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

Dutch Shepherd versus German Pinscher

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Dutch Shepherd Versus German Pinscher: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the German Pinscher

Dutch Shepherd versus German Pinscher

Dutch Shepherd versus German Pinscher: Overview

Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher are similar in size. The Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, 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.

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.

Dutch Shepherd versus German Pinscher: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd German Pinscher
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1590 $2040
Price Range $900 – $2000 $1150 – $2688
Temperament Score 96.2 percent 91.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • *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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a German Pinscher is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the German 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 Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Dutch Shepherd versus German Pinscher

    The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher

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

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher are very playful.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus German Pinscher

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

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches 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 German Pinscher Versus the Dutch Shepherd

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the German Pinscher is 91.9 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the German Pinscher by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 37 German Pinschers.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of German Pinscher

    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 reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd German Pinscher
    Average Price $1590 $2040
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $1150 to $2688

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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.

    Dutch Shepherd versus German Pinscher
    Dutch Shepherd versus German Pinscher

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus German Pinscher

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

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

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

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. German Pinscher

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

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

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

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    German Pinschers are very easy to groom.

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

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

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

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and German Pinschers?

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

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

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

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers shed moderately.

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

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    German Pinschers are very easy to train.

    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 German Pinscher vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs Japanese Spitz.
  • 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:

  • Australian Kelpie (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie.
  • Belgian Malinois (80 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois.
  • German Wirehaired Pointer (83 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs German Wirehaired Pointer.
  • Mudi (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Mudi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Akita     Dutch Shepherd versus Lhasa Apso     Dutch Shepherd versus Shihpoo     Dutch Shepherd versus Keeshond     Dutch Shepherd versus Mastiff     Dutch Shepherd versus Bouvier des Flandres     Dutch Shepherd versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Dutch Shepherd versus King Shepherd     Dutch Shepherd versus Chihuahua     Dutch Shepherd versus Cane Corso     

    German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Pinscher versus Mountain Cur     German Pinscher versus Belgian Malinois     German Pinscher versus Lowchen     German Pinscher versus German Longhaired Pointer     German Pinscher versus Bernese Mountain Dog     German Pinscher versus Puggle     German Pinscher versus Cockapoo     German Pinscher versus Tibetan Terrier     German Pinscher versus Cairn Terrier     German Pinscher versus English Cocker Spaniel     

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