German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier
Herding · Large vs Toy · Toy
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
Yorkshire TerrierToy
A feisty, brave, tomboyish toy terrier with a glamorous floor-length silk coat.
Weight: 7 lbsLifespan: 11–15 years
Quick take
- • German Shepherd is the larger breed at 65–90 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Yorkshire Terrier.
- • The Yorkshire Terrier typically lives longer (11–15 years).
- • The German Shepherd has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Yorkshire Terrier sheds less.
- • The German Shepherd is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | German Shepherd | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Toy |
Size | Large | Toy |
Origin | Germany | England |
Height (male) | 24–26" | 7–8" |
Height (female) | 22–24" | 7–8" |
Weight (male) | 65–90 lbs | 7 lbs |
Weight (female) | 50–70 lbs | 7 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 9–13 years | 11–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very High (5/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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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.
About the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a feisty, brave, tomboyish toy terrier with a glamorous floor-length silk coat. Originally from England, this toy toy breed typically weighs 7 lbs and lives 11–15 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish.
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German Shepherd health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Degenerative myelopathy
Yorkshire Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Tracheal collapse
- • Liver shunt
- • Dental disease