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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
Reviews1619
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Doberman
Dobermann
Dobynm
Dobie
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Is the Doberman Pinscher bigger than the German Shepherd breed? Is a Doberman Pinscher smaller than a German Shepherd?
Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
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
Which is cheaper, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd?
$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

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Trainability
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
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

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
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

Playfulness
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
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

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Doberman Pinscher more dangerous than a German Shepherd?

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
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.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
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
Veterinarian Visits
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).
Life Expectancy
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
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.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:
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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Does the Doberman Pinscher breed eat more than the German Shepherd breed?
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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
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.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Fine Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd color? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
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.
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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
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.
Hypoallergenic
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
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.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-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
Which one could be a service dog?

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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a 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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd?

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.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

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

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd have? Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd litter size comparison:
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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 Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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.