English Springer Spaniel vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between English Springer Spaniel and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
English Springer Spaniel
Energetic, affectionate, and eager to please, this breed thrives on companionship and activity. Renowned for intelligence and versatility, it makes a loving family dog and skilled sporting partner.
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
20–25 kg
Medium length, feathered
12–14 years
18–23 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.
English Springer Spaniel
Very sociable with people and other dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
Highly active, needs regular physical activity
Enjoys games and interactive playtime
Adjusts well to various living 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
English Springer Spaniel
Hip dysplasia, ear infections
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
English Springer Spaniel
Good option
Intelligent and eager to please, but needs consistent training and exercise
Not ideal
Needs space and regular activity, may become restless in small apartments
Perfect fit
Energetic breed thrives with active owners who can provide daily exercise
Very friendly
Gentle and playful, generally patient with children and enjoys family life
Highly suitable
Social and adaptable, usually gets along well with other pets when socialized early
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone and may develop separation issues if unattended for long
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
English Springer Spaniel
- Eager to please and trainable
- Excellent with children and families
- Strong scenting and hunting abilities
- High endurance for outdoor activities
- Friendly and sociable with people
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
English Springer Spaniel
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Regular grooming needed for feathered coat
- Can be overly excitable without enough exercise
- May develop ear infections due to floppy ears
- Tendency to chase small animals or birds
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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