Dog breed comparison
German Shepherd Dog vs Siberian Husky
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 17 kg heavier on average. The Siberian Husky tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | German Shepherd Dog | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Herding Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Height | 22 inches to 26 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 75 to 95 pounds | 35 to 60 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.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Easy to train
The German Shepherd Dog is easier to train than the Siberian Husky.
Good with other dogs
The Siberian Husky gets on better with other dogs than the German Shepherd Dog.
Easy to groom
The German Shepherd Dog is easier to groom than the Siberian Husky.
Intelligence
The German Shepherd Dog is quicker to learn than the Siberian Husky.
Drooling
The Siberian Husky drools more than the German Shepherd Dog.
Friendly with strangers
The Siberian Husky is friendlier with strangers than the German Shepherd Dog.
Which to choose
German Shepherd Dog or Siberian Husky?
Choose the German Shepherd Dog if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
- You want a dog that drools less
Choose the Siberian Husky if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that sheds less
Questions.
Is the German Shepherd Dog or the Siberian Husky bigger, and which lives longer?
The German Shepherd Dog is the bigger breed, about 17 kg heavier on average. The Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky?
The German Shepherd Dog is generally easier to train than the Siberian Husky. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the German Shepherd Dog or the Siberian Husky?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Siberian Husky sheds less than the German Shepherd Dog. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
