The Ultimate Guide to the Top 56 Shepherd Dog Breeds

The Ultimate Guide to the Top 56 Shepherd Dog Breeds

German shepherds are dogs that were specially bred for herding and herding animals. Below is a list of all 56 German Shepherd breeds:

Dogs, which are only responsible for the protection of herd animals, have been neglected in this list. The above breeds are therefore also suitable for driving the animals.

Subdivision according to size

Subdivision according to coat length

Subdivision according to color

Subdivision according to popularity

Below is a list of all German Shepherd breeds.

1. Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is originally from Turkey. With a body weight of up to 60 kg, it is also one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world.

However, this German shepherd breed is better known for its strength and courage. Because a single dog of this breed can already take on a wolf.

When it comes to their own family, however, these four-legged friends are very calm and loyal. Due to their independent nature, however, an experienced master is needed here.

Fun Fact: Garden lovers fear this breed. If they get too hot, they like to dig huge holes and then cool off in the cold earth.

2. Australian Cattle Dog

The country of origin is already in the name of the Australian Cattle Dog. In their homeland, they are kept as shepherd dogs, family dogs, and guard dogs.

According to research, this German shepherd breed is also one of the 10 most intelligent dogs in the world. In addition, they get along very well with children.

On the other hand, they sometimes react aggressively toward strange dogs. That’s because they descended from the Australian dingo. But they can be trained well for this.

Fun Fact: These dogs used to pinch the heels of stubborn animals while herding. Nowadays they sometimes do this to people too, for example when they want food.

3. Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie is also known as the “Farmer Dog” in its native Australia. Because these dogs can take on a wide variety of tasks almost without supervision.

This German Shepherd breed is also very popular internationally. According to statistics, there are said to be around 3 million specimens of this breed worldwide.

They also make great family and guard dogs. Due to their excellent trainability, they are also ideal for first-time owners and beginners.

Fun Fact: Since these dogs are from Australia, it’s no surprise that they also hold the world record for surfing. The longest wave ridden by a dog was a whopping 107 meters.

4. Australian Shepherds

The Australian Shepherd is considered to be particularly energetic and active. This also explains why they are less suitable for apartments and city life.

Although this German Shepherd breed can be trained very well, it still needs a strict master in order to obey. It is therefore not recommended for first-time owners.

And yet the animals are very popular internationally. They are among the 20 most popular breeds worldwide. They are also considered to be very trusting, sociable, and loyal.

Fun Fact: These dogs have their origins in Austr… No, I thought wrong! Paradoxically, this breed originated in the United States.

5. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is still mainly kept as a farm dog. Incidentally, he received the name “Stumpy Tail” through a gene mutation.

This is because these dogs are born with either a short tail or none at all. However, this German shepherd breed is less suitable as a family dog.

The reason for this is their independent nature. Compared to other dogs, they only develop a moderately close relationship with their master. For this, they are very brave and obedient.

Fun Fact: If you read the description of this breed on Wikipedia, you will read about a “blue-spotted coat”.

6. Basque Sheepdog

The Basque Shepherd comes from northern Spain and was once used primarily as a shepherd and guard dog for sheep. Because he is considered to be particularly protective.

In addition, this German shepherd breed requires a lot of work and attention. They are obviously happiest when they are around people.

Due to their good trainability, the four-legged friends are also suitable for beginners and seniors. They are also considered to be very friendly, familiar, and loyal.

Fun Fact: When this breed is overjoyed, they often spin in circles in place. You see this most often around children.

7. Bearded Collie

In its Scottish homeland, the Bearded Collie was once used primarily for herding animals. Today, however, they are mainly kept as house and family dogs.

These dogs owe much of their fame to their ability to learn quickly. Because of this, they were used very often in films in the past.

However, when this German Shepherd breed gets bored, you’ll have to make friends by barking or gnawing on pieces of furniture. They also need a lot of exercises.

Fun fact: The fur of these dogs is naturally so long that after around 5 months their eyes are no longer visible from the outside.

8. Beauceron

The Beauceron originated in France. With a shoulder height of around 70 cm, these four-legged friends are also among the largest dogs in the world.

Due to its excellent nose, this German Shepherd breed is also suitable as a search and rescue dog. But they also make very trusting family dogs.

