Mastiff vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Old English Mastiff or Alsatian wolf dog?

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

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	Mastiff	German Shepherd
Origins	England	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	28	2
Reviews	3	19
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Other Names What other names do they have?	Old English Mastiff English Mastiff	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Mastiff vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Mastiff or German Shepherd? Is the Mastiff bigger than the German Shepherd breed? Is a Mastiff smaller than a German Shepherd?	Giant	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Mastiff or German Shepherd? Mastiff vs German Shepherd weight comparison:	Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Mastiff or German Shepherd? Is a Mastiff taller than a German Shepherd?	Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Mastiff or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Mastiff and German Shepherd?	$1200-$1500	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Mastiff or German Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Mastiff or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Mastiff vs German Shepherd intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Mastiff vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Mastiff vs German Shepherd?	Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Mastiff or German Shepherd?	Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Mastiff or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Mastiff or German Shepherd? Mastiff vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:	Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Cheerful	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Mastiff vs German Shepherd?	Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Mastiff vs German Shepherd?	High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Mastiff vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Mastiff vs German Shepherd?	Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Mastiff vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?	Their prey drive is low. See more.	German Shepherd 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

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Mastiff vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:	Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Mastiff vs German Shepherd?	Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Mastiff or German Shepherd?	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 Mastiff 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 Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Mastiff or German Shepherd?	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.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Mastiff vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Mastiff vs German Shepherd?	Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Mastiff vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Mastiff vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Seizures Cystinuria	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
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Mastiff vs German Shepherd?	Rare The Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Mastiff vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Mastiff and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Mastiff and German Shepherd?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Mastiff vs German Shepherd?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. 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.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Mastiff or German Shepherd? Does the Mastiff breed eat more than the German Shepherd breed?	8 to 10 cups 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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Mastiff vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Mastiff vs German Shepherd coat comparison:	Dense	Fuzzy
Colors What are the original Mastiff and German Shepherd color? Mastiff vs German Shepherd color comparison:	Fawn Brindle Apricot	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Mastiff or German Shepherd? Mastiff vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:	Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Mastiff or German Shepherd? Do Mastiff dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?	Mastiff dogs shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Mastiff or German Shepherd?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Mastiff vs German Shepherd 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, Mastiff or German Shepherd?	High 🔼 The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Mastiff vs German Shepherd?	The Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Mastiff or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	German Shepherd 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 Mastiff or German Shepherd?	Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Mastiff or German Shepherd?	Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Mastiff or German Shepherd? Can a Mastiff and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Mastiff dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?	Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Mastiff vs German Shepherd?	Yes Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Mastiff or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a 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: Mastiff vs German Shepherd?	Not really Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd 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?	Yes 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	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd 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 Mastiff and German Shepherd have? Mastiff vs German Shepherd litter size comparison:	3-5 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Mastiff vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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	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

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