PetSecur Logo
HomeToolsBreed comparison

German Spaniel vs Poodle

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

Try different breeds

vs
German Spaniel
Germany

German Spaniel

Sporting Group
Medium

Energetic, loyal, and eager to please, this breed thrives on companionship and outdoor adventures. Their keen nose and friendly nature make them excellent family and hunting partners.

Poodle
Germany/France

Poodle

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.

Quick comparison

Size:

Medium

Male:

18–25 kg

Coat:

Dense, slightly wavy

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Female:

16–22 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Medium

Male:

20–32 kg

Coat:

Curly, dense

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

18–27 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

German Spaniel

Friendliness
4/5

Generally sociable and gentle with people and pets

Intelligence
4/5

Quick to learn and eager to please

Energy Level
5/5

Very active, needs lots of exercise

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys interactive play and activities

Adaptability
3/5

Adjusts moderately to new environments

Poodle

Friendliness
5/5

Warm and sociable with family and guests

Intelligence
5/5

Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive playtime

Adaptability
5/5

Easily adjusts to new environments and routines

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

German Spaniel

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

Hip dysplasia, ear infections

Poodle

Grooming:
High grooming needs (at least weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

German Spaniel

First-time Owner
3/5

Moderate challenge

Needs consistent training and socialization, may overwhelm new owners

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

High energy and exercise needs make them unsuited for small spaces

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Thrives in active homes with plenty of outdoor activities and stimulation

Kids
4/5

Good companion

Generally gentle, but supervision is needed with small children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually friendly

Can live with other pets if socialized from a young age

Being Left Alone
1/5

Prone to anxiety

Does not cope well with being left alone for extended periods

Poodle

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.

Apartment Living
4/5

Highly suitable

Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Gets along well

Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

German Spaniel

  • Excellent scenting ability for tracking game
  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Loyal and affectionate with family members
  • Good stamina for long outdoor activities
  • Adaptable to various hunting environments

Poodle

  • Highly intelligent and easy to train
  • Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
  • Strong bond with family members
  • Adaptable to various living environments
  • Excellent performance in canine sports

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

German Spaniel

  • Needs ample daily exercise to prevent restlessness
  • Can be reserved with strangers without early socialization
  • Strong prey drive may challenge small pets
  • Requires regular grooming due to dense coat
  • May bark excessively if under-stimulated

Poodle

  • Requires regular professional grooming
  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
  • Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
  • Susceptible to certain genetic health issues

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

Name Generator

Find the perfect name for your new furry friend with our smart generator

Breed Generator

Discover new and interesting breeds that could be perfect for you

Dog Quiz

Test your knowledge about dogs with our interactive quiz

Get your free pet insurance quote in 2 minutes!

Join pet owners who save money while keeping their furry friends protected

✓ Highest payouts in Netherlands ✓ No waiting period ✓ Quick claims processing

* Required fields

No obligations • Free consultation • Response within 24 hours