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

"Find similarities and differences between German Pinscher vs German Shepherd" Compare German Pinscher and German Shepherd. Which is better: German Pinscher or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name German Pinscher German Shepherd
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1362
Reviews221
User Ratings

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

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Pinscher and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
25-35 pounds (11-16 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?
30 pounds (13.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Pinscher or German Shepherd? Is a German Pinscher taller than a German Shepherd?
16-19 inches (41-48 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?
17.5 inches (44.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Pinscher and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$1400-$1600 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Pinscher or German Shepherd?
Frequent: The German Pinscher is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Pinscher 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.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
German Pinscher dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
German Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Pinscher and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Loving
Courageous
Lively
Outright
Tempered
Spirited
Familiar
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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: German Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Average to High: German Pinscher dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
German Pinscher vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
German Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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 Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
The wanderlust potential of the German Pinscher is strong enough to escape from home.
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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 Pinscher vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
German Pinscher dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The German Pinscher barks occasionally.
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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 Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The German Pinscher is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Pinscher 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 Pinscher 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 Pinscher vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: German Pinscher dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German 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.

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The German Pinscher 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 Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of German Pinscher: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Pinscher 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.
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 German Pinscher and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
German Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
Rare
The German 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: German Pinscher vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Pinscher vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
No data available 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 Pinscher vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The German 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 German Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
2 to 2.5 cup 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 Pinscher vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The German Pinscher has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Pinscher and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher or German Shepherd? Do German Pinscher dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
German Pinscher dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed generally not used 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 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.
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Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German 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 German 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 German Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German 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 German 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 German Pinscher 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 Pinscher vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Pinscher and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Pinscher and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German 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.

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Pinscher and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2003 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German 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 German Pinscher and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
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
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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