Bearded Collie vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Bearded Collie and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Bearded Collie
Lively, affectionate, and always ready for fun, this energetic herding breed thrives in active homes. Shaggy coats and playful personalities make every day more joyful.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Medium
18–27 kg
Double coat, long and shaggy
12–14 years
18–25 kg
High energy
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Bearded Collie
Outgoing with people and other dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
Very active, needs daily exercise
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts fairly well to new situations
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Bearded Collie
Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Bearded Collie
Good with guidance
Needs consistent training and grooming, can be a handful for beginners
Not ideal
Needs ample space and regular exercise, may become restless in small apartments
Perfect fit
Thrives with active families who enjoy outdoor activities and daily exercise
Very friendly
Patient and playful, generally gentle with young children in the household
Highly suitable
Usually sociable, adapts well to homes with other dogs and pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods, can develop separation stress
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Bearded Collie
- Highly social and people-oriented
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Strong herding instincts and intelligence
- Generally good with children and pets
- Resilient and energetic outdoor companion
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Bearded Collie
- Requires extensive daily exercise and activity
- Prone to matting and coat maintenance needs
- Can become bored without mental stimulation
- May bark excessively if under-stimulated
- Sensitive to harsh training methods
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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