Shepherd dogs come in all different sizes. Here is a list of the 30 smallest German Shepherd breeds worldwide:
The sizes given above refer to the height of the withers of female specimens. Because in almost all cases, male German Shepherds are around 5-10% larger.
At the bottom, you will also find a complete list of all German Shepherd breeds with their respective sizes for both male and female dogs.
1. Welsh Corgi Cardigan: 25-33cm
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the smallest of 56 sheepdog breeds. This little Welsh Shepherd is very versatile.
He is between 12 and 16 years old and is suitable both as a guard dog and as a family dog. The character of the Welsh Corgi is alert with a strong barking and hunting instinct.
Translated, Corgi means “ dwarf dog ”. But with its short legs, this four-legged friend is still fast and energetic.
Fun fact: Contrary to popular belief, this dwarf was not originally kept for herding, but to drive wild herd animals off its owner’s property.
2. Welsh Corgi Pembroke: 25-33cm
Hailing from Wales, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi ranks as the 11th smartest dog breed. This dwarf dog is also one of the smallest shepherd dogs in the world.
He is very easy to train, playful, and very trusting toward his owners. His love goes so far that he wants to follow his master everywhere.
They are only suitable to a limited extent for keeping in the apartment, as they bark a lot and like to do so. Despite their small size, they can reach around 40 km/h with their short legs.
Fun Fact: Be prepared to be out and about in the snow much longer than other dog owners. Why? The Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s legs are so short that they often get stuck in the snow during the winter.
3. Västgötaspets: 30-32 cm
The Västgötaspets come from Sweden and were bred for herding and herding cows over 1000 years ago.
This alert, intelligent four-legged friend makes both a good watchdog and family dog. This small, gray shepherd dog is also good as a couch potato.
He learns quickly, is easy to train, but can not be left alone so well. In this case, he tends to bark constantly. He also needs a lot of exercise and exercise.
Fun Fact: This clever German Shepherd is great at herding cows. To point them in the right direction, he pinches their heels while at the same time dodging to the side to avoid getting a kick.
4. Miniature American Shepherd: 33 – 43 cm
The Miniature American Shepherd is an enthusiastic, small American Shepherd dog. Once kept only as a shepherd dog, today he enjoys a variety of tasks.
It is suitable as a guard dog, shepherd dog, and family dog. This four-legged friend is very easy to train and needs owners who want to spend a lot of time with him.
The small, active dog is not suitable for living in an apartment. He is often reserved with strangers. He gets along great with children.
Fun fact: if you’re looking for a dog that sleeps in a crate all day, you won’t find it in the Miniature American Shepherd. This rocket gets by with 5-6 hours of sleep.
5. Shetland Sheepdog: 33-41cm
The Shetland Sheepdog (“Sheltie”) from Scotland is one of the smallest sheepdogs in the world. He sheds a lot, is very easy to train with a mediocre hunting instinct.
He was bred primarily as a shepherd dog. Nowadays it is also popular as a family and therapy dog. The small four-legged friends weigh around 9 kg when fully grown.
They are very loyal to the family. They love children and want to be kept busy. Unfortunately, Shelties bark a lot and very loudly.
Fun Fact: Get used to the fact that a Sheltie will follow you everywhere! This eager little dog is so loyal and affectionate that he’s been nicknamed “Shadow” among those in the know.
6. Puli: 36 – 42 cm
The Puli comes from Hungary and was kept as a guard, shepherd, and police dog. This little German Shepherd has a quick, clever, and obedient nature.
His coat naturally develops long dreadlocks over time. It, therefore, sheds very little and is ideal for allergy sufferers.
They are easily trainable, but tend to be hyperactive, which is why they need a lot of exercise and exercise. A garden and regular activity are absolute musts.
Fun fact: Subscribe to the dog hairdresser! Because without regular visits to the hairdresser, you won’t be able to see the Puli’s eyes for the fur within a few weeks.
7. Berger des Pyrénées: 38 – 48 cm
Also known as the Pyrenees Shepherd Dog, the Berger des Pyrénées originated in France. This alert, active dog is very popular as a shepherd and family pet.
If this small German shepherd species does not already attract attention with its long, shaggy fur, then it will attract attention with its energetic, nervous nature at the latest.
