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German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Welshie?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier" Compare German Shepherd and Welsh Terrier. Which is better: German Shepherd or Welsh Terrier?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Welsh Terrier
OriginsGermany flagGermany Wales flagWales
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank2109
Reviews212
User Ratings

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

German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Welsh Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Welsh Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 18-23 pounds (8-10 kg), Female: 18-23 pounds (8-10 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 20.5 pounds (9 kg), Female: 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Welsh Terrier? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Welsh Terrier?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Welsh Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Welsh Terrier?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Welsh Terrier is easier than average to get.

German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a Welsh 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.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or a Welsh Terrier? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Welsh Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a Welsh Terrier? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Welsh Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a Welsh Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Welsh Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Welsh Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Spirited
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Welsh Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Welsh Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Welsh Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Welsh Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Welsh 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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Welsh Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Welsh Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier?
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 Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Welsh Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or a Welsh Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Welsh Terrier bite force: Weak.

German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Welsh Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Welsh Terrier: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Welsh 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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and a Welsh Terrier. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Welsh Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Welsh 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
Skin Irritation

German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Welsh Terrier? Compare activity levels.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Welsh Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Welsh Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Welsh Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Welsh Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Welsh Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Welsh Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Welsh Terrier? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Wiry
Soft
Waterproof
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Welsh Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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 Welsh Terrier? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Welsh Terrier dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Welsh Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Welsh Terrier? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Welsh Terrier 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.
Welsh Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Welsh Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Welsh Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Welsh Terrier?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Welsh Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Welsh Terrier? Can a German Shepherd and a Welsh Terrier be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Welsh Terrier dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Welsh Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Welsh 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
Welsh 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.
Welsh Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a Welsh 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 Welsh 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 Welsh 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 Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier? Compare draft work capabilities.

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 history between German Shepherd and Welsh Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

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 Welsh Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Welsh Terrier. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Welsh Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Welsh 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 1888 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Welsh 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 Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Welsh 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.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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