In addition, these animals love to please their masters with their obedience. They also usually get along with other dogs and pets.

Fun fact: Although these dogs’ fur is considered waterproof, you can hardly get them out of the house when it rains.

9. Bergamasca Shepherd Dog

The Bergamasque shepherd dog comes from Italy and is primarily known for its flat dreadlocks. These develop completely automatically from a certain coat length.

When it comes to running, this German Shepherd breed’s heavy coat is certainly not ideal. In return, it is used to offer additional protection against potential attacks from other predators.

According to statistics, they are also among the 10 most unpopular breeds in the world. And this is despite the fact that they have little hair and are very sociable and gentle.

Fun Fact: These four-legged friends are so alert that their regular naps have also been described as a “vegetative state”.

10. Berger Blanc Suisse

The Berger Blanc Suisse originally descended from the German shepherd dog. However, they were bred in Switzerland and have a completely white coat.

Visually, this shepherd breed, therefore, has strong similarities with arctic wolves. What sounds great at first also means a considerable amount of maintenance.

In addition, they shed relatively heavily and are not suitable for apartment life. On the other hand, they are very loyal and are suitable both as guard dogs and as family dogs.

Fun Fact: These dogs’ loyalty knows no bounds. You will notice that at the latest when they accompany you to the toilet in the middle of the night.

11. Berger de Picardie

The Berger de Picardie comes from France and is considered very rare with less than 3500 copies. During the Second World War, the animals became almost completely extinct.

Visually, this German shepherd breed is easy to recognize by its pointed ears. In addition, they love to be busy and have people around them.

In the past, the four-legged friends were also used to smuggle tobacco. Nowadays, however, these tricks have long been known at customs.

Fun Fact: Due to the rounded-shaped eyebrows, the neutral facial expression of these dogs usually looks like a friendly smile.

12. Berger des Pyrénées

The Berger des Pyrénées is one of the most efficient sheepdog breeds in the world. Two dogs of this breed are enough to look after around 1000 animals.

These animals are also so lively that they often make a nervous impression. They also bark a lot and have a strong hunting instinct.

Their fur is adapted to both heat and cold. They don’t like solitude at all – on the contrary. The more attention they get, the better.

Fun Fact: These dogs would love to run one marathon at a time. Due to their active nature, they are also known internationally as the “Ball of Fire”.

13. Bobtail

Originally from England, the Bobtail was used primarily for herding sheep. This also explains its international name “Old English Sheepdog”. 

Compared to the other German Shepherd breeds, they are also absolute couch potatoes. In addition, they bark and shed very little and are easy to train.

These four-legged friends are usually very trusting and loving towards the family. Incidentally, their guardian instinct is often so strong that they guard their children themselves.

Fun Fact: These dogs run in a manner similar to bears. Compared to other dogs, it looks very clumsy and unsportsmanlike.

14. Border Collie

The Border Collie is not only one of the top 10 most intelligent dogs in the world but also learns very quickly. This also explains why they hold numerous world records.

Among other things, this German Shepherd breed is the record holder for opening manual sliding windows in a car and balancing a can on its head.

They are also considered to be very persistent, need a lot of exercises, and bark very little. Due to their trusting and friendly nature, they also make great family dogs.

Fun Fact: Not only are these dogs excellent at herding, but they are also good at four roles. Because the “Jumpy” can ride 100 meters on the skateboard in under 20 seconds.

15. Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres was initially kept mainly by farmers. Because of their versatility, they can take on many different tasks.

Nowadays, however, the German Shepherd breed is also used as a house, guard, and police dog. Bearded dogs are also suitable for allergy sufferers.

They usually get along very well with children. On the other hand, they sometimes react aggressively towards strange dogs – especially with animals of the same sex.

Fun Fact: While many other breeds have dirt-repellent coats, these dogs’ coats seem to be more dirt-absorbing.

16. Chodsky Pes

The Chodský Pes comes from the Czech Republic. Once upon a time, the four-legged friends were used primarily for herding animals. Today, however, they also serve as guards, family, and rescue dogs.

In comparison to other German shepherd breeds, they also need a lot of exercise and bark relatively little. Due to their quiet nature, they are also suitable for apartments.

Other pets such as cats are usually tolerated by these dogs. The reason for this is their very weak hunting instinct.

