• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Australian Cattle Dog or Doberman? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher" Compare German Shepherd and Blue Heeler. Which is better: German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Blue Heeler Doberman Pinscher
OriginsGermany flagGermany Australia flagAustralia Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank251816
Reviews21218
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Australian Cattle Dog
Cattle Dog
Queensland Heeler
Red Heeler
Doberman
Dobermann
Dobynm
Dobie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 46 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher? German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $400-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Smart: The Blue Heeler dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Outstanding: Doberman Pinscher is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is easiest to train?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Blue Heeler dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most alert?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Blue Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most protective?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Hard working
Resourceful
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Doberman Pinscher 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 Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: Doberman Pinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Blue Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Blue Heeler is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Doberman Pinscher breed.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most flexible?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Doberman Pinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which uses mouth most during play?
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Blue Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Blue Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Doberman Pinscher 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 Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher health problems comparison:
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
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Wobbler's Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is most active?
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Blue Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises.
Doberman Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Blue Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep.
Doberman Pinscher dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Doberman Pinscher has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Blue
Red speckled
Blue speckled
Blue Mottled
Red Mottled
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Blue Heeler requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which drools least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Blue Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
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.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Blue Heeler has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Dense Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which requires most frequent baths?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher? German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Blue Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Doberman Pinscher?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Blue Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Doberman Pinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Blue Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Doberman Pinscher is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Blue Heelers are not the best breed for elderly people.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

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

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Blue Heeler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Doberman Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which is best for draft work?

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.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

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 Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 1-7 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Doberman Pinscher. Which has most recognition?
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
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
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Doberman Pinscher

Reviews

  • Strongly disagree

    Dec 8, 2023, 3:21:00 PM:

    Bad my dog copper is a Queensland heeler and he is loving to all my family members kid friendly protective as heck and that is why I disagree with some of the answers.