Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dachshund Versus German Pinscher: Introduction
- Dachshund versus German Pinscher: Overview
- Dachshund versus German Pinscher: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the German Pinscher
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus German Pinscher
- Temperament of the Dachshund Versus the German Pinscher
- Price of Dachshund versus Price of German Pinscher
- The Popularity of Dachshund versus Popularity of German Pinscher
- Health Problems of Dachshund versus Health Problems of German Pinscher
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the German Pinscher
- Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the German Pinscher?
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus German Pinscher
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dachshund or the German Pinscher?
- Do Dachshunds shed more than German Pinschers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the German Pinscher?
- Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about German Pinschers?
- How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and German Pinschers?
- Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Pinscher?
- Do Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about German Pinschers?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. German Pinscher
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dachshund versus German Pinscher. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dachshund Versus German Pinscher: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dachshund and the German Pinscher? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the German Pinscher.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dachshund 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 Dachshund or the German Pinscher
Dachshund versus German Pinscher: Overview
A very important difference between the Dachshund and the German Pinscher is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dachshund is a tiny-sized dog while the German Pinscher is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Dachshund belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Dachshund versus German Pinscher: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dachshund 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.
| Factor | Dachshund | German Pinscher |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Weight | 16 to 32 pounds | 25 to 45 pounds |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1730 | $2040 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | $1150 – $2688 |
| Temperament Score | 69.4 percent | 91.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 11 | 135 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dachshund 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 a Dachshund is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a German Pinscher is 78 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Pinscher is a better pet than the Dachshund. 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 Dachshund and the German Pinscher so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the German Pinscher
The Dachshund and the German Pinscher are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dachshund and the German Pinscher are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus German Pinscher
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dachshund and the German Pinscher.
Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds when fully grown. Dachshunds are 8 inches to 9 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.
Temperament of the Dachshund Versus the German Pinscher
The German Pinscher has a better temperament than the Dachshund.
This is because the temperament score for the German Pinscher is 91.9 percent while the temperament score for the Dachshund is 69.4 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 they 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 69.4 percent, the Dachshund has a below-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 Dachshund and the German Pinscher by measuring the temperaments of 49 Dachshunds and 37 German Pinschers.
Price of Dachshund versus Price of German Pinscher
The average price of the Dachshund puppy is $1730. The price of the Dachshund typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Dachshund can be as low as $200 and as high as $24000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 698 Dachshund puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the German Pinscher puppy is $2040. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $1150 – $2688. However, the price of a German Pinscher can be as low as $500 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 10 German Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The German Pinscher is more expensive than the Dachshund.
| Dachshund | German Pinscher | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1730 | $2040 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2000 | $1150 to $2688 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Dachshund and German Pinscher. For different price points, the charts show how many Dachshund puppies or how many German Pinscher puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Dachshunds. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dachshund 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Popularity of Dachshund versus Popularity of German Pinscher
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Dachshund and the German Pinscher over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Dachshund is more popular with dog owners than the German Pinscher. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Dachshund is 11 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the German Pinscher is 135 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Dachshund
Popularity of German Pinscher
| Year | Dachshund Popularity Rank | German Pinscher Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 10 | 130 |
| 2014 | 11 | 141 |
| 2015 | 13 | 138 |
| 2016 | 13 | 146 |
| 2017 | 13 | 136 |
| 2018 | 12 | 134 |
| 2019 | 11 | 123 |
| 2020 | 10 | 139 |
Health Problems of Dachshund versus Health Problems of German Pinscher
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Dachshund 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 Dachshund is prone to more genetic health problems than the German Pinscher.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Dachshund than for the German Pinscher.
5 health tests are recommended for Dachshund while 4 tests are recommended for the German Pinscher.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dachshunds and in German Pinschers.
Dachshund Health Problems
Dachshunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dachshund 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 Dachshund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dachshund 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 Dachshunds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dachshunds 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Pinschers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Dachshunds and German Pinschers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dachshund Breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Dachshund ranks 6 out of 32 dog breeds for Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 175 Dachshunds, 2 of them had Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dachshunds, and how common these diseases are in Dachshunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the German Pinscher Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the German Pinscher ranks 11 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 77 German Pinschers, 2 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Pinschers, and how common these diseases are in German Pinschers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Dachshund and in German Pinscher and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dachshund and the German Pinscher:
| Disease | Dachshund Rank | German Pinscher Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 6 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 27 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 30 out of 71 dog breeds | 11 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 42 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 65 out of 159 dog breeds | 15 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 106 out of 115 dog breeds | 56 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 160 out of 182 dog breeds | 110 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 161 out of 198 dog breeds | 196 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 95 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the German Pinscher
Dachshunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the German Pinscher?
Dachshunds are not easy to train.
German Pinschers are very easy to train.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus German Pinscher
Dachshunds can be left alone only for a short time.
German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dachshunds 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 Dachshund or the German Pinscher?
Dachshunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.
Do Dachshunds shed more than German Pinschers?
Dachshunds shed moderately.
German Pinschers shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the German Pinscher?
Dachshunds are moderately easy to groom.
German Pinschers are very easy to groom.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dachshund or the German Pinscher?
Dachshunds are very good for new dog owners.
German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.
Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about German Pinschers?
Dachshunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
German Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Dachshund Better for Apartment Owners than the German Pinscher?
Dachshunds adapt very well to apartment living.
German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and German Pinschers?
Dachshunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Pinscher?
Dachshunds 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 Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about German Pinschers?
Dachshunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.
Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. German Pinscher
Dachshunds 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.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dachshund that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dachshund:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Pinscher that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the German Pinscher:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Dachshund and how the German Pinscher compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dachshund and of the German Pinscher to other breeds:
Dachshund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dachshund versus American Hairless Terrier Dachshund versus Morkie Dachshund versus Barbet Dachshund versus Shihpoo Dachshund versus Australian Cattle Dog Dachshund versus Chorkie Dachshund versus Shiba Inu Dachshund versus Labradoodle Dachshund versus Bernese Mountain Dog Dachshund versus Treeing Walker Coonhound
German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Pinscher versus Xoloitzcuintli German Pinscher versus Bichon Frise German Pinscher versus Lakeland Terrier German Pinscher versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog German Pinscher versus Miniature Pinscher German Pinscher versus Bulldog German Pinscher versus Stabyhoun German Pinscher versus Welsh Terrier German Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle German Pinscher versus Standard Schnauzer
Conclusion: Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the German Pinscher better suits you and your family.