Dachshund vs German Shepherd

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Dachshund Dog in Grass

Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
12 to 16 years
Size:

Small

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

Lively, intelligent and brave, Dachshunds thrive with pet parents who can provide them with love, attention and daily, relaxing walks. They'll thrive if they get mental challenges through puzzle games or scent-tracking sports and make...

Lively, intelligent and brave, Dachshunds thrive with pet parents who can provide them with love, attention and daily, relaxing walks. They'll thrive if they get mental challenges through puzzle games or scent-tracking sports and make wonderful companions for those willing to dedicate time to their care and training.

Dachshund Temperament

Dachshunds may look playful and cute, but their little hearts carry the bravery of a strong soldier. They’re loyal to a fault to their human family, but they don’t always get along so well with other dogs or cats. Because of their fragile backs and protective...

Dachshunds may look playful and cute, but their little hearts carry the bravery of a strong soldier. They’re loyal to a fault to their human family, but they don’t always get along so well with other dogs or cats.

Because of their fragile backs and protective personalities, they do better in homes without young kids and babies. A child who plays too roughly could seriously injure your Doxie, so early socialization, training and supervision with small kids and babies are important.

These small-sized but confident pups love to bark, so while they can be just fine in a small or large home, they might not be the best choice for apartment living. And if you have a yard, be warned: Dachshunds were bred to keep badgers off property, so they’ll chase any small animals in your yard and may dig a few holes to search for critters underground.

Dachshunds are smart problem solvers who might figure out a way to get at your uneaten food if you leave it out too long. While they aren’t couch potatoes, they also aren’t hyperactive; they’ll enjoy a moderate walk with you every day.

In the right home, these sausage dogs are a joy. Be ready for quite a few laughs when you have a playful Dachshund. They might even steal the socks right off your feet from time to time.

Dachshund Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
12 to 14 years
Size:

Large

Maintenance Level:

High

Shed Level:

Very High

Best For

German Shepherds, intelligent and loyal, thrive on mental challenges and active engagement. With a strong work ethic, they make exceptional working dogs. The rewarding companionship of a German Shepherd is perfect for those seeking a...

German Shepherds, intelligent and loyal, thrive on mental challenges and active engagement. With a strong work ethic, they make exceptional working dogs. The rewarding companionship of a German Shepherd is perfect for those seeking a devoted and versatile pup.

German Shepherd Temperament

The German Shepherd’s best trait is their intense, unwavering loyalty to their families. (There’s a reason they make some of the best police dogs.) The fearless breed has also been known to put themselves in harm’s way before they let a family member get hurt. Socializ...

The German Shepherd’s best trait is their intense, unwavering loyalty to their families. (There’s a reason they make some of the best police dogs.) The fearless breed has also been known to put themselves in harm’s way before they let a family member get hurt.

Socialization and training are essential for German Shepherds, to teach them that most things in this world are nothing to fear (and nothing that poses a threat to their loved ones, either). Early social interactions with kids, babies and other animals is also important if you want your German Shepherd to be well-behaved around guests. (Remember to teach children how to interact appropriately with dogs, too.) With the proper education, this easy-to-train pup can be a great family dog.

German Shepherds are born talkers. They will bark when they’re bored, and they’ll bark to alert you if something isn’t quite right. But training and exercise can help curb a lippy pup and keep their barking to when you need it the most.

These dogs are incredibly smart, and they are at their best when they have a job to do, whether working as a police or military dog, doing tracking or search and rescue, serving as a guide dog or at home practicing scent work or solving puzzles for a treat. And when they’re with their family, German Shepherds will let their silly side show as they flip their toys in the air and roll around on their backs.

German Shepherd Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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