This bundle of energy is not really suitable for beginners. He is particularly good as a keeper and can handle up to 500 sheep on his own.
Fun Fact: “Bumble Butt” is a total understatement to describe these energetic dogs. In English-speaking countries, they are even referred to as “Ball of Fire”.
8. Pumi: 38-44cm
The Pumi (plural: Pumik) from Hungary is also often referred to as a “clown” in his homeland. This beautiful little German Shepherd is known for its goofy behavior.
His nature is playful, lively, and protective. Internationally, this curly, small four-legged friend is still very rare and relatively unknown.
This intelligent dog is only suitable for first-time owners if you exercise it a lot and work it out well, otherwise, you have to reckon with digging and barking orgies.
Fun facts: watch out! Pumik can be little “dictators” in dog fur. If they don’t have experienced and strict leadership, they’ll dance all over you.
9. Hrvatski Ovcar: 40-53 cm
The Hrvatski Ovčar (English: Croatian Sheepdog) comes from Croatia and is one of 56 sheepdog breeds worldwide.
This eager little German Shepherd makes an excellent sheepdog, guard dog, or family dog. With his strong urge for human contact, he is super trainable.
Without a lot of training and early socialization, this black shepherd will grow into a skeptical, reserved pup who is bad with strangers.
Fun fact: This four-legged friend sticks to your face and wants to read your every wish from your lips. A “workaholic”, the Hrvastski Ovčar is constantly waiting for his next task and summons you with the “What next?” look.
10. Koolie: 40-60cm
The Australian Koolie is a friendly, dedicated sheepdog and working dog with a moderate hunting drive. He is also popular as a family dog these days.
He is easy to train, has a lot of stamina, and is a wonderful guardian. His herding instinct is strong and he can run half the day without any problems.
This active, small German Shepherd is suitable for beginners but requires a lot of activity and attention. On average, Koolies live to be 15-18 years old.
Fun Fact: Paradoxically, this breed is also known as the “German Collie” despite having its origins in Australia.
11. Perro de Agua Espanol: 40-46 cm
The Spanish Water Dog (Perro de Agua Español) is a small German Shepherd dog from Spain that is an excellent swimmer and very active canine companion.
As an ideal guard, family, and hunting dog, this shepherd dog can be trained in a variety of ways. It is therefore also suitable for beginners and proves to be very loyal.
The Perro de Agua appears reserved and shy towards strangers. Nevertheless, they are active and lively companions who need a lot of attention.
Fun fact: the allergy-friendly fur of these four-legged friends should not be brushed as it tends to become matted quickly. But if you like dreadlocks, you have found the right dog here.
12. Schapendoes: 40 – 47 cm
The Schapendoes come from Holland and are one of the smallest shepherd dogs in the world. This bold, lively dog is known for his long shaggy hair and beard.
Originally bred as a farmer and family dog breed, these powerhouses are very independent and hardworking animals.
They need a lot of attention and contact with people and have difficulty staying alone. If you deprive them of their attention, they will take revenge with a lot of barking.
Fun Fact: These dogs are running bottomless pits and are almost always hungry. Despite their small size, they often tend to be overweight.
13. Finnish Lapphund: 41-47 cm
The Finnish Lapphund is an eager, trusting little sheepdog that is now primarily kept as a family dog.
This curious four-legged friend gets along well with children. He loves to be outdoors and is therefore also a wonderful jogging partner.
Thanks to its waterproof and very cold-resistant coat, the Lapphund can be kept outside all the time, even in the depths of winter.
Fun Fact: Keep an eye out for the environment in which Finnish Lapphunds are kept. If the animals smell a supposed “danger”, then they report it loudly.
14. Norwegian Buhund: 41-45 cm
The Norwegian Buhund is a sharp little sheepdog with weak hunting and barking instincts. He is easily trainable and sheds very little.
Children and extensive cuddles love these dogs just as much as a lot of activity and exercise. In the past, they were sometimes kept on boats by Vikings.
Buhunds (the “Bu” stands for a mountain hut, which is where they often lived) are very friendly, intelligent companions who always want to make their owners happy.
Fun Fact: Some of these gentle dogs were also kept as nannies. Her playful and at the same time loyal nature made her the ideal minder for children.
15. Entlebuch Mountain Dog: 42 – 50 cm
The Entlebucher Sennenhund originally comes from Switzerland and was kept there as a shepherd, guard, and family dog.
