There are many differences between the American and European German Shepherds. Some people say that the American bred dogs are bigger and have a rougher coat, while the European dogs are smaller with a finer coat.
However, there is no definitive answer as to which type of dog is better. Although they are of same breed, there are some differences between them as they grew up in different locations.
In this detailed post, we will discuss the pros and cons of both types of German Shepherds so that you can make an informed decision about which breed is right for you. We will take a look at the characteristics of both breeds such as training, exercise, temperament, health issues, grooming needs, size, and puppy prices.
Written By Sergey Uhanov – Certified Veterinarian.
Sergey Uhanov is a certified veterinarian for dogs over 20 years, breeding 3 dogs. He loves dogs and has his own pet clinic in Israel. He likes to help other people with their dogs by sharing his experience and knowledge.
American German Shepherd
The American German Shepherd is a large breed of dog that was originally bred in Germany. These dogs are very kind and good with people. They are not suitable for work and are mainly for show purposes.
The American German Shepherd typically weighs between 75 and 130 pounds, making them one of the larger breeds of dogs. They also have a thick coat of fur that can be either short or long.
The American GSD is an intelligent breed of dog that is easy to train. They are also very active and need a lot of exercises. Some people say that the American German Shepherd is not as loyal as the European German Shepherd, but this is not necessarily true.
The American Shepherd is a great breed of dog for families who are looking for a loyal and protective companion.
Short Facts about American German Shepherd
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Purpose | Family pet, active companion, or guard dog |
| Height | 22 to 28 inches |
| Weight | 75 to 130 pounds |
| Average lifespan | 10 to 14 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, alert, protective, loyal, and friendly |
| Shedding | Moderate; requires moderate grooming |
| Common coat colors | Gray-and-white, brown-and-black, tan, black |
| Activity level | High; requires up to 120 minutes of exercise daily |
| Suitable for families | Yes, for families that can meet the exercise and training requirements |
| Dietary needs | High-protein diet; adults require high-quality food depending on activity level |
| Potential health issues | Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, anxiety, bloating, and cataracts |
European GSD
The European German Shepherd is a smaller breed of dog that was originally bred in Germany. These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are also one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States.
The European German Shepherd typically weighs between 50 and 85 pounds, making them one of the smaller breeds of dogs.
The European GSD is an intelligent breed of dog that is typically easy to train.
The European Shepherd is a great breed of dog for families who can take good care of them.
Short Facts about European German Shepherd
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Purpose | Family pet, active companion, or guard dog |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 85 pounds |
| Average lifespan | 10 to 12 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, protective, calm, energetic, and confident |
| Shedding | Moderate; requires moderate grooming |
| Common coat colors | Gray-and-white, brown-and-black, tan, black, or red and black |
| Activity level | High; requires up to 120 minutes of exercise daily |
| Suitable for families | Yes, for active families that can meet the exercise requirements |
| Dietary needs | High-protein diet; adults require 2-3 cups per day depending on activity level |
| Potential health issues | Hip dysplasia, bloating and ear infections |
So, which type of German Shepherd is right for you? If you are looking for a large breed of dog with a thick coat of fur, then the American German Shepherd might be a good choice for you.
If you are looking for a smaller breed of dog with a thick coat of fur, then the European German Shepherd might be a better choice for you.
Breeds Overview
Size
The main difference between American and European German Shepherds is size. The average height of an American German Shepherd is 24-28 inches, while the average height of a European German Shepherd is 21-24 inches.
This may not seem like a big difference, but it can make a big difference in overall appearance.
Appearance
The European German Shepherd is a large dog, with males reaching up to 24 inches tall at the shoulder, and females 22 inches. They are longer than they are tall, with a long nose and sloping back.
The coat is thick and dense, with a harsh outer coat and a softer undercoat. They come in black and tan, red and black, and gray.
The American German Shepherd is also a large dog. Males reach 26 inches at the shoulder, and females 24 inches. They have a longer nose than their European cousins, and their backs are less sloped.
The coat is medium-length and dense, with a harsh outer coat. They come in black and tan, solid black, and all shades of gray in between.
