Is the Border Terrier Better than the German Pinscher as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Border Terrier Versus German Pinscher: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Border Terrier and for the German Pinscher. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Border Terrier or the German Pinscher.

Border Terrier versus German Pinscher: Overview

A very important difference between the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Border Terrier is a small-sized dog while the German Pinscher is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Border Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the German Pinscher belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Border Terrier versus German Pinscher: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Terrier to the German Pinscher based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher

Factor Border Terrier German Pinscher
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 11 to 15 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1160 $2690
Price Range $800 – $1400 $2500 – $2825
Temperament Score 91.6 percent 91.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination annually until at least Age 8ys (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the German Pinscher. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Border Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Pinscher is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Pinscher is a better pet than the Border Terrier. So, you should get the German Pinscher!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher

    Below is a list of where the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher are most different:

    • Border Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, German Pinschers are very easy to groom.
    • Border Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, German Pinschers are not very friendly towards strangers.

    The Similarities Between the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher

    The Border Terrier and the German Pinscher are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher are most similar:

    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Border Terrier versus German Pinscher

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher.

    Border Terriers weigh 11 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Border Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Border Terrier versus German Pinscher

    The lifespan of Border Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of German Pinschers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Pinschers is 13.0 years.

    Border Terriers live longer than German Pinschers.

    Temperament of the Border Terrier Versus the German Pinscher

    The German Pinscher has a better temperament than the Border Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the German Pinscher is 91.9 percent while the temperament score for the Border Terrier is 91.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 91.6 percent, the Border Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.9 percent, the German Pinscher has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher by measuring the temperaments of 143 Border Terriers and 37 German Pinschers.

    Price of Border Terrier versus Price of German Pinscher

    The average price of the Border Terrier puppy is $1160. The price of the Border Terrier typically ranges from $800 – $1400. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 19 Border Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the German Pinscher puppy is $2690. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $2500 – $2825. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 6 German Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The German Pinscher is more expensive than the Border Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Border Terrier and German Pinscher. For different price points, the charts show how many Border Terrier puppies or how many German Pinscher puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Border Terrier puppy or the German Pinscher puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Border Terrier versus Health Problems of German Pinscher

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Border Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the German Pinscher.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Border Terrier than for the German Pinscher.

    5 health tests are recommended for Border Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the German Pinscher.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Border Terriers and in German Pinschers.

    Border Terrier Health Problems

    Border Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Border Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Border Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Border Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Border Terriers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination annually until at least Age 8ys (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Border Terriers here.

    German Pinscher Health Problems

    German Pinschers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Pinscher puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a German Pinscher puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Pinscher breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen German Pinschers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Pinschers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Border Terrier versus German Pinscher

    Border Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Border Terriers shed more than German Pinschers?

    Border Terriers shed moderately.

    German Pinschers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Border Terrier or the German Pinscher

    Border Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Terrier or the German Pinscher?

    Border Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    German Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Border Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Pinscher?

    Border Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    German Pinschers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Border Terriers Bark and Howl? What about German Pinschers?

    Border Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Border Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Terrier vs. German Pinscher

    Border Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    German Pinschers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Border Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Terrier or the German Pinscher?

    Border Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Border Terriers good family dogs? What about German Pinschers?

    Border Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    German Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Border Terriers and German Pinschers?

    Border Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Border Terrier Easier to Train than the German Pinscher?

    Border Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    German Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Is the Border Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the German Pinscher?

    Border Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Border Terrier or the German Pinscher?

    Border Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Border Terrier versus German Pinscher. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Border Terrier and the German Pinscher better suits you and your family.