Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shepherd Dog Versus Lowchen: Introduction
- German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen: Overview
- German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen
- The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen
- Lifespan of German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen
- Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the German Shepherd Dog
- Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Lowchen
- The Popularity of German Shepherd Dog versus Popularity of Lowchen
- Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog versus Health Problems of Lowchen
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen
- Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Lowchens?
- Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Lowchen
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Lowchen?
- Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
- Do German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Lowchen
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Lowchen?
- Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
- How Kid-friendly are German Shepherd Dogs and Lowchens?
- Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shepherd Dog Versus Lowchen: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen? 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 Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen 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 Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen 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 Shepherd Dog and for the Lowchen. 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 Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the German Shepherd Dog or the Lowchen.
German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen: Overview
A very important difference between the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shepherd Dog is a large-sized dog while the Lowchen is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the German Shepherd Dog 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 Lowchen belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shepherd Dog to the Lowchen 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 Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen
| Factor | German Shepherd Dog | Lowchen |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall | 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 75 to 95 pounds | 9 to 18 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $1642 – $4500 |
| Temperament Score | 85.3 percent | 75.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 2 | 163 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shepherd Dog 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 Lowchen. 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 Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lowchen is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lowchen is a better pet than the German Shepherd Dog. So, you should get the Lowchen!
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 Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen
Below is a list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen
The German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen.
German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall when fully grown.
On the other hand, Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen
The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.
Lowchens live longer than German Shepherd Dogs.
Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Lowchen.
This is because the temperament score for the German Shepherd Dog is 85.3 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 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 85.3 percent, the German Shepherd Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen by measuring the temperaments of 3383 German Shepherd Dogs and 12 Lowchens.
Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Lowchen
The average price of the German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a German Shepherd Dog can be as low as $195 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of the Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Lowchen is more expensive than the German Shepherd Dog.
| German Shepherd Dog | Lowchen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1280 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $1642 to $4500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shepherd Dog and Lowchen. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shepherd Dog puppies or how many Lowchen puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the German Shepherd Dog puppy or the Lowchen 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 Shepherd Dog versus Popularity of Lowchen
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 Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the German Shepherd Dog is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the German Shepherd Dog is 2 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of German Shepherd Dog
Popularity of Lowchen
| Year | German Shepherd Dog Popularity Rank | Lowchen Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2 | 154 |
| 2014 | 2 | 165 |
| 2015 | 2 | 161 |
| 2016 | 2 | 171 |
| 2017 | 2 | 169 |
| 2018 | 2 | 168 |
| 2019 | 2 | 158 |
| 2020 | 3 | 161 |
Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog versus Health Problems of Lowchen
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 Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen 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 German Shepherd Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lowchen.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Shepherd Dog than for the Lowchen.
7 health tests are recommended for German Shepherd Dog while 3 tests are recommended for the Lowchen.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Shepherd Dogs and in Lowchens.
German Shepherd Dog Health Problems
German Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Shepherd Dogs here.
Lowchen Health Problems
Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen 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 Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen 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 Lowchens for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in German Shepherd Dogs and Lowchens
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 Shepherd Dog Breed is Shoulder problems.
This is because the German Shepherd Dog ranks 8 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 German Shepherd Dogs, 5 of them had Shoulder problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Shepherd Dogs, and how common these diseases are in German Shepherd Dogs 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 Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in German Shepherd Dog and in Lowchen and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the German Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen:
| Disease | German Shepherd Dog Rank | Lowchen Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder problems | 8 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 11 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 22 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 40 out of 198 dog breeds | 163 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 41 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 42 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 64 out of 182 dog breeds | 42 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 71 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 102 out of 145 dog breeds | 19 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 Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen
German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Lowchens do not like to be left alone.
Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Lowchens?
German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Lowchens shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Lowchen
German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Lowchen?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.
Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
German Shepherd Dogs 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.
Lowchens 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 German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?
German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Lowchen
German Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Lowchen?
German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.
Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
German Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are German Shepherd Dogs and Lowchens?
German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
Lowchens are very easy to train.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Lowchen?
German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shepherd Dog or the Lowchen?
German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the German Shepherd Dog and how the Lowchen compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Shepherd Dog and of the Lowchen to other breeds:
German Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Shepherd Dog versus Cavapoo German Shepherd Dog versus Pharaoh Hound German Shepherd Dog versus Pomsky German Shepherd Dog versus Brittany German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Retriever German Shepherd Dog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi German Shepherd Dog versus Komondor German Shepherd Dog versus Cairn Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Valley Bulldog German Shepherd Dog versus Whippet German Shepherd Dog versus Affenhuahua German Shepherd Dog versus Black and Tan Coonhound German Shepherd Dog versus Briard German Shepherd Dog versus Norwich Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd Dog versus Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen German Shepherd Dog versus American Foxhound German Shepherd Dog versus Morkie German Shepherd Dog versus American Eskimo Dog German Shepherd Dog versus Bulldog German Shepherd Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai German Shepherd Dog versus American Eskimo Dog German Shepherd Dog versus Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Dog versus Affenhuahua
Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lowchen versus Airedale Terrier Lowchen versus Havanese Lowchen versus Pekingese Lowchen versus Brittany Lowchen versus Airedale Terrier Lowchen versus Bulldog Lowchen versus Leonberger Lowchen versus Chinook Lowchen versus Scottish Terrier Lowchen versus Siberian Husky Lowchen versus Samoyed Lowchen versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Lowchen versus Miniature Schnauzer Lowchen versus Aussiedoodle Lowchen versus Cane Corso Lowchen versus Saint Bernard Lowchen versus Dutch Shepherd Lowchen versus Welsh Terrier Lowchen versus Biewer Terrier Lowchen versus Collie Lowchen versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Lowchen versus Dalmatian Lowchen versus Borzoi Lowchen versus German Shepherd Dog Lowchen versus Lancashire Heeler
Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen. 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 Shepherd Dog and the Lowchen better suits you and your family.