Fun Fact: Just as some people get by with 5-6 hours of sleep, these dogs only need 8 instead of the usual 13 hours of sleep per day.

17. Ciobănesc Romanesc Carpatin

The Ciobănesc Românesc Carpatin originally comes from Romania. But you can also call him “Romanian Shepherd Dog” if you have problems with pronunciation.

With a shoulder height of up to 73 cm, this German Shepherd breed is as large as the largest greyhound breed. They are also mostly used today as shepherds and guard dogs.

Early socialization is necessary to keep this breed as a family pet. Otherwise, they are mostly independent and shy. The same applies to dogs and other animals.

Fun Fact: A total of 9 names have been officially recognized for this breed. Stupidly, however, the most difficult-to-pronounce name has prevailed in Germany.

18. German top

Although German lace originally comes from Germany, it can now also be found all over the world. Part of their popularity is due to their size.

Because this Shepherd breed is available in five different sizes – from very small (2 kg) to medium-sized (30 kg). The smaller species are also among the top 30 most popular breeds.

In addition, the four-legged friends can be trained well and have almost no hunting instinct. They usually get along well with other pets.

Fun Fact: This breed often has a naturally cupped mouth. They are therefore also described as “permanent grins”.

19. German Shepherd

The German shepherd is one of the dogs that is by far the best to train. It stands for obedience, discipline, and self-confidence.

That also explains its popularity. Internationally, according to statistics, he is the 2nd most popular breed in the world. The Labrador Retriever is in the first place.

In addition, this German Shepherd breed has a sense of smell that is around 45 times better than that of humans. This also explains why he often serves as a sniffer dog.

Fun fact: Because these dogs’ buttocks hang unusually low, magazines often refer to them as having “frog-like buttocks”.

20. English Shepherd

The English Shepherd originated in the USA and is also known as the “farmer’s shepherd dog”. In the past, this breed was kept almost exclusively by farmers.

The reason for this is their strong guardian instinct and their versatility. This German Shepherd breed is also just as suitable as a guard and family dog.

In addition, they are considered to be very friendly, can be trained very well, and shed quite a lot. The four-legged friends enjoy the attention of others but are not cuddly.

Fun Fact: These dogs love a set routine. You can tell by the fact that they often take their naps at exactly the same time.

21. Entlebuch Mountain Dog

The Entlebucher Sennenhund is one of the 4 Swiss Mountain Dog species. It is also by far the smallest species because its legs are about as short as those of dachshunds.

While other dogs prefer attention, this German Shepherd breed is clearly happiest when busy with work. In addition, they shed very little.

In the meantime, however, the animals are relatively rare. Because after the war, demand in Switzerland and Germany fell sharply due to new technologies.

Fun fact: This breed has one thing in common with goats – their stubborn nature. If you are not particularly strict here, then the little four-legged friends like to play the boss.

22. Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund was once used primarily for herding reindeer. Today, four-legged friends are also popular as family dogs because of their friendly and trusting nature.

Sometimes the German shepherd breed lives up to 17 years. However, the average is around 13 years. They also need a lot of exercises and are easy to train.

But you have to be careful when walking here. Because these dogs not only have a strong hunting instinct but are also very curious by nature.

Fun fact: this breed will make you less popular with neighbors. Because if these dogs cannot get rid of their energy every day, then they also tend to bark constantly.

23. Gos d’Atura Catala

The Gos d’Atura Català has its origins in Catalonia – the area in north-eastern Spain. He is also very easy to train and has a strong hunting instinct.

What makes this German Shepherd breed special is its independence. You can look after and herd the animals for several hours without instructions.

For life as a family dog, however, this breed must be socialized at an early age. This is especially true if they are kept with children and other pets.

Fun fact: when these four-legged friends have run in the snow, they then carry around 1-2 kilos home with them. Because big clumps of snow are forming all around the long hair on her legs.

24. Greek Shepherd

The Greek shepherd doesn’t exactly have the best reputation internationally. Because this breed is so territorial and protective that they sometimes attack people.

However, this trait is very useful for herding animals. This also explains why the German Shepherd breed used to be kept in areas where there were many thieves.

However, they are unsuitable for beginners and first-time owners. Because they are difficult to train, grow very large, and require strict training.

Fun Fact: According to old legends, these dogs are said to be able to heal their masters. The four-legged friends were therefore often kept by sick people.

