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Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Schnauzer or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd" Compare Standard Schnauzer and German Shepherd. Which is better: Standard Schnauzer or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Standard Schnauzer German Shepherd
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank902
Reviews221
User Ratings

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

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Standard Schnauzer and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 30-40 pounds (14-18 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: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 35 pounds (16 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Standard Schnauzer or German Shepherd? Is a Standard Schnauzer taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 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: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Standard Schnauzer and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1500 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Standard Schnauzer or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Standard Schnauzer is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Very smart: Standard Schnauzer is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Standard Schnauzer dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Standard Schnauzer dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Standard Schnauzer dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Standard Schnauzer and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Intelligent
Devoted
Lively
Trainable
Good-natured
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd 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: Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd?
Average to High: Standard Schnauzer dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Standard Schnauzer dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd 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 Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd?
Standard Schnauzer dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Standard Schnauzer dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Standard Schnauzer barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The Standard Schnauzer is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? 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 Standard Schnauzer 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.

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: Standard Schnauzer dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Standard Schnauzer or German Shepherd?
Standard Schnauzer 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Standard Schnauzer has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Standard Schnauzer dogs have an 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.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Standard Schnauzer bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Standard Schnauzer: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Standard Schnauzer 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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Standard Schnauzer and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
Standard Schnauzers tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd?
Frequent
The Standard Schnauzer should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Follicular Dermatitis
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

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Low: The Standard Schnauzer has good luck with genetics.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Standard Schnauzer and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Pepper
Salt
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Standard Schnauzer is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Standard Schnauzer has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Standard Schnauzer dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Standard Schnauzer dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Standard Schnauzer or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Standard Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Standard Schnauzer or German Shepherd?
Standard Schnauzer dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Standard Schnauzer or German Shepherd? Can a Standard Schnauzer and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Standard Schnauzer dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Standard Schnauzer dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Standard Schnauzer 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
Standard Schnauzer 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?
Standard Schnauzers are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Standard Schnauzer breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Standard Schnauzer or a German Shepherd? 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 Standard Schnauzer and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Standard Schnauzer and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
4-8 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Standard Schnauzer and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Standard Schnauzer and German Shepherd. 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.

Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Standard Schnauzer and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Standard Schnauzer and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Standard Schnauzer and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
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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