This small, short-haired German Shepherd has a long body with comparatively very short legs. His “sheep eyes” or light brown spots above his eyes are also striking.
Despite their short legs, these clever dogs love to exercise and do physical work. They are therefore not so well suited to living in an apartment.
Fun fact: what do Entlebuchers and goats have in common? – your stubborn manner! If you as the owner are not particularly strict here, then the little four-legged friends will be happy to dance on your nose.
16. Icelandic Dog: 42 – 42 cm
The Icelandic Dog is an energetic, small sheepdog that is ideal as a sheepdog, working dog, or family dog.
Their alert, fearless nature makes them well-suited as guard dogs without being aggressive. They get along very well with children and are otherwise trusting.
Indoors, Icelandic dogs tend to be quiet, but outdoors they are very active and enjoy being kept busy.
Fun Fact: These German Shepherds will guard anything that isn’t in the trees by three. Their shepherd instinct is sometimes so strong that they also look after visitors and they can hardly leave the house again.
17. Polski Owczarek Nizinny: 42-47cm
The Polski Owczarek Nizinny (PON) is a small Polish Shepherd Dog. This nimble, confident four-legged friend is a common sight on Polish postage stamps.
The PON is easily trainable but requires strict training as it can be stubborn and stubborn. He doesn’t like strangers that much.
These four-legged friends need a lot of exercises and need to be able to get rid of their energy. If they don’t have this opportunity, they bark, dig, or gnaw out of frustration.
Fun Fact: PONs have very keen senses. In World War I, these dogs could even detect unseen bombers in the air early on and warn people.
18. Australian Cattle Dog: 43-48cm
The Australian Cattle Dog is among the top 10 smartest dog breeds in the world. He is also one of 56 Small German Shepherd breeds. [ 18 ]
This gray shepherd shows itself to be an obedient companion who is willing to learn. He is very persistent, can run a lot for a long time, and loves to learn tricks.
They are great as family and guard dogs. Even first-time owners and beginners get along well with a trusting and loyal Cattle Dog.
Fun Fact: Get yourself some closed-toe slippers, because this dog is known and notorious for being a “heel pincher.”
19. Australian Kelpie: 43-48cm
The Australian Kelpie is one of the smallest shepherd dogs in the world. It was originally bred in Australia to herd sheep and goats.
Today he also makes a career as a rescue, therapy, and service dog. This intelligent, pointy-eared dog is now also very popular as a family pet around the world.
They have well suited for first-time owners thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to learn nature. They love physical and mental exercise, so there is plenty to do with them.
Fun fact: With a lot of training, these dogs can do extraordinary things – even learn to surf! The world surfing record is held by a Kelpie named “Abbie Girl”, who surfed a wave a whopping 107 meters.
20. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog: 43-48cm
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a small Australian Shepherd Dog with an obedient, whimsical nature. Good socialization is very important for this dog.
It is nicknamed the “Stumpy Tail” because its tail is either abnormally short or missing entirely due to a genetic mutation.
These persistent four-legged friends are too active to live in an apartment. They are also only conditionally recommended for first-time dog owners, as they tend to be suspicious.
Fun Fact: These dogs are energy junkies! If they don’t get enough exercise, they like to use their excess energy to dig. This can then also be the front garden or the beloved flower meadow.
21. German Spitz: 43 – 55 cm
The German Spitz is also one of the smallest German Shepherds. He was originally bred as a shepherd and guard dog, which also explains his joy in barking.
Today, Spitz is primarily kept as a family and lap dog. Untrained, these little four-legged friends like to be stubborn and stubborn.
With their fox-like appearance and many coat colors, they are one of the most popular dog breeds today. Without a hunting instinct, they also do well as city dogs.
Fun fact: “Foot horn” or “Bark” – ever heard of it? Well, these dogs belong in that category. The slightest hint of danger is enough and they start barking at the top of their lungs.
22. Gos d’Atura Català: 45-53 cm
One of the smallest sheepdogs in the world, the Catalan Shepherd Dog (Gos d’Atura Català) is originally from north-eastern Spain.
With his strong herding instinct, this nimble, independent four-legged friend did not need any instructions to go about his work as a shepherd dog.