25. Groenendael

The Groenendael comes from Belgium and is very versatile there. Today it also serves as a military, police, guard, and sniffer dog, among other things.

By the way, this German Shepherd breed is a subspecies of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. However, due to their uniqueness, they are now recognized as an independent breed.

In addition, the four-legged friends are considered very loyal, trusting, and calm. They bark very rarely. They shed particularly heavily and need a relatively large amount of exercise.

Fun fact: If you happen to be in Belgium and read about black wolf sightings in the newspapers, you can take a deep breath. In almost all cases, it is Groenendael who escaped.

26. Hollandse Herdershond

With the Hollandse Herdershond, the country of origin is already in the name. The Dutch four-legged friends are also very trainable and can live up to 15 years.

In addition, this German Shepherd breed is also suitable as a police, guard, and search and rescue dog. They also tend to get along well with children and dogs.

However, this breed almost died out during World War II. To date, the numbers have recovered only moderately. They are therefore still considered relatively rare. 

Fun fact: the ears of these four-legged friends are almost full-grown when they are born. They are therefore considered to be particularly sweet, especially when they are young.

27. Hrvatski Ovcar

The Hrvatski Ovčar comes from Croatia and is also described as a “workaholic”. Because in addition to attention, these four-legged friends especially love a lot of activity.

This also explains why this German Shepherd breed is excellent for herding and guarding animals. But they also make great family dogs.

This breed is always curly black. They are also considered to be very sociable, loyal, and intelligent. On the other hand, they bark and shed comparatively much.

Fun Fact: While other dogs detest commands, these animals just can’t wait to be assigned a new task. They, therefore, look at their master’s face almost non-stop.

28. Icelandic Dog

The Icelandic dog is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. And that despite the fact that they are not only suitable as shepherd dogs but also just as well as family and working dogs.

In the past, this German shepherd breed was threatened with extinction several times. There are currently only around 5,000 specimens of this breed worldwide.

They are also considered to be very cheerful, curious, and playful. These properties also make them very popular among children. Because they are almost the perfect playmates.

Fun Fact: Don’t be surprised if these dogs instinctively look up into the air every few seconds. Because they used to have to protect sheep from large birds of prey.

29. Canaan Dog

The Canaan dog is the only shepherd dog breed that lives mainly as wild strays to this day. Only around 3,000 copies are said to be registered worldwide.

The number of wild strays, on the other hand, is said to be significantly higher. For comparison: in the Egyptian capital Cairo alone, more than 10,000 of these dogs live on the streets.

In addition, the animals are considered territorial. They therefore rarely get along with other dogs and pets. This requires early socialization. 

Fun fact: As house dogs, you almost only see these four-legged friends sleeping. Because the midday sun gets very hot in the Middle East, this breed is mostly nocturnal.

30. Caucasian Ovcharka

The Caucasian Ovcharka naturally reaches a body weight of up to 100 kg. It is also very muscular and has a powerful bite.

For this reason, the German Shepherd breed mostly serves as a guard dog to this day. However, they not only defend their herd but also protect their master from thieves.

In a pack, these behemoths are so intimidating that even bears often refrain from attacking. The animals are also available with 3 different fur lengths.

Fun Fact: This breed is known to be very gluttonous. If you give them too much food every day, they can easily reach a weight of 150 kg.

31. Komondor

The Komondor has its origins in Hungary and is still used there mainly for herding animals. This also explains the nickname “Hungarian Shepherd Dog”.

However, this shepherd breed is mainly known for its long dreadlocks. Without a regular haircut, these become almost 30 cm long. 

Here, too, the fur serves as protection against bites from foreign predators. They are also known to be very fearless, independent, and protective. But they are also suitable as house dogs.

Fun Fact: The “wet dog smell” is something you’ll have to get used to with this breed. Because after bathing, the hair is dry again after almost 3 days.

32. Koolie

The Koolie is one of Australia’s most popular dogs. On the one hand, they are very popular with farmers because they have mastered numerous guardian techniques and are very persistent.

On the other hand, this German shepherd breed is also very suitable as a family dog ​​for first-time owners. Because they are easy to train and learn comparatively quickly.

In addition, they are considered very loyal, friendly, and caring. They also often develop a strong protective instinct towards children and other pets.

