Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd

Compare the Doberman Pinscher to the German Shepherd. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds.

Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
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General Details
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-14 Years
Height
24-28 Inches
22-26 Inches
Weight
65-99 Pounds
75-95 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Origin Country
Germany
Germany
Origin Year
1890 AD
1899 AD
Temperament
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Overall Friendliness
Average
Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Below Average
Personality
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Traits
Needy
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
No
Yes
Large Yard
No
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
50-75 °F
40-85 °F
Barks/Howls
None
Average
Exercise Needs
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
Medium to High
High
Top Running Speed
30 MPH
30 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Coat Maintenance
Low
Medium to High
Shedding
Low
High
Dander
Low
High
Drool
Low
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Dominant / Alpha
Yes
No
Family / Pack
No
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Aggression
Below Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Average
Above Average
Fighting
Average
Below Average
Guarding
Above Average
Above Average
Herding
Below Average
Above Average
Hunting
Below Average
Above Average
Protection
Above Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-14 Years
Health Concerns
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Wobbler Syndrome
Cardiomyopathy
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Smooth
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Short
Short to Medium
Coat Coloring
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Breed Colors
Black and Rust
Blue and Rust
Isabella and Rust
Red and Rust
White
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Blue
Gray
Liver
White
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