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

"Find similarities and differences between German Groenendael vs German Shepherd" Compare German Groenendael and German Shepherd. Which is better: German Groenendael or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name German Groenendael German Shepherd
OriginsGermany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium Germany flagGermany
Group Designer Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank14132
Reviews021
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Groenendael and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
No data available Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Groenendael and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Cross Breed Purebred

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Groenendael and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 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: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Groenendael or German Shepherd? Is a German Groenendael taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 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: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

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

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Groenendael and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Curious
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Obedient
Loyal
Hard
Working
Watchful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Groenendael vs German Shepherd?
Sensitive: German Groenendael dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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: German Groenendael vs German Shepherd?
High: German Groenendael dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
German Groenendael vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
German Groenendael dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Groenendael vs German Shepherd?
German Groenendael dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Groenendael vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
German Groenendael 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.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
German Groenendael 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: German Groenendael or German Shepherd?
German Groenendael dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The German Groenendael 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 German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Groenendael dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Groenendael bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Groenendael: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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 German Groenendael and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
German Groenendaels are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Groenendael vs German Shepherd?
Rare
The German Groenendael 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: German Groenendael vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Groenendael vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Hyperthyroidism
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
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

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
German Groenendael dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Groenendael vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Groenendael or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Groenendael dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Groenendael or German Shepherd?
German Groenendael dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Groenendael has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 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.

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The German Groenendael 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 German Groenendael and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Soft
Fuzzy
Thick
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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 German Groenendael or German Shepherd? Do German Groenendael dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
German Groenendael dogs shed above average.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Groenendael dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Groenendael dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Groenendael or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
German Groenendael dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Groenendael or German Shepherd?
German Groenendael dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Groenendael or German Shepherd? Can a German Groenendael and a German Shepherd be friends? Do German Groenendael dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
German Groenendael 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: German Groenendael vs German Shepherd?
Yes
German Groenendael 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
German Groenendael 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?
German Groenendaels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

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

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Groenendael or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Groenendael breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Groenendael 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.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military history between German Groenendael 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.

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

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

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Groenendael vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Groenendael and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Groenendael and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Groenendael and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
No data available 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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