Fun Fact: Paradoxically, this breed is also known as the “German Collie” despite the dogs having their origins in Australia.

33. Kuvasz

The Kuvasz originated in Hungary. Originally, the breed was bred to work as royal guards. Only later were they also used for hunting and herding.

Compared to other dogs, this German Shepherd breed tends to be reserved and skeptical by nature. They also weigh up to a whopping 62 kg.

Despite their size, these four-legged friends are considered very trusting and require a lot of attention. They don’t like solitude at all.

Fun Fact: Originally this breed was known by the Turkish term “Kawasz”. However, due to a spelling mistake in the old scripts, “Kuvasz” has prevailed today.

34. Laekenois

The Laekenois was only officially recognized as a distinct breed in 2020. Before that, it was only considered a rare subspecies of the Belgian Shepherd Dog.

Despite its versatility, this shepherd breed is still very rare today. They are also suitable as assistance, search, rescue, and police dogs.

However, the hunting instinct of these animals is sometimes so strong that they instinctively run after cyclists and joggers. A leash is therefore recommended when walking.

Fun Fact: With fewer than 800 living specimens, you’re more likely to live to be 100 than ever to see this breed in your life.

35. Rough Collie

Originally from Great Britain, the Rough Collie is one of the top 40 most popular breeds in the world. They also have a particularly long snout.

The popularity of this German shepherd breed is not only for visual reasons. Because the dogs can be excellently trained and are very friendly and gentle.

They also love company and can’t get enough work. They are also very protective and loyal toward their own family.

Fun fact: Even Rough Collies that have never seen a herd in their lives can be used overnight to herd and herd the animals.

36. Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog was originally bred to hunt wild boar. Only later did it turn out that they are also very good keepers.

In addition, this German shepherd breed was also used as a sled dog in the past. This is where her strength and endurance came into their own.

In order to obey, however, these friendly and gentle four-legged friends need an experienced master. First-time owners are therefore more likely to be advised to choose other breeds.

Fun fact: once the hunting instinct of these animals has been triggered, they will chase their prey up tall trees without thinking. However, they can no longer climb down alone.

37. Malinois

The Malinois has only gained much popularity in the last 25 years. Not only did they help track down Osama Bin Laden, but they also tracked down tons of drugs.

This German Shepherd breed is therefore very popular with the police and the military. With the appropriate training, some of them can also detect bombs and cash.

But these four-legged friends also make great families and watchdogs. They also get along well with children, can be trained very well, and are considered to be active and self-confident.

Fun fact: There is no trace of fear of heights in these animals. Because in the military, they jump out of the plane on their own during air operations, even when commanded.

38. Maremma-Abruzzo Sheepdog

The Maremma-Abruzzo Sheepdog originated in Northern Italy, where it was once used primarily to protect the herd from wolves. It also reaches up to a whopping 45 kg.

To protect them from bites from other predators, they usually had a wide metal collar equipped with spikes. However, that is in the past.

This German Shepherd breed also makes good guard and family dogs. They are known to be very friendly, loyal, and alert. On the other hand, they bark and shed quite a lot.

Fun Fact: At home, these dogs are often lazy couch potatoes. However, as soon as you let them run outside, they turn into hyperactive wild strays.

39. Mastin del Pirineo

The Mastín del Pirineo is also known as the Pyrenean Mastiff. With a body weight of between 60 and 90 kg, these giants are also among the heaviest dogs in the world.

According to excavations, this German shepherd breed was kept as a domestic dog as early as 2500 BC. In the beginning, they served primarily to protect against bears and wolves.

Confidence is rather a foreign word for these four-legged friends. And yet they are very loyal and protective of their family. However, they are unsuitable for first-time owners.

Fun Fact: These animals are funny giant babies for the first 3 years. Although they grow very quickly, they take more than twice as long as normal to fully mature.

40. Miniature American Shepherd

The Miniature American Shepherd comes from the USA. Initially, these four-legged friends were used primarily as shepherds and guard dogs. But they are also suitable as house dogs.

This German Shepherd breed is currently among the 34 most popular dogs in the world. Part of the reason for this is their size. Because fully grown they only weigh around 12 kg.

However, the small animals are too active for apartment life. In addition, they bark very little, have a strong hunting instinct, and are considered loyal and intelligent.

