Dog breed comparison
German Shepherd Dog vs Dutch Shepherd
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 11 kg heavier on average. The Dutch Shepherd tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | German Shepherd Dog | Dutch Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Herding Dogs | Herding Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 22 inches to 26 inches | 21 to 25 inches |
| Weight | 75 to 95 pounds | 50 to 70 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 15 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.
Background
Where they come from.
The German Shepherd Dog
Created in 1899 by Captain Max von Stephanitz from German herding dogs, as an all-purpose working dog. It is now one of the most widely used police, military and service dogs.
Hip and elbow scores from the parents are worth checking, since dysplasia is common in the breed.
Health to watch
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Bloat
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Hemangiosarcoma
The Dutch Shepherd
A Dutch farm dog that herded sheep, guarded property and pulled carts. As farming modernised it became a police and service dog, and it is now popular in police K9 work.
Its brindle coat comes in short, long and rough varieties.
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Goniodysplasia
- Pannus
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with other dogs
The Dutch Shepherd gets on better with other dogs than the German Shepherd Dog.
Friendly with strangers
The German Shepherd Dog is friendlier with strangers than the Dutch Shepherd.
Easy to groom
The German Shepherd Dog is easier to groom than the Dutch Shepherd.
Barking
The German Shepherd Dog barks more than the Dutch Shepherd.
Energy
The German Shepherd Dog has more energy than the Dutch Shepherd.
Exercise needs
The German Shepherd Dog needs more exercise than the Dutch Shepherd.
Which to choose
German Shepherd Dog or Dutch Shepherd?
Choose the German Shepherd Dog if…
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Choose the Dutch Shepherd if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that barks less
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
Questions.
Is the German Shepherd Dog or the Dutch Shepherd bigger, and which lives longer?
The German Shepherd Dog is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average. The Dutch Shepherd tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the German Shepherd Dog or the Dutch Shepherd?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the German Shepherd Dog or the Dutch Shepherd?
The German Shepherd Dog is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Dutch Shepherd can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Dutch Shepherd sheds less than the German Shepherd Dog. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the German Shepherd Dog and Dutch Shepherd have?
The German Shepherd Dog is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat. The Dutch Shepherd is prone to hip dysplasia, goniodysplasia, pannus. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
