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German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Doberman?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher" Compare German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher. Which is better: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Doberman Pinscher
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank216
Reviews2118
User Ratings

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

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Doberman Pinscher?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Doberman Pinscher. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Doberman Pinscher is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Doberman Pinscher. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Doberman Pinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher 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 German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Doberman Pinscher rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Doberman Pinschers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? 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.
Very house-friendly dog the Doberman Pinscher breed.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Doberman Pinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher?
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 Doberman Pinscher Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Pinscher bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Pinscher: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? 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.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and a Doberman Pinscher. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Doberman Pinscher 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: German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher 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
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Wobbler's Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare activity levels.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Doberman Pinscher dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Doberman Pinscher dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Doberman Pinscher has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Doberman Pinscher doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Doberman Pinscher drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Doberman Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Doberman Pinscher? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Fine
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? 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 Doberman Pinscher? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Doberman Pinscher dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Doberman Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Doberman Pinscher? Can a German Shepherd and a Doberman Pinscher be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Doberman Pinscher dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Doberman Pinscher dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Doberman Pinscher 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
Doberman Pinscher 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.
Doberman Pinschers are commonly okay with elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

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 Doberman Pinscher? 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 Doberman Pinscher? 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 Doberman Pinscher? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher Reproducibility Comparison

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher. 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 1908 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher. 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher. 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.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher

Reviews

  • Cam

    Sep 18, 2019, 8:00:42 PM:

    This was really helpful and had all the info I wanted

  • Tim

    Sep 19, 2019, 3:59:26 PM:

    Utter nonsense regarding the Doberman and its sniffer potential and prey drive. Honestly. Also, a Doberman struggles in the heat above 25, and below 3 ,,, give or take.

  • Tim

    Sep 19, 2019, 4:04:45 PM:

    See YouTube channel Black n Tan for a look at the Dobes prey drive and sniffing abilities. A Doberman is a brilliant sniffer. And much faster at sniff hunting than other dogs.

  • German shepherd

    Apr 24, 2020, 2:43:06 PM:

    Great

  • S. Beck

    Nov 20, 2020, 12:59:42 PM:

  • Cole Parker

    Jan 21, 2021, 9:26:18 AM:

    Most of the things were pretty accurate expect I believe Rottweilers are better with children and dogs. another thing is that all these dog probably have an average chance of biting someone. All great dogs really.