Fun Fact: While most breeds give birth to between 5-8 puppies per birth, these dogs only average around 3 puppies.

41. Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund was once used primarily for herding animals in the mountains of Norway. By the way, the “Bu” in the name stands for the mountain huts there.

Compared to other German shepherd breeds, these four-legged friends also make excellent family dogs. Because they are very gentle and cuddly.

In addition, they love attention and therefore constantly try to make their owners happy with their good behavior. In addition, they are easy to train.

Fun Fact: All dogs typically have 42 teeth. This breed, on the other hand, only has 40 by default.

42. Eastern European Shepherd

The East European Shepherd Dog reaches a shoulder height of up to 72 cm when fully grown. It is one of the largest and at the same time heaviest dogs in the world.

This shepherd breed has its origins in the former Soviet Union. There they are still mainly used as shepherds, guards, and military dogs.

They were originally bred from the German Shepherd Dog. The goal was to breed a larger and more cold-resistant breed. This also explains their good trainability.

Fun Fact: This breed is also known as “BEO”. In Vietnam, however, this causes confusion, since “beo” means leopard there.

43. Perro de Agua Espanol

The Perro de Agua Español is one of the few breeds that are suitable for both hunting and herding. They also make great guard and family dogs.

This German Shepherd breed is also usually suitable for many allergy sufferers. Because they shed so little that it only triggers an allergic reaction in exceptional cases.

These four-legged friends are also excellent swimmers, can be trained very well, and bark relatively little. Her playful nature also makes her very popular with children.

Fun fact: If you lose sight of these animals while bathing, don’t be surprised. Because these dogs can dive.

44. Polski Owczarek Nizinny

The Polski Owczarek Nizinny can often be found on Polish postage stamps. And this is despite the fact that these dogs have been relatively rare since the Second World War.

In the beginning, this shepherd breed was used exclusively for herding animals. Only later did it turn out that they also give very loyal house dogs.

On the other hand, these four-legged friends are usually reserved or even shy toward strangers. They are also easy to train, but they need a strict master.

Fun Fact: Since these dogs’ vision is naturally limited by their long hair, they have, particularly keen other senses.

45. Puli

The Puli comes from Hungary and is known for its active and energetic nature. If they can’t run out of energy, then they also tend to be hyperactive.

After about 2 years, the fur of this shepherd breed is already so long that it wipes the floor at the same time as it runs. So be careful with freshly mown grass.

These four-legged friends also get along very well with children and are also suitable as a guard and police dogs. They also shed very little and have a strong hunting instinct.

Fun fact: While we humans only get dreadlocks through a very long appointment with the hairdresser, these dogs’ hair tangles completely automatically.

46. Pumi

The Pumi comes from Hungary and only reaches a weight of around 10-13 kg when fully grown. It is therefore one of the smallest German Shepherd breeds in the world.

In the Second World War, however, these four-legged friends almost died out. Currently, there are said to be only around 2,000 registered dogs of this breed in Hungary.

Due to their size, however, they also get very old. The average age is around 14 years – but some even reach 19 years of age.

Fun Fact: Most Pumi’s will change their coat color over the course of their lives. Although more than 50% of them are born black, only about 10% are black when they are fully grown.

47. Great Pyrenees

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog originated in France. With a shoulder height of up to 80 cm, these colossuses are not only very large but also sometimes weigh up to 73 kg.

This German Shepherd breed comes in white only. They are also considered very fearless, trusting, and loyal. They therefore also make great family dogs.

Statistically, however, these dogs are among the 20 least popular breeds in the world. And that, although you can see these four-legged friends in numerous films.

Fun Fact: Among these dogs’ hobbies, “barking” ranks first. In combination with their nocturnal activity, you will not make friends among the neighbors of these animals.

48. Schapendoes

The Schapendoes come from the Netherlands and sometimes live up to 15 years. They are not only suitable as shepherd dogs but also as family and farm dogs.

Compared to other German Shepherd breeds, these animals are difficult to train. First-time owners and beginners are therefore advised against it.

In addition, they need a lot of attention and contact with the family. If that doesn’t happen, then they tend to bridge their loneliness with barking.

Fun Fact: These dogs hardly ever bark… unless another pet gets more attention than they do. Then you can get ready for constant barking.

