info I wanted

  • Tim

    Sep 19, 2019, 3:59:26 PM:

    Utter nonsense regarding the Doberman and its sniffer potential and prey drive. Honestly. Also, a Doberman struggles in the heat above 25, and below 3 ,,, give or take.

  • Tim

    Sep 19, 2019, 4:04:45 PM:

    See YouTube channel Black n Tan for a look at the Dobes prey drive and sniffing abilities. A Doberman is a brilliant sniffer. And much faster at sniff hunting than other dogs.

  • German shepherd

    Apr 24, 2020, 2:43:06 PM:

    Great

  • S. Beck

    Nov 20, 2020, 12:59:42 PM:

  • Cole Parker

    Jan 21, 2021, 9:26:18 AM:

    Most of the things were pretty accurate expect I believe Rottweilers are better with children and dogs. another thing is that all these dog probably have an average chance of biting someone. All great dogs really.