Early socialization is advisable with these intelligent dogs, especially if there are children living in the home. They are very obedient to a strict master.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends are real hairy monsters. The fur of these long-haired German Shepherds is so long, even on the face, that their eyes are hardly visible from the outside.
23. Greek Shepherd Dog: 45 – 53 cm
The Greek shepherd was originally used to guard herd animals. This little German Shepherd is wild and independent by nature.
A strong powerhouse, a lone Greek shepherd can take on a wolf or jackal. These dominant animals are not suitable for first-time owners.
Their protective instinct does not shy away from approaching strangers. They always ring in an attack with a very deep, deterrent bark.
Fun Fact: According to Greek legends, the males of this breed have magical healing powers that they can use to keep their masters healthy.
24. Australian Shepherd: 46-54 cm
The Australian Shepherd is a small German shepherd originally from the United States. With its intelligent and active nature, this dog can be used in many ways.
They need a lot of activity and exercise, so keeping them in an apartment only makes sense with enough balance. Consistent training is important for “Aussies”.
Aussies get along well with children and other dogs. They learn quickly and with pleasure and want to be part of everything. This makes them great companions.
Fun Fact: Australian Shepherds were considered sacred by Native Americans. Because of their beautiful blue eyes, they were also called “ghost eyes”.
25. Basque Sheepdog: 46 – 59 cm
The Basque Shepherd Dog was kept in northern Spain as a guard and shepherd dog for sheep. The nature of little German Shepherd is very sociable and loyal.
He is easy to train and has only a mediocre hunting instinct. Animals are happiest when they get lots of attention and affection.
With their lively, loving nature, they also delight beginners and seniors. If they are kept in an apartment, you should allow them plenty of exercise and activity.
Fun Fact: Basque Sheepdogs love children. The more children jumping around them, the happier they are. They show their joy by playing with spinning tops and turning in circles on the spot several times.
26. Border Collie: 46-53 cm
The Border Collie from England is a trusting, small shepherd dog with a great need to learn and be busy.
They are very popular as a dog breed around the world and are currently in the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds. With their endurance, they are the ideal shepherd dogs.
They are still kept as working dogs today. Their herding instinct is still so strong that they guard everything that moves. Yes, that includes bicycles, cars, and people.
Fun Fact: These dogs are not only excellent at herding but also at all kinds of sports. There is almost nothing that the Border Collie cannot learn. For example, “Jumpy” can skateboard 100 meters in under 20 seconds.
27. English Shepherd: 46-58cm
Contrary to its name, the English Shepherd comes from the USA and was kept there primarily as a small shepherd or farm dog.
Since they learn extremely quickly, they were also used for hunting. Today they are also often kept as family dogs and enjoy the attention of the family.
Ball or fetch games are great fun with the English Shepherd as they have a natural instinct to bring things back to their master.
Fun Fact: And groundhog day – these organized four-legged friends love fixed routines, wait on time for their food, always take their naps at the same time, and hate it when these routines can’t be followed.
28. Canaan Dog: 48 – 58 cm
The Canaan Dog is a small Middle Eastern sheepdog and the national dog of Israel. In Egypt’s capital alone, 10,000 of these dogs roam the streets.
This mostly white German Shepherd is relatively rare worldwide. Although they are suitable as family dogs, they should be socialized early and well because they form hierarchies easily.
With their watchful, protective nature, they tend to be very watchful and territorial, so they are not recommended for first-time owners.
Fun fact: In Cairo, thousands of Canaan sheepdogs rule city life at night. Since the midday sun is very strong, the nocturnal strays only come out from under the parked cars when the temperatures are cooler.
29. Chodsky Pes: 49-52 cm
The Chodský Pes (Bohemian Shepherd) is a small shepherd dog from the Czech Republic, which was used as a shepherd and guard dog.
This energetic four-legged friend is also well-suited as a family dog but needs a lot and regular exercise. These dogs get along well with children and other animals.
They have trouble dealing with loneliness, need strong social contacts, and love active life. Keeping them indoors with a garden would therefore be ideal.
Fun Fact: These sociable four-legged friends are ideal if you want to keep a lot of pets. If they can’t get attention from people, then they’ll be happy to get involved with cats, rabbits, or mice.
