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Field Spaniel vs German Shepherd

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

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Field Spaniel
England

Field Spaniel

Sporting Group
Medium

Gentle, affectionate, and intelligent, the Field Spaniel thrives as a loyal companion and active family member. Their soulful eyes and silky coat add to their enduring charm.

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:

Medium

Male:

16–23 kg

Coat:

Single coat, silky

Lifespan:

12–13 years

Female:

16–20 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

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.

Field Spaniel

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate and gentle with people and pets

Intelligence
4/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
4/5

Active and needs regular physical activity

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys interactive games and family playtime

Adaptability
3/5

Adjusts moderately to changes in environment

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

Field Spaniel

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, ear infections

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

Field Spaniel

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Responsive and gentle, but needs consistent training from patient owners

Apartment Living
2/5

Needs space

Moderate energy and activity needs may be unmet in small apartments

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Excellent match

Enjoys frequent exercise and thrives with active people

Kids
4/5

Family friendly

Patient and tolerant, usually gets along well with young children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Generally compatible

Sociable nature makes them adaptable to other pets with proper introductions

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Dislikes being alone and may develop anxiety or destructive behaviors

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

Field Spaniel

  • Affectionate with family members
  • Eager to please and easy to train
  • Gets along well with other dogs
  • Adaptable to various living environments
  • Excellent scent and retrieving abilities

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

Field Spaniel

  • Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
  • Needs daily mental and physical exercise
  • Can be reserved with strangers
  • Requires regular grooming to prevent matting
  • 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

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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