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Mexican Hairless Dog vs German Shepherd

Discover the differences between Mexican Hairless Dog and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.

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Mexican Hairless Dog
Mexico

Mexican Hairless Dog

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

Graceful, intelligent, and affectionate, this breed thrives on companionship and adores being close to its family. Its unique hairless appearance and loyal nature make it stand out.

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:

11–23 kg

Coat:

Hairless, smooth skin

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

9–18 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.

Mexican Hairless Dog

Friendliness
4/5

Affectionate with family, reserved around strangers

Intelligence
4/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks

Playfulness
3/5

Occasionally playful, tends to be calm

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well 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

Mexican Hairless Dog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
45–60 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in warm climates, struggles with cold
Health concerns:

Skin issues, dental problems

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

Mexican Hairless Dog

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Adaptable but benefits from early training and socialization.

Apartment Living
5/5

Very suitable

Quiet, moderate exercise needs, and low shedding suit apartment environments.

Active Lifestyle
4/5

Good companion

Enjoys regular activity but does not require excessive exercise.

Kids
3/5

Needs supervision

Gentle but can be sensitive to rough play from young children.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Can coexist

Gets along with other pets if socialized from a young age.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Not recommended

Dislikes being alone and may develop separation anxiety if left too long.

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

Mexican Hairless Dog

  • Loyal and devoted to family
  • Low-shedding and nearly hypoallergenic coat
  • Highly alert and good watchdog instincts
  • Generally calm and even-tempered indoors
  • Adapts well to various living environments

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

Mexican Hairless Dog

  • Sensitive to cold and sun exposure
  • Prone to dental and skin issues
  • May be wary of strangers and new dogs
  • Needs regular mental and physical stimulation
  • Can develop separation anxiety if left alone

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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