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
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
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
Large
29–34 kg
Dense coat, straight
10–12 years
25–32 kg
Low activity needs
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.
Clumber Spaniel
Gentle, sociable, and affectionate with family members
Learns commands quickly with patient, consistent training
Prefers calm activities and moderate daily walks
Enjoys games but not overly excitable
Adjusts well to home life and routine changes
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
Clumber Spaniel
Hip dysplasia, entropion
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Clumber Spaniel
Good option
Gentle nature and manageable temperament suit new owners with basic guidance
Fairly suitable
Quiet and calm demeanor adapts to smaller living spaces if exercised daily
Not ideal
Prefers moderate activity and may tire quickly in highly active households
Very family-friendly
Patient and tolerant with children, making them safe companions for young kids
Generally compatible
Gets along with other pets if socialized early and supervised
Prone to loneliness
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety
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
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
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