German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Decker Giant?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier" Compare German Shepherd and Rat Terrier. Which is better: German Shepherd or Rat Terrier?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	German Shepherd	Rat Terrier
Origins	Germany	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	2	97
Reviews	21	2
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Other Names What other names do they have?	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	Decker Giant Rat Rattie Ratting Terrier American Rat Terrier
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Is the German Shepherd bigger than the Rat Terrier breed? Is a German Shepherd smaller than a Rat Terrier?	Large	Small
Weight Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier weight comparison:	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Rat Terrier?	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)	Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)	Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and Rat Terrier?	$800-$2000	$300-$500
Availability Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Rat Terrier?	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Shepherd or Rat Terrier smarter? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier intelligence:	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier?	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Rat Terrier?	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier?	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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier?	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier?	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier playfulness comparison:	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Rat Terrier?	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 Rat Terrier breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Rat Terrier?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Rat Terrier?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Is a German Shepherd more dangerous than a Rat Terrier?	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier mouthiness comparison:	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier?	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Rat 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	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Heart Problems
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Rat 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 Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and Rat Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and Rat Terrier?	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier?	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.

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier energy level comparison:	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Rat Terrier?	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.	Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the Rat Terrier breed?	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	No data available
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier weight gain potential comparison:	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier coat comparison:	Fuzzy	Dense Shiny
Colors What are the original German Shepherd and Rat Terrier color? German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier color comparison:	Black Tan Red Silver	Black Tan Blue White Brown Tricolor
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier grooming comparison:	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Rat Terrier dogs?	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Rat Terrier?	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.
Hypoallergenic German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd or Rat Terrier?	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Rat Terrier 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 Shepherd vs Rat Terrier?	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.	Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Rat Terrier?	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Rat Terrier?	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Can a German Shepherd and a Rat Terrier be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Rat Terrier dogs?	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier?	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Rat 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 Rat 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.	Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Rat Terrier? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Yes This breed would make an excellent 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 Shepherd vs Rat Terrier?	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Rat Terrier 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	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier 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 Shepherd and Rat Terrier have? German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier litter size comparison:	6-10 puppies	5-7 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

German Shepherd vs Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club

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