Temperament
European German Shepherds are bred for their working ability, not just their looks. They’re known for being more balanced and level-headed than American German Shepherds.
While they can still make great family pets, European GSDs may not be as patient with small children as the American variety.
Health
If you are looking for a German Shepherd, you will want to find a reputable breeder who can provide health clearances. The most important health clearance for any dog is a hip and elbow evaluation from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), which is done by X-ray.
OFA certification is not available for dogs under two years of age, so be sure to ask the breeder for proof that the dog’s parents have OFA certification. You should also ask for proof of health clearances for other conditions that are common in German Shepherds, such as degenerative myelopathy and elbow dysplasia.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a European German Shepherd is about 12 years. This is compared to the average lifespan of an American German Shepherd, which is only about eight to ten years.
The difference in lifespan is due to the different breeding standards between the two types of German Shepherds. European German Shepherds are bred for health and longevity, while American German Shepherds are bred for their looks.
While the lifespan of a European German Shepherd is longer, they are not without health problems. The most common health problems that affect European German Shepherds are hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis later in life.
Exercise
European German Shepherds are not only bred for their physical abilities but also their mental stimulation. They love to work and have a higher energy level than the American variety.
As such, they require more exercise to stay happy and healthy. A good walk or run twice a day should do the trick, although some may need more depending on their energy level.
One important thing to note is that European German Shepherds are not meant to be couch potatoes. If you’re looking for a lazy dog who will lounge around all day, this is not the breed for you.
They need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy, so make sure you’re prepared to give them what they need before bringing one home.
Training
If you want a dog that will be a true partner in your outdoor activities, go with the American German shepherd. If you prefer a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere at home, then the European German shepherd is probably a better fit.
Both types of GSDs are intelligent and eager to please, but they have different energy levels and interests.
The European Shepherd is bred for work and needs a lot of activity to stay happy. They make great hiking and camping companions, and love being involved in any family activity. They are also protective of their families and can be wary of strangers.
American Shepherds are bred for show, so they don’t have the same high energy level as their European cousins. They’re still intelligent and trainable, but they’re not as driven to please. They’re also more likely to be friendly with strangers, making them better suited for families with small children.
So which type of German Shepherd is right for you? It depends on your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a dog. If you want a low-maintenance pet that will be content to lounge around the house, the American German shepherd is probably your best bet.
But if you’re looking for an active partner to join you on all your adventures, go with the European German shepherd.
Puppy Prices
If you’re considering a German Shepherd, you may be wondering about the difference between American and European lines. You may have also heard that European German Shepherds are better than American ones. But what does that mean, exactly?
For starters, let’s talk about price. A European German Shepherd puppy can cost anywhere from $1200 to $5000, while an American German Shepherd puppy will typically cost between $600 and $1200. So, yes, European German Shepherds are more expensive. But why?
The most obvious answer is that they’re simply in higher demand. European GSDs have been bred for generations to be working dogs, whereas American lines have been bred more for physical traits like size and coat color. As a result, European German Shepherds tend to be more versatile and trainable.
So, if you’re looking for a German Shepherd that can do it all, you’ll want to go with a European line. But if you’re on a budget or just looking for a loyal companion, an American German Shepherd will do just fine.
Whichever you choose, be prepared to have your heart stolen by a big, lovable pup!
American German Shepherd vs. European German Shepherd: Which is right for you?
When it comes to choosing a German Shepherd, you have two main options: the American variety or the European variety. Both types have their own unique set of traits and characteristics, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision.
The American German Shepherd is a large breed of dog that was originally bred in the United States. These dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature.
They make great family pets and are excellent at guarding property. American Shepherds typically have a strong, muscular build and a thick coat of fur that can be either short or long.
The European German Shepherd is a slightly smaller breed of dog that was originally bred in Germany. These dogs are known for their obedience, trainability, and versatility.
They make great working dogs and are often used in law enforcement and the military. European Shepherds typically have a slender build and a short, dense coat of fur.
Conclusion
So, which type of German Shepherd is right for you? If you’re looking for a large, loyal, and protective dog, then the American German Shepherd is a good choice.
If you’re looking for a smaller, more obedient, and versatile dog, then the European German Shepherd is a better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a dog.