49. Shetland Sheepdog

According to studies, the Shetland Sheepdog is one of the 6 most intelligent dogs in the world. It has also been in the top 25 most popular breeds for decades.

Special care should be taken at the vet with this German Shepherd breed. Because of a genetic defect, they are very sensitive to narcotics and some medicines.

In addition to their own family, these four-legged friends love a lot of activity. The more tasks they get, the more they blossom. On the other hand, they bark and shed quite a lot.

Fun Fact: Because of their loyal and affectionate nature, this breed is also jokingly known internationally as the “Shadow.”

50. Siberian Husky

Originating in the United States, the Siberian Husky is one of the top 20 most popular dogs in the world. Part of their popularity is due to their wolf-like appearance.

Originally, this German shepherd breed was bred to work as sled dogs. Nowadays, however, they are kept primarily as guards and family dogs.

These Nordic dogs’ coats are designed for Alaskan winters. On the other hand, they are less happy about hot summer days. In addition, they are very friendly and gentle.

Fun Fact: These animals have what is called a “snow nose”. Because in summer it is usually completely black and in cold temperatures it increasingly turns pink.

51. South Russian Ovcharka

The South Russian Ovcharka has two sides. On the one hand, he has an excellent reputation as a shepherd and guard dog. He is also very strong, brave, and dominant.

On the other hand, he is hardly suitable as a family dog ​​without early socialization. Because this German shepherd breed does not naturally have a strong urge toward people.

This also explains why they get along very well on their own. They are also considered very territorial and protective. They are therefore unsuitable for small apartments.

Fun Fact: While these dogs are described as “family and senior-friendly” on many websites, they are banned in Denmark and Lithuania due to their potential for aggressiveness.

52. Tervueren

The Tervueren was originally bred by a beer brewer and named after the Belgian municipality “Tervuren”. These animals are primarily known for their long hair.

This German shepherd breed also gets along particularly well with the cold. Their hunting instinct is also very strong. It is also partly triggered by cyclists and joggers.

A stable fence and a strong leash are therefore advisable. Because despite their good trainability, instincts are very difficult to train.

Fun Fact: These breeds are some of the most feared dogs in the world. However, only because they are often used by customs to track down drugs.

53. Vastgotaspets

The Västgötaspets come from Sweden. Since the dogs have strong similarities to corgis and wolves, they are also known internationally as “Wolf Corgis”.

This German shepherd breed was once bred specifically for herding and herding cows. However, they now also serve as watchdogs and family dogs.

These four-legged friends also learn very quickly, need a lot of exercise, and can be trained very well. On the other hand, they shed relatively heavily and bark quite a lot.

Fun Fact: This breed can naturally have three different tails – short, long, or none at all.

54. Welsh Corgi Cardigan

The Welsh Corgi Cardigan comes from Wales and has made a name for itself there due to its versatility. In addition, he is sometimes up to 16 years old.

If one translates the name of this sheepdog breed into German, they would be called “Cardigan Welsh Dwarf Dogs”. He also gets along well with children.

On the other hand, they only partially tolerate strange dogs and pets. In addition, the animals are considered very trusting, sociable, and loyal. They are also easy to train.

Fun Fact: This breed was not originally used for herding, but rather for driving wild herd animals off the farmer’s property.

55. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Despite its short legs, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can reach a top speed of up to 40 km/h. He is also one of the 13 most popular dogs in the world.

This German Shepherd breed is very easy to train and is known for being friendly, outgoing, and playful. On the other hand, they shed and bark a lot.

According to a study, these four-legged friends are among the 11 most intelligent breeds in the world. They are also known for wanting to learn a lot.

Fun Fact: While most dogs are good swimmers, these short-legged animals can barely keep themselves afloat.

56. Central Asian Ovcharka

The Central Asian Ovcharka is one of the most popular dogs in Russia. These lazy giants can also weigh up to 80 kg and make excellent watchdogs.

Interestingly, despite their size, this shepherd breed sometimes lives up to 17 years. They are also considered very territorial, protective, and loyal to the family. 

In Denmark, however, they are banned because they are considered potentially dangerous there. The four-legged friends can only be trained moderately well. They also shed very heavily.

Fun Fact: For the first few months, these dogs’ coats will feel like wool. You could literally fill a pillow with it.

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