30. Siberian Husky: 50-56 cm
Native to the USA, the Siberian Husky is an outgoing, gentle-mannered quadruped with a wolf-like appearance. The small German Shepherd belongs to the Spitz group.
It was bred as a sled dog but was later also kept as a guard and family dog. Despite their size, the Nordic dog breed can live up to 14 years.
Not only visually, but also genetically, these quadrupeds resemble North Asian wolves. They are not suitable as guard dogs because of their loving, friendly nature.
Fun fact: Due to their great desire for freedom, these four-legged friends are absolute pros when it comes to escaping. Whether digging, biting, or jumping over fences up to 2 meters high – if a husky wants to get away, he will find a way.
Size of all German Shepherd breeds
| German Shepherd Breed | Size Females | Size Male |
|---|---|---|
| Welsh Corgi Cardigan | 25-33cm | 25-33cm |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 25-33cm | 25-33cm |
| Västgötaspets | 30-32cm | 32-34cm |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 33 – 43 cm | 36 – 46 cm |
| Shetland Sheepdog | 33 – 41 cm | 33 – 41 cm |
| Puli | 36-42cm | 39-45 cm |
| Berger of the Pyrenees | 38-48cm | 40-50cm |
| Pumi | 38-44 cm | 41-47 cm |
| Koolie | 40-60cm | 40-60cm |
| Hrvatski Ovcar | 40-53cm | 40-53cm |
| Perro de Agua Espanol | 40-46cm | 44-50 cm |
| Schapendoes | 40-47cm | 43-50 cm |
| Finnish Lapphund | 41-47 cm | 46-52 cm |
| Norwegian Buhund | 41-45cm | 43-47 cm |
| Entlebuch mountain dog | 42-50cm | 44-52cm |
| Polski Owczarek Nizinny | 42-47cm | 45-50cm |
| Icelandic dog | 42-42cm | 46-46cm |
| German lace | 43-55 cm | 43-55 cm |
| Australian Cattle Dog | 43-48cm | 46-51 cm |
| Australian Kelpie | 43-48cm | 46-51 cm |
| Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog | 43-48cm | 46-51 cm |
| Gos d’Atura Catala | 45-53 cm | 47-55 cm |
| Greek shepherd | 45-53 cm | 47-55 cm |
| Basque Shepherd Dog | 46 – 59 cm | 47-61 cm |
| Australian Shepherd | 46-54 cm | 51-58cm |
| English Shepherd | 46-58cm | 46-58cm |
| border collie | 46-53 cm | 48-56 cm |
| Canaan Dog | 48-58cm | 51-61cm |
| Chodsky Pes | 49-52 cm | 52-55 cm |
| Siberian husky | 50-56cm | 54-60cm |
| Bobtail | 51-56 cm | 56-61 cm |
| Rough Collie | 51-56 cm | 56-61 cm |
| Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog | 51-61cm | 56-58cm |
| Bearded Collie | 51-53 cm | 53-56 cm |
| Bergamasque shepherd dog | 54-58cm | 58-62cm |
| Berger Blanc Suisse | 55-61cm | 60-66cm |
| Berger de Picardie | 55-60cm | 60-65cm |
| German shepherd dog | 55-60cm | 60-65cm |
| Hollandse Herdershond | 55-60cm | 57-62cm |
| Groenendael | 56-62cm | 60-66cm |
| Laekenois | 56-62cm | 60-66cm |
| Malinois | 56-61 cm | 61-66 cm |
| Tervueren | 56-62cm | 60-66cm |
| Ciobănesc Românesc Carpatin | 59-67 cm | 65-73 cm |
| Bouvier des Flandres | 59-65 cm | 62-68cm |
| Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog | 60-68cm | 65-73 cm |
| Central Asian Ovcharka | 60-69cm | 65-68cm |
| East European Shepherd Dog | 62-68cm | 67-72 cm |
| South Russian Ovcharka | 62-66 cm | 65-66 cm |
| Komondor | 64-69cm | 71-76 cm |
| Beauceron | 64-66 cm | 66-71 cm |
| Great Pyrenees | 65-74 cm | 70-82cm |
| Kuvasz | 65-70 cm | 70-76 cm |
| Caucasian Ovcharka | 67-70 cm | 72-75cm |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog | 71-79 cm | 74-81cm |
| Mastin del Pirineo | 72-75cm | 77-80cm |