Old German Shepherd vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Old German Shepherd and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Old German Shepherd
Loyal, intelligent, and steady, this breed thrives as both a capable working dog and a devoted companion. Renowned for their balanced nature and impressive endurance.
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
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
10–13 years
25–35 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.
Old German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Learns commands and tasks very quickly
Needs daily exercise and mental activity
Enjoys games, but not overly excitable
Adjusts well to routine or environment changes
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
Old German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Old German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Requires experienced handling and consistent training
Not ideal
Needs space and regular exercise, not suited to confined spaces
Excellent match
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical activity
Good with supervision
Tolerant but may be too energetic for very young children without supervision
Usually compatible
Can adapt to other pets with proper socialization and training
Prone to separation anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods, may develop behavioral issues
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
Old German Shepherd
- Highly loyal to family members
- Strong protective instincts and natural guardians
- Excellent working and herding abilities
- Adaptable to various environments and tasks
- High intelligence and trainability
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
Old German Shepherd
- Needs significant daily physical exercise
- Can be wary of unfamiliar people
- Thick coat requires regular grooming
- Prone to hip and joint issues
- May 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.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience