• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Glatthaariger Pinscher or Deutsch Drahthaar? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer" Compare German Shepherd and German Pinscher. Which is better: German Shepherd or German Pinscher or German Roughhaired Pointer?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd German Pinscher German Roughhaired Pointer
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank2136205
Reviews2120
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Glatthaariger Pinscher
Standard Pinscher
Deutsch Drahthaar
Deutscher Drahthaariger
Drahthaar
German Wire-haired Pointing Dog
Vorstehhund
German Wirehaired Pointer
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Large
Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 25-35 pounds (11-16 kg) 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 30 pounds (13.5 kg) 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or German Pinscher or German Roughhaired Pointer? German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 16-19 inches (41-48 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-67 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-62 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (59 cm)

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $1400-$1600 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or German Pinscher or German Roughhaired Pointer?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The German Pinscher is easier than average to get.
Average: The German Roughhaired Pointer is a commonly available dog breed.

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which is easiest to train?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs are easy to train.
See more.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which breed is most alert?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which breed is most protective?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs are average defenders.
See more.

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Loving
Courageous
Lively
Outright
Tempered
Spirited
Familiar
Active
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Gentle
Kind
Familiar
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.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: German Pinscher dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: German Roughhaired Pointer dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs are a social breed.
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 German Pinscher is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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.
German Pinscher dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The German Pinscher barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Roughhaired Pointer rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The German Pinscher is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Roughhaired Pointers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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.
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 recommended to keep the German Roughhaired Pointer breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which breed is most flexible?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: German Pinscher dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or German Pinscher or German Roughhaired Pointer?
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 Roughhaired Pointer 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 German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The German Pinscher has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Roughhaired Pointer bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of German Pinscher: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of German Roughhaired Pointer: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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 average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
German Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Roughhaired Pointers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
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 German Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The German Roughhaired Pointer should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer 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 No data available

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The German Pinscher has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The German Roughhaired Pointer has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 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 Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
Brown
Liver
Liver and White
Solid Liver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The German Pinscher requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Roughhaired Pointer requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which drools least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Pinscher is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Roughhaired Pointer is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The German Pinscher has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Roughhaired Pointer has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Rough
Shiny
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or German Pinscher or German Roughhaired Pointer? German Shepherd or German Pinscher or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
German Pinscher dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs shed moderately.
See more.

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Pinscher dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
German Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or German Pinscher or German Roughhaired Pointer? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or German Pinscher or German Roughhaired Pointer?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or German Pinscher or German Roughhaired Pointer?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
German Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Roughhaired Pointer dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Pinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Roughhaired Pointer 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
German Pinscher is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Roughhaired Pointer 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.
German Pinschers are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Roughhaired Pointers are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

German Roughhaired Pointer breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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 German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2003 as a Working breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. 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 Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, German Pinscher, and German Roughhaired Pointer. 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
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
No data available

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs German Pinscher vs German Roughhaired Pointer

Reviews