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

Field Spaniel
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
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
16–23 kg
Single coat, silky
12–13 years
16–20 kg
Moderately active
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.
Field Spaniel
Affectionate and gentle with people and pets
Quick learner, responds well to training
Active and needs regular physical activity
Enjoys interactive games and family playtime
Adjusts moderately to changes in environment
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
Field Spaniel
Hip dysplasia, ear infections
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Field Spaniel
Good option
Responsive and gentle, but needs consistent training from patient owners
Needs space
Moderate energy and activity needs may be unmet in small apartments
Excellent match
Enjoys frequent exercise and thrives with active people
Family friendly
Patient and tolerant, usually gets along well with young children
Generally compatible
Sociable nature makes them adaptable to other pets with proper introductions
Not recommended
Dislikes being alone and may develop anxiety or destructive behaviors
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
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.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience