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German Shepherd vs Whippet Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Snap Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Whippet" Compare German Shepherd and Whippet. Which is better: German Shepherd or Whippet?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Whippet
OriginsGermany flagGermany England flagEngland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank261
Reviews192
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Snap Dog
English Whippet
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Whippet breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Whippet Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, German Shepherd or Whippet? Is the German Shepherd bigger than the Whippet breed? Is a German Shepherd smaller than a Whippet?
Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Whippet? German Shepherd vs Whippet weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Whippet? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Whippet?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Whippet Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Whippet? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and Whippet?
$800-$2000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Whippet?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Whippet is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Whippet Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Shepherd or Whippet smarter? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Whippet intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Trainability
German Shepherd vs Whippet trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Whippet?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Whippet dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Whippet?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Whippet dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Whippet? 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.
Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Whippet Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Whippet? German Shepherd vs Whippet behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Outright
Companionable
Adaptable
Quiet
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Whippet?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Whippet 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 Whippet?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Whippet social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Whippet 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 Whippet?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Whippet 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 Whippet? 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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Whippet dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Whippet Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Whippet playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Whippet?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Whippet?
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 Whippet breed.

German Shepherd vs Whippet 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.
Whippet 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 Whippet?
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 Whippet Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Whippet?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Whippet bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a German Shepherd more dangerous than a Whippet?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Whippet mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Whippet dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Whippet Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Whippet health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Whippet?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Whippet is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Whippet? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Whippet 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
Heart Murmurs
Hypothyroidism
Von Willebrand's Disease
Heart Problems
Deafness
Vaccination Sensitivity
Drug Sensitivity
Arthritis
Kidney Issues
Addison's Disease
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Whippet?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Whippet should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Whippet lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and Whippet breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and Whippet?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Whippet?
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 warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Whippet Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Whippet Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Whippet? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the Whippet breed?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Whippet weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Whippet Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Whippet coat comparison:
Fuzzy Fine
Short
Close in texture
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd and Whippet color? German Shepherd vs Whippet color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Fawn
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Whippet? German Shepherd vs Whippet grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Whippet? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Whippet dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Whippet dogs are low shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Whippet?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Whippet hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd or Whippet?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Whippet?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Whippet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Whippet Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Whippet dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Whippet? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Whippet?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Whippet?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Whippet? Can a German Shepherd and a Whippet be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Whippet dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Whippet?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Whippet 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
Whippet 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.
Whippets are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Whippet 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.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Whippet? 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.
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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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Whippet?

Not really

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

Not really

Whippet 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.
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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 Whippet 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 Whippet have? German Shepherd vs Whippet litter size comparison:
6-10 puppies 4-8 puppies

German Shepherd vs Whippet 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 1888 as a Hound 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. Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.
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
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
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
Canadian Canine Registry

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Whippet

Reviews

  • Emma

    May 23, 2021, 2:37:44 PM:

    I find this comparison very unreliable. Whippets sleep a LOT. They are a healthier breed than German Shepherds. Both breeds have very high exercise needs. I would not recommend German Shepherds for elderly people since they can be very heavy pullers.