Old German Shepherd vs French Bulldog
Discover the differences between Old German Shepherd and French Bulldog 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.

French Bulldog
Compact, playful, and affectionate, this breed charms with its expressive face and easygoing personality. Ideal for city living, French Bulldogs make steadfast companions and loving family pets.
Quick comparison
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
10–13 years
25–35 kg
High energy
Small
9–13 kg
Short, smooth
10–12 years
8–12 kg
Low activity needs
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
French Bulldog
Affectionate with people and enjoys companionship
Learns routines quickly but can be stubborn
Prefers short play sessions and moderate walks
Enjoys interactive games and gentle roughhousing
Comfortable in apartments and various environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Old German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
French Bulldog
Brachycephalic syndrome, skin allergies
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
French Bulldog
Great choice
Easygoing temperament and manageable size suit first-time owners well
Perfect fit
Quiet and compact, they adapt well to small apartments
Not ideal
They tire quickly and don’t match very active lifestyles
Highly suitable
Gentle and playful, they are patient with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and get along with other pets if introduced properly
Prone to anxiety
They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation 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
French Bulldog
- Affectionate with families and children
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Minimal grooming requirements
- Generally quiet and not prone to barking
- Strong loyalty to owners
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
French Bulldog
- Prone to breathing difficulties due to flat face
- Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
- May develop separation anxiety
- Stubborn during training sessions
- High risk of obesity without portion control
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