Doberman vs German Shepherd

Doberman vs German Shepherd is always a close call, because they’ve got a lot of similarities. Both were bred to work and serve people. They originally hail from German, and are products of careful, focused breeding efforts over many decades. But they aren’t identikit dogs. Doberman are usually slightly heavier and stockier, and naturally have floppy ears that aren’t upright like the German Shepherd.

Contents

• Size differences
• Grooming and shedding
• Personalties and guarding tendencies
• The question of health

What is the difference between Doberman and German Shepherd dogs?

The Doberman Pinscher was born in 1890 and named after this breed’s founder, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. The goal was to create a police and soldier dog that would be strong, fearless and intimidating.

The German Shepherd dog breed was born in 1889 in Germany by Captain Max von Stephanitz. His goal was to create a strong and sturdy working dog to assist people with a variety of jobs, including military and police work.

Doberman vs German Shepherd Size

When comparing the Doberman vs German Shepherd to determine which is stronger, it will be a close contest indeed! The Doberman weighs 60 to 100 pounds and stands 24 to 28 inches tall in adulthood.

The German Shepherd dog weighs 50 to 90 pounds and stands 22 to 26 inches tall in adulthood. Males of both breeds tend to be taller and heavier than females.

Shedding and Grooming

The Doberman’s short coat is typically easy to maintain. This dog breed won’t shed much and usually looks smooth and shiny with just a bit of daily brushing.

In contrast, the German Shepherd dog’s medium, thick, double-layer coat can shed quite a bit. This is especially during the twice-annual seasonal “coat blows” when the entire coat replenishes itself. You will need to commit to more regular brushing and grooming during these times.

Doberman vs German Shepherd Temperament

Both the Doberman and the GSD are popular pet dogs! Overall, both dog breeds have a loving, calm and confident temperament. They are very smart and eager to please their people.

If you had to choose between a Doberman vs German Shepherd for protection, you truly can’t go wrong with either dog breed! To watch a Doberman vs German Shepherd race to protect and defend their people and their territory from a threat is a sight you won’t soon forget.

In canine training lingo, this trait is called the “guarding tendency.” Both the Doberman and the GSD score very high – off the charts, really – in this particular trait. It is truly hard to say which dog has more of the trait than the other.

However, choosing a pet dog with high guarding tendencies also means you will have a special and ongoing responsibility and obligation to train your dog to use this trait wisely.

Doberman vs German Shepherd Training

Both of these dog breeds were originally created to work and serve people with jobs like police, military, K-9, guarding and protection.

As well, both dog breeds are quite strong, which means that early and ongoing socialization and training is key to bringing up a pup prepared to live productively in a family and community.

Be aware that some home insurance companies may be reluctant to issue a policy to a homeowner living with a GSD or Doberman.

Intelligence

The Doberman and the GSD are both very smart, independent and confident dogs. Luckily this means they learn good behavior quickly with consistent positive reinforcement!

It also means they can get bored and destructive if they don’t have enough opportunities to exercise and “work”. So before you bring home either breed, make sure you have the time to keep these workaholic pups occupied.

Differences in Health Problems

Nothing is more heart-breaking than making a commitment to a new puppy, only to discover that puppy has major genetic (and perhaps life-limiting) health issues.

This is the main reason we recommend doing your research in advance before choosing a new puppy to love and care for!

   

Doberman health problems and testing

The CHIC database currently recommends that Doberman Pinscher parent dogs be pre-screened for:

• hip dysplasia
• cardiac issues
• autoimmune thyroiditis
• von Willebrand’s disease
• eye issues
• and working aptitude.

Your puppy’s breeder should be able to show proof that parent dogs have been tested and cleared for all currently known major hereditary health concerns.

German Shepherd health problems and testing

The CHIC database currently recommends that German Shepherd parent dogs be pre-screened for:

• hip and elbow dysplasia
• and temperament.

Optional recommended tests include:

• cardiac issues
• eye issues
• autoimmune thyroiditis
• and degenerative myelopathy.