German Shepherd has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

Boykin Spaniel has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Obedient
Confident
Curious
Loyal
Watchful

Companionable
Energetic
Intelligent
Eager
Friendly
Trainable

German Shepherds shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Boykin Spaniels are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Choose a German Shepherd if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Boykin Spaniels are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Germany

United States

Shepherding Dog, Wolf-type Dog

Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Springer, Cocker and American Water Spaniel, Pointer

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
National Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
United Kennel Club
American Canine Association, Inc.

1800s

1900s

Herding (AKC:1908, UKC)

Sporting (AKC:2009)
Gun Dog (UKC)

Brown

Brown

Black

Brown

Black
Gray
Red
Silver
Sable
Fawn

Brown

German Shepherds have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Boykin Spaniels have medium-length coats.

Straight

Wavy

A German Shepherd can have a litter of 10-13 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Boykin Spaniel can have a litter of 14-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

German Shepherds typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Boykin Spaniel breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Hip Dysplasia
Degenerative Myelopathy
Congenital Heart Defect

Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Hip Dysplasia
Degenerative Myelopathy
Exercise Induced Collapse

Panosteitis
Pannus
Perianal Fistulas
Hemophilia
Von Willebrand's Disease
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Elbow Dysplasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts
Corneal Opacities
Collie Eye Anomaly
Persistent Pupillary Membrane

Cardiac
Hip
Blood Test
Dna For Vwd
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Knee
Eyes
Hips
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

German Shepherds require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Boykin Spaniels need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

German Shepherd dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Boykin Spaniels bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

German Shepherd dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

While Boykin Spaniel dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Tug-of-war, Walks, Fetch, Hike, Walk, Catch treats, Running, Frisbee, Mind games, Walking, Sniffing, Petting, Run, Nap, Hunt, Tracking, Hide & Seek, Head scratches, Go to Park, Playdate, Dog Parks, Back scratches, Exploring, Playing outside, Cuddles, