Dog breed comparison
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd Dog
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The German Shepherd Dog is the bigger breed, about 7 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Doberman Pinscher | German Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Herding Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 inches to 26 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 60 to 80 pounds | 75 to 95 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 13 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Barking
The German Shepherd Dog barks more than the Doberman Pinscher.
Drooling
The Doberman Pinscher drools more than the German Shepherd Dog.
General health
The German Shepherd Dog tends to have fewer health problems than the Doberman Pinscher.
Energy
The German Shepherd Dog has more energy than the Doberman Pinscher.
Exercise needs
The German Shepherd Dog needs more exercise than the Doberman Pinscher.
Good with children
The German Shepherd Dog is better with children than the Doberman Pinscher.
Which to choose
Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd Dog?
Choose the Doberman Pinscher if…
- You want a dog that barks less
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
Choose the German Shepherd Dog if…
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Questions.
Is the Doberman Pinscher or the German Shepherd Dog bigger, and which lives longer?
The German Shepherd Dog is the bigger breed, about 7 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Doberman Pinscher or the German Shepherd Dog?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Doberman Pinscher or the German Shepherd Dog?
The German Shepherd Dog is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Doberman Pinscher can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Doberman Pinscher sheds less than the German Shepherd Dog. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
