Italian Hound vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Italian Hound and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Italian Hound
Elegant, athletic, and affectionate, this breed thrives on companionship and activity. Sleek and graceful, Italian Hounds are loyal, gentle, and quick to bond with families.
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
18–28 kg
Short, smooth
12–14 years
15–25 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.
Italian Hound
Gentle and affectionate with family and children
Quick learner, responds well to training
Very active, requires regular daily exercise
Enjoys games but not overly boisterous
Adjusts moderately well to new environments
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
Italian Hound
Hip dysplasia, ear infections
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Italian Hound
Moderate challenge
Requires consistent training and patience from inexperienced owners
Needs space
May become restless and vocal in confined apartments
Excellent match
Thrives with active owners who provide regular exercise and stimulation
Generally gentle
Usually patient but may be sensitive to rough handling by small children
Usually compatible
Gets along with other dogs but may chase small pets due to prey drive
Not recommended
Dislikes being alone and may develop separation 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
Italian Hound
- Excellent scent tracking abilities
- Energetic and agile runner
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Intelligent and quick to learn commands
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
Italian Hound
- Strong prey drive may chase small animals
- Requires significant daily exercise
- Can be independent and stubborn
- Sensitive to harsh training methods
- Prone to 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
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