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German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or American Gentlemen?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier" Compare German Shepherd and Boston Terrier. Which is better: German Shepherd or Boston Terrier?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Boston Terrier
OriginsGermany flagGermany United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank221
Reviews212
User Ratings

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

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Boston Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 10-25 pounds (6-11kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 17.5 pounds (8.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Boston Terrier? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Boston Terrier?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 15-17 inches (38-43 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 16 inches (40.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Boston Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Boston Terrier?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Boston Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Boston Terrier 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 Boston Terrier?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? 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 Shepherd indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Boston Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Boston Terrier 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.

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? 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 Shepherd and a Boston Terrier. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Boston Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier 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
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Deafness
Cherry Eye
Brain Tumors
Megaesophagus
Reverse Sneezing

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare activity levels.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Boston Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Boston Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Boston Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Boston Terrier? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Fine
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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 Boston Terrier? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Boston Terrier dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Boston Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Boston Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Boston Terrier? Can a German Shepherd and a Boston Terrier be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Boston Terrier dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Boston Terrier 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
Boston Terrier 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.
Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare scenting abilities.

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.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a Boston Terrier? 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 Shepherd and Boston Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

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

Yes

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

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Boston Terrier. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Boston Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Boston Terrier. 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 Shepherd vs Boston Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Boston Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Boston Terrier. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Boston Terrier. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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

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