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Clumber Spaniel vs German Shepherd

Discover the differences between Clumber Spaniel and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.

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Clumber Spaniel
England

Clumber Spaniel

Sporting Group
Large

Gentle, affectionate, and steady, the Clumber Spaniel thrives as a loyal companion. Their laid-back nature and soulful eyes make them endearing family members.

German Shepherd
Germany

German Shepherd

Herding Group
Large

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

Size:

Large

Male:

29–34 kg

Coat:

Dense coat, straight

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–32 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Size:

Large

Male:

30–40 kg

Coat:

Double coat, dense undercoat

Lifespan:

9–13 years

Female:

22–32 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Clumber Spaniel

Friendliness
5/5

Gentle, sociable, and affectionate with family members

Intelligence
4/5

Learns commands quickly with patient, consistent training

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers calm activities and moderate daily walks

Playfulness
3/5

Enjoys games but not overly excitable

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to home life and routine changes

German Shepherd

Friendliness
4/5

Warm with family, reserved with strangers

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, highly trainable and alert

Energy Level
5/5

Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games, interactive and engaging

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to new situations and environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Clumber Spaniel

Grooming:
High grooming needs (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–75 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, entropion

German Shepherd

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
90–120 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well, struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Clumber Spaniel

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Gentle nature and manageable temperament suit new owners with basic guidance

Apartment Living
4/5

Fairly suitable

Quiet and calm demeanor adapts to smaller living spaces if exercised daily

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

Prefers moderate activity and may tire quickly in highly active households

Kids
5/5

Very family-friendly

Patient and tolerant with children, making them safe companions for young kids

Multiple Pets
4/5

Generally compatible

Gets along with other pets if socialized early and supervised

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to loneliness

Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety

German Shepherd

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for beginners

Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges

Kids
4/5

Highly suitable

Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually compatible

Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized

Being Left Alone
1/5

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

Clumber Spaniel

  • Gentle with children and families
  • Loyal and affectionate companion
  • Calm indoors and easygoing temperament
  • Good with other dogs and pets
  • Strong scenting ability for tracking tasks

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

Clumber Spaniel

  • Prone to weight gain and obesity
  • Needs regular ear cleaning to prevent infections
  • Heavy shedding throughout the year
  • Can be stubborn during training sessions
  • Requires moderate daily exercise to stay healthy

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

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

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