Doberman Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

Doberman Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd

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Doberman Pinscher Versus Dutch Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd? 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd 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 Doberman Pinscher and for the Dutch Shepherd. 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Doberman Pinscher or the Dutch Shepherd

Doberman Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd

Doberman Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Doberman Pinscher is a large-sized dog while the Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Doberman 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.

On the other hand, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Doberman Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Doberman Pinscher to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Doberman Pinscher Dutch Shepherd
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
General Health 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 25 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 60 to 80 pounds 50 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1910 $1590
Price Range $1100 – $2500 $900 – $2000
Temperament Score 79.5 percent 96.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Working Aptitude
  • No Data

    *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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Dutch Shepherd. 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 Doberman Pinscher is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Doberman Pinscher. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    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 Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Doberman Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd are most different:

  • Doberman Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Dutch Shepherds can tolerate cold weather.
  • Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Dutch Shepherds get along well with other dogs.
  • Doberman Pinschers have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Dutch Shepherds are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • The Similarities Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd

    The Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd are most similar:

  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Doberman Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd.

    Doberman Pinschers weigh 60 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Doberman Pinschers are 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Doberman Pinscher Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Doberman Pinscher.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Doberman Pinscher is 79.5 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 79.5 percent, the Doberman Pinscher has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 1780 Doberman Pinschers and 26 Dutch Shepherds.

    Price of Doberman Pinscher versus Price of Dutch Shepherd

    The average price of the Doberman Pinscher puppy is $1910. The price of the Doberman Pinscher typically ranges from $1100 – $2500. However, the price of a Doberman Pinscher can be as low as $300 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 476 Doberman Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Doberman Pinscher is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Doberman Pinscher Dutch Shepherd
    Average Price $1910 $1590
    Price Range $1100 to $2500 $900 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Doberman Pinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Doberman Pinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Doberman Pinscher puppy or the Dutch Shepherd 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.

    Doberman Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd

    Adopting the Doberman Pinscher versus Adopting the Dutch Shepherd

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Doberman Pinschers and many Dutch Shepherds are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Doberman Pinscher named Charlie that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Doberman Pinschers like Charlie on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Doberman Pinschers, Dutch Shepherds are also available for adoption. For example, Mercy – Located In Connecticut is a Male Dutch Shepherd that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Dutch Shepherds like Mercy – Located In Connecticut that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Seymour is the name of another Doberman Pinscher (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also Bosco – Located In Georgia, an adorable Male Dutch Shepherd on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Doberman Pinschers and Dutch Shepherds are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Doberman Pinschers and Dutch Shepherds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Doberman Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd

    Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Doberman Pinscher or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Does the Doberman Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Doberman Pinschers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Doberman Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?

    Doberman Pinschers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Doberman Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd

    Doberman Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Wanderlust Potential: Doberman Pinscher vs. Dutch Shepherd

    Doberman Pinschers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Doberman Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Doberman Pinscher or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Doberman Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    How Kid-friendly are Doberman Pinschers and Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Do Doberman Pinschers shed more than Dutch Shepherds?

    Doberman Pinschers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Doberman Pinscher or the Dutch Shepherd

    Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Doberman Pinscher or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Doberman Pinscher

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Doberman 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 Doberman Pinscher:

  • Rottweiler (68 percent match with Doberman Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Rottweiler.
  • Schnoodle (67 percent match with Doberman Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Schnoodle.
  • Neapolitan Mastiff (67 percent match with Doberman Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Doberman Pinscher vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Doberman Pinscher vs Japanese Spitz.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Doberman Pinscher and how the Dutch Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Doberman Pinscher and of the Dutch Shepherd to other breeds:

    Doberman Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Doberman Pinscher versus Affenhuahua     Doberman Pinscher versus Finnish Spitz     Doberman Pinscher versus Australian Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Beaglier     Doberman Pinscher versus Puggle     Doberman Pinscher versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Doberman Pinscher versus Greyhound     Doberman Pinscher versus English Toy Spaniel     Doberman Pinscher versus Harrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Boston Terrier     

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Australian Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Affenpinscher     Dutch Shepherd versus English Cocker Spaniel     Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer     Dutch Shepherd versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu     Dutch Shepherd versus Canaan Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer     Dutch Shepherd versus Samoyed     Dutch Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Doberman Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd. 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you and your family.