Dachshund vs German Shepherd
Hound · Small vs Herding · Large
DachshundSmall
A spirited, clever, courageous badger-hunter on stubby legs — the iconic 'wiener dog'.
Weight: 16–32 lbsLifespan: 12–16 years
German ShepherdLarge
A confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed.
Weight: 65–90 lbsLifespan: 9–13 years
Quick take
- • German Shepherd is the larger breed at 65–90 lbs (males) vs 16–32 lbs for the Dachshund.
- • The Dachshund typically lives longer (12–16 years).
- • The German Shepherd has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Dachshund sheds less.
- • The German Shepherd is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Dachshund | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Herding |
Size | Small | Large |
Origin | Germany | Germany |
Height (male) | 8–9" | 24–26" |
Height (female) | 8–9" | 22–24" |
Weight (male) | 16–32 lbs | 65–90 lbs |
Weight (female) | 16–32 lbs | 50–70 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–16 years | 9–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Dachshund
The Dachshund is a spirited, clever, courageous badger-hunter on stubby legs — the iconic 'wiener dog'. Originally from Germany, this small hound breed typically weighs 16–32 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as spunky, curious, friendly.
About the German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed. Originally from Germany, this large herding breed typically weighs 65–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years. Breeders describe them as confident, courageous, smart.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Dachshund health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • IVDD (back problems)
- • Obesity
- • Patellar luxation
- • Diabetes
German Shepherd health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Degenerative myelopathy