Is the German Pinscher Better than the Kuvasz as a Pet? Answer…

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German Pinscher Versus Kuvasz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz 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 German Pinscher and for the Kuvasz. 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 German Pinscher and the Kuvasz.

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

German Pinscher versus Kuvasz

German Pinscher versus Kuvasz: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz are Working Dogs. This means both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz 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.

German Pinscher versus Kuvasz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Pinscher to the Kuvasz 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 German Pinscher and the Kuvasz

Factor German Pinscher Kuvasz
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 70 to 115 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2040 $1630
Price Range $1150 – $2688 $1438 – $1812
Temperament Score 91.9 percent 78.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 135 161

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German 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 Kuvasz. 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 German Pinscher is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kuvasz is 66 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz

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

  • German Pinschers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Kuvaszs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz

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

  • Both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of German Pinscher versus Kuvasz

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

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

    On the other hand, Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of German Pinscher versus Kuvasz

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

    The lifespan of Kuvaszs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Kuvaszs is 11.0 years.

    German Pinschers live longer than Kuvaszs.

    Temperament of the Kuvasz Versus the German Pinscher

    The German Pinscher has a better temperament than the Kuvasz.

    This is because the temperament score for the German Pinscher is 91.9 percent while the temperament score for the Kuvasz is 78.4 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 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 91.9 percent, the German Pinscher has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 78.4 percent, the Kuvasz has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz by measuring the temperaments of 37 German Pinschers and 51 Kuvaszs.

    Price of German Pinscher versus Price of Kuvasz

    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 reviewing the prices of 10 German Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Kuvasz puppy is $1630. The price of the Kuvasz typically ranges from $1438 – $1812. However, the price of the Kuvasz can be as low as $1250 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 Kuvasz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The German Pinscher is more expensive than the Kuvasz.

    German Pinscher Kuvasz
    Average Price $2040 $1630
    Price Range $1150 to $2688 $1438 to $1812

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs?

    A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs?

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

    The Popularity of German Pinscher versus Popularity of Kuvasz

    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 German Pinscher and the Kuvasz over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the German Pinscher is more popular with dog owners than the Kuvasz. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the German Pinscher is 135 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Kuvasz is 161 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of German Pinscher

    Popularity of German Pinscher

    Popularity of Kuvasz

    Popularity of Kuvasz

    Year German Pinscher Popularity Rank Kuvasz Popularity Rank
    2013 130 150
    2014 141 161
    2015 138 150
    2016 146 165
    2017 136 157
    2018 134 163
    2019 123 166
    2020 139 177

    Health Problems of German Pinscher versus Health Problems of Kuvasz

    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 German Pinscher and the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz is prone to more genetic health problems than the German Pinscher.

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

    4 health tests are recommended for German Pinscher while 7 tests are recommended for the Kuvasz.

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

    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.

    Kuvasz Health Problems

    Kuvaszs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Kuvasz 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 Kuvaszs for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kuvaszs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in German Pinschers and Kuvaszs

    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:

  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 11 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 15 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 56 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 95 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 110 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 196 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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 Kuvasz Breed is Thyroid problems.

    This is because the Kuvasz ranks 7 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 434 Kuvaszs, 51 of them had Thyroid problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Kuvaszs, and how common these diseases are in Kuvaszs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Thyroid problems: Rank 7 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 25 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 52 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 64 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 124 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in German Pinscher and in Kuvasz and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the German Pinscher and the Kuvasz:

    Disease German Pinscher Rank Kuvasz Rank
    Advanced Cardiac problems 11 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 15 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 56 out of 115 dog breeds 7 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 95 out of 144 dog breeds 64 out of 144 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 110 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 196 out of 198 dog breeds 52 out of 198 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 25 out of 70 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 124 out of 145 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Pinscher versus Kuvasz

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

    Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Pinschers shed more than Kuvaszs?

    German Pinschers shed moderately.

    Kuvaszs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the German Pinscher or the Kuvasz

    German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kuvaszs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Pinscher or the Kuvasz?

    German Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.

    Does the German Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kuvasz?

    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.

    Kuvaszs 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.

    Do German Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Kuvaszs?

    German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Pinscher vs. Kuvasz

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

    Kuvaszs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Kuvaszs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are German Pinschers good family dogs? What about Kuvaszs?

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

    Kuvaszs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are German Pinschers and Kuvaszs?

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

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the German Pinscher Easier to Train than the Kuvasz?

    German Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Kuvaszs are not easy to train.

    Is the German Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Kuvasz?

    German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Kuvaszs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Kuvasz vs Australian Kelpie.
  • Belgian Malinois (80 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Belgian Malinois.
  • German Wirehaired Pointer (83 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs German Wirehaired Pointer.
  • Mudi (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Mudi.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kuvasz

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

  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Kuvasz). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Pinscher versus Borzoi     German Pinscher versus Saint Bernard     German Pinscher versus Scottish Terrier     German Pinscher versus Catahoula Bulldog     German Pinscher versus Spinone Italiano     German Pinscher versus Azawakh     German Pinscher versus Sheepadoodle     German Pinscher versus Bulldog     German Pinscher versus King Shepherd     German Pinscher versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     German Pinscher versus Lakeland Terrier     German Pinscher versus Beaglier     German Pinscher versus Australian Terrier     German Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever     German Pinscher versus Rottweiler     German Pinscher versus Bearded Collie     German Pinscher versus Standard Schnauzer     German Pinscher versus Kishu Ken     German Pinscher versus Norfolk Terrier     German Pinscher versus Irish Setter     German Pinscher versus Xoloitzcuintli     German Pinscher versus Estrela Mountain Dog     German Pinscher versus Alaskan Malamute     German Pinscher versus Samoyed     German Pinscher versus Irish Setter     

    Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kuvasz versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Kuvasz versus Cavapoo     Kuvasz versus English Cocker Spaniel     Kuvasz versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Kuvasz versus Korean Jindo Dog     Kuvasz versus Sussex Spaniel     Kuvasz versus Beagle     Kuvasz versus Puli     Kuvasz versus Spinone Italiano     Kuvasz versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Kuvasz versus Borzoi     Kuvasz versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Kuvasz versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Kuvasz versus Schnoodle     Kuvasz versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Kuvasz versus Barbet     Kuvasz versus Beaglier     Kuvasz versus Italian Greyhound     Kuvasz versus Whoodle     Kuvasz versus Goldendoodle     Kuvasz versus Bolognese     Kuvasz versus Great Dane     Kuvasz versus Akita Chow     Kuvasz versus Norfolk Terrier     Kuvasz versus Black and Tan Coonhound     

    Conclusion: German Pinscher versus Kuvasz. 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 German Pinscher and the Kuvasz better suits you and your family.