Germany boasts a long and eventful history, with its impact rippling throughout the world. But while most people celebrate Deutschland for its culture, castles, and beer, they often overlook one thing: German dogs.
When most people think of German dogs, they blank out after “German Shepherds.” But what you probably don’t know is the fact that many beloved modern-day dog breeds, such as Great Danes and Pomeranians, actually originate from Germany.
In fact, there are over 50 dog breeds that emerged from Germany. With strong physical and behavioral characteristics, it’s no wonder why dog lovers take such a liking to German dogs.
German Dogs: Top Breeds from Germany
Let’s take a look at these most sought-after dog breeds from Germany:
Dachshund
These German dogs are also fondly referred to as “wiener dogs” because of their striking resemblance to sausages.
Behavioral Characteristics
Dachshunds are incredibly playful yet equally stubborn. These free-spirited hounds are extremely affectionate towards and borderline possessive of their family.
Unfortunately, this also means that Dachshunds don’t take kindly to strangers, often exhibiting aggression towards humans and dogs outside of the pack.
Size and Weight
The modern Dachshund comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and “kaninchen” (or rabbit-sized). Of course, the standard size is most common among family pets.
A fully-grown standard Dachshund typically weighs between 16lbs to 32 lbs. Meanwhile, their miniature counterparts average at around 12 lbs, while the smallest kaninchen weighs a measly 8lbs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Dachshunds are extremely affectionate and loyal towards their owners. If trained correctly, Dachshunds are remarkable hunting dogs with an affinity for chasing small animals.
But that’s just the thing; despite their potential, these German dogs are extremely difficult to train, owing to their headstrong nature. Moreover, housebreaking and potty training your Dachshund puppy can be quite a riot.
Life Expectancy
Dachshunds enjoy a long lifespan of 12 to 14 years. However, they are prone to painful spinal problems because of their unnaturally long spine. About 20-25% of Dachshunds will develop Intervertebral Disk Disease.
Popularity
Dachshunds rank number 13 in popularity according to the 2016 AKC registration statistics.
Interesting Facts
- Dachshunds were used as a political symbol for Germany throughout the mid 20th century.
- Apart from the typical brown coat, Dachshunds can also have a golden or red coat.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are arguably the most well-known dogs from Germany and one of the most popular breeds for dog owners all over the world. There are a lot of dogs that look like German shepherds, such as the Belgium Shepherd and King Shepherd, but German Shepherds are a unique breed.
Behavioral Characteristics
German shepherds are extremely obedient, willing to please, intelligent, curious, and protective. By nature, German Shepherds desperately need a purpose or a task to fulfill.
Size/ Weight
German Shepherds are categorized as medium-to-large-sized dogs, with both males and females growing up to 24 inches in height.
When it comes to weight, the AKC has no standard weight range. However, you can expect fully-grown males to weigh between 66lbs to 88lbs, while females max out at 70lbs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
It’s difficult to find fault with these highly dutiful and loyal canines. With that said, these German dogs do suffer from a range of spinal ailments because of how disproportionate their hind legs and spine are.
Life Expectancy
A healthy German Shepherd can live up to 14 years. Sadly, these canines are prone to bone-related diseases and typically die from cancer of the spleen and bone cancer.
Popularity
According to the 2016 AKC census, German Shepherds are the second most popular dog breed in the US.
Interesting Facts
- German Shepherds were originally bred for herding sheep. However, people soon realized that their utility lies in other types of work such as disability assistance, search and rescue, and police and military roles.
- Two German Shepherds actually hold a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one being a WWII military dog and the other a Hollywood star.
- Shutzuhund is a type of German dog training that was specifically designed to evaluate the character traits of the mighty German Shepherds.
German Wirehaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointers are lesser-known than their Shorthaired counterparts. However, this German pointer dog has its own virtues.
Behavioral Characteristics
GWPs are very affectionate and loyal to their pack but aloof towards strangers. They thrive on human companionship and are the happiest when they are active members of the household, whether it’s by lounging around with you or doing everyday chores.
As passionate German hunting dogs, GWPs are extremely eager to learn and equally eager to please. However, they are infamously willful, bold, and free-spirited.
Size/ Weight
German Wirehaired Pointers are medium-sized dogs with a strong, muscular build. Adult male GWPs can grow up to 24 to 26 inches, while females grow to a minimum of 22 inches.
