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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
Reviews219
User Ratings

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

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

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

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Pinscher or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? German Pinscher vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
German Pinscher vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
German Pinscher dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Pinscher or German Shepherd?
German Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Pinscher or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

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

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Low 🔽

The German Pinscher has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Pinscher vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
German Pinscher dogs have an 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.
See more.

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Pinscher vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
German Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
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
Veterinarian Visits
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).
Life Expectancy
German Pinscher vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do German Pinscher and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Pinscher and German Shepherd?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of German Pinscher: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
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.

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Pinscher vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original German Pinscher and German Shepherd color? German Pinscher vs German Shepherd color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
Brown
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Pinscher or German Shepherd? German Pinscher vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Effortless: The German Pinscher requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Pinscher or German Shepherd?
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.
Hypoallergenic
German 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, German Pinscher or German Shepherd?

Low 🔽

The German Pinscher has a low 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 German Pinscher vs German Shepherd?
The German Pinscher 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.

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Pinscher or German Shepherd?
German Pinscher dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-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
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.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German 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.
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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: German Pinscher vs German Shepherd?

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.
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

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

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 German Pinscher and German Shepherd have? German Pinscher vs German Shepherd litter size comparison:
6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies

German Pinscher vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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 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
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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