Moreover, you can expect your fully-grown German Wirehaired Pointer to weigh anything between 50 to 70lbs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Beyond their literal brawn resulting from a naturally high muscle mass, these German dogs boast a number of strengths; they are good sniffers, hunters, and chasers. Moreover, their thick, coiled fur hardly gets tangled or dirty, nor does it shed excessively.
That being said, you do have to brush them regularly using an aggressive undercoat rake. Otherwise, they can overheat, especially in the summers.
Life Expectancy
German Wirehaired Pointers can live for up to 14 to 16 years, sometimes even longer.
Popularity
GWPs are highly popular in Germany, where they have a different name: Drahthaar. In America, GWPs are only moderately popular.
Interesting Facts
- GWPs have a dense waterproof undercoat which makes them ideal for hunting waterfowl.
- GWPs are a cross between four German dogs: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Roughhaired Pointer, and the hunting Pudelpointer.
Great Dane
The aptly named Great Danes are nothing short of spectacular in their appearance and behavior.
Behavioral Characteristics
Often referred to as gentle giants, these German dogs often seek physical affection from their owners.
Moreover, these large and imposing canines are friendly towards strangers, other dogs, and even non-canine animals. Their low prey drive is surprising considering the fact that Great Danes were originally hunting dogs.
Size/ Weight
Great Danes are notorious for their giant size. According to AKC standards, a fully grown Great Dane should not be less than 30 inches at the shoulder level. However, most Great Danes typically stand upwards of 35 inches.
When it comes to weight, Great Danes are one of the heaviest dog breeds. At the minimum, an adult Great Dane will not be less than 100lbs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Great Danes’ friendly and easy-going nature contrasts their large and imposing size. Moreover, they are extremely low-maintenance in regard to grooming.
However, untrained and unsocialized Great Danes can be a huge menace to you, your family, and strangers. Moreover, they do not fare well in cooped-up apartment spaces.
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of Great Danes is 6 to 8 years, but some healthy dogs can live for up to a decade.
Popularity
Great Danes have been decreasing in popularity over the years. Still, they hold a high ranking as the 16th most popular dog breeds among American households.
Interesting Facts
- A Great Dane named “Zeus” holds the record for being the largest not only of its breed but also the largest dog ever. Zeus stood at an impressive 44 inches at the shoulder.
- In the Middle Ages, Great Danes were believed to ward off evil spirits and ghosts.
- The beloved Hanna-Barbera cartoon character, Scooby Doo, is a Great Dane.
Boxer
You probably didn’t know that these American-popularized dogs actually originated in Germany.
Behavioral Characteristics
Despite their fearsome appearance, Boxers are gentle, calm, and level-headed. Over the years, they have unfairly been labeled as aggressive and unpredictable dogs, but that’s simply not true.
Instead, their solemn façade belies their energetic and playful nature. Moreover, Boxers are instinctive guardians and will quite literally never leave your side.
Size/ Weight
As medium-sized German dogs, Boxers can grow up to 23 inches and weigh up to 66lbs. Moreover, they have a high muscle mass and thrive on daily physical exercise.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Boxers are intelligent, easily trainable, and amicable dogs. They adapt well to different environments and respond kindly to new faces.
However, they require copious amounts of exercise to offset their high nutritional needs. Moreover, they tend to be overly exuberant and express their vigor through digging and drooling.
Life Expectancy
The lifespan of a healthy Boxer ranges from 9 to 15 years.
Popularity
Boxers hold a steady pace as the seventh most popular dog breed among American households.
Interesting Facts
- Boxers, instead of German Shepherds, were the original candidates for the German canine police force.
- Boxers have unusually long tongues, with a Boxer named Brandy holding the Guinness World Record for the longest tongue measuring 17 inches.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher dogs are some of the most intelligent as well as beautiful modern canine breeds.
Behavioral Characteristics
Dobermans have a notoriously unique mind among canines, with a variety of research dedicated to their behavior alone.
Generally speaking, these German dogs are fiercely loyal and vigilant. At the same time, they rank high in playfulness and love to be goofy around their family. When it comes to strangers, though, Dobermans prefer not to socialize and instead keep to themselves.
Size/ Weight
Dobermans are medium to large-sized dogs, confidently standing at an average of 27 inches. However, their strong, muscular build endows them with a heavy weight between 88lbs to 99lbs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Doberman Pinscher is among the most intelligent dog breeds, according to expert evaluations. For this reason, they are quite easy to train, housebreak, and socialize.
An unfortunate stereotype about Dobermanns is that they are aggressive, but this is simply not true. As long as they have a healthy environment, Dobies can be as gentle and loving as Labradors.
Life Expectancy
The Dobermann’s lifespan is about 10-14 years, with heart-related diseases being the leading cause of death among the breed.
Popularity
Despite being a relatively new breed, Dobermanns are the 16th most popular dog breed among dog owners.
Interesting Facts
- The first Dobermann was bred by a German tax collector in the early 1880s to protect him on the job.
- Although it’s now banned in some countries, ear and tail docking was originally for the benefit of fighting Dobermann dogs since these were the most vulnerable spots.
German Spitz Dog
It’s easy to confuse a German Spitz with its more popular cousin: the Pomeranian. However, the German Spitz has a personality of its own.
Behavioral Characteristics
The German Spitz dog is notoriously attentive, lively, and highly devoted to their pack.
Of course, it’s a different story altogether when it comes to strangers. For this reason, they make for ideal watchdogs for your home.
However, you need to establish boundaries with them from an early age. For example, you can give them their own crate, so they don’t end up claiming the entire house themselves.
Size/ Weight
Notorious for its thick, bushy coat and mane-like collar, the German Spitz looks bigger than it actually is. Adult German Spitz dogs max out at 12 to 15 inches and weigh 24 to 26 lbs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
German Spitz dogs are easily trainable and always willing to please. Additionally, they have moderate energy levels and, for the most part, are happy just lounging around with you.
Keep in mind that these are highly vocal dogs and will bark incessantly without any provocation.
Life Expectancy
The German Spitz has a relatively high life expectancy of around 13 to 15 years.
Popularity
German Spitz dogs are more popular in Germany than in any other part of the world. However, the Pomeranian variation is quite popular in North America.
Interesting Facts
- There are five variations of the German Spitz dog: Wolfsspitz, Giant Spitz, Medium Spitz, Miniature Spitz, and the Pomeranian.
- While they may not look it, German Spitz dogs actually have a high prey drive.
Leonberger
Leonbergers are large German dog breeds created by crossing various German mountain dog breeds.
Behavioral Characteristics
Leonbergers are first and foremost family dogs. They are naturally submissive to their family, be it adults or small children. Moreover, they are self-assured, self-disciplined, unresponsive to noise, and well-behaved around strangers.
Size/ Weight
Male Leonbergers average around 30 inches in height and a hefty 140 lbs in weight. Female Leonbergers aren’t too far behind, averaging at 28 inches in height and 115lbs in weight.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Leonbergers are super low-maintenance owing to their calm and collected demeanor. Not only are they well-behaved around the house, they are anything but fussy when it comes to traveling.
But while they won’t knowingly give you much trouble, Leonbergers are prone to myriads of health complications.
Life Expectancy
Leonbergers have a lifespan of around seven years, which is four years less than that of the average purebred dog.
Popularity
Leonbergers hold the 93rd position in the AKC breed popularity ranking.
Interesting Facts
- Traditionally, Leonbergers were Farmdogs, particularly watchdogs and draft dogs.
- Leonbergers almost went extinct during WWI.
- You can distinguish between a male and female Leonberger without having to look at their genitals.
See Related: Dog Laws in Germany
German Pinscher
German Pinschers are dogs like German shepherd, both in terms of physical appearance and behavior. However, they have a shorter coat and large, conical ears.
Behavioral Characteristics
Around the house, German Pinschers are surprisingly calm and composed. They are remarkably docile and will never pick a fight with you.
Sometimes, though, they like to show their goofy side and love to play around. In fact, their favorite pastime activity is a drawn-out game of fetch. Considering their high energy levels, you’d be better off getting them an automatic interactive ball launcher.
Size/ Weight
German Pinschers are medium-sized dogs, typically reaching a height of 20 inches and a weight between 25 to 35lbs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Loyal, watchful, and fearless, the German Pinscher is a hard worker, fierce protector, and loyal companion.
They have a high prey drive and are naturally antisocial, but early socialization works wonders.
Life Expectancy
German Pinschers can live up to 12 to 14 years. Unfortunately, their small gene pool makes them vulnerable to a range of ailments.
Popularity
German Pinschers rank very low in popularity, probably because they’re very difficult to find in North America.
Interesting Facts
- Some variations of the German Pinschers are now extinct, which is why surviving Pinschers are a rare breed.
- German Pinschers love to “smile” at their owners with bared teeth, which people can misunderstand as aggressive behavior.
- German Pinschers are among the oldest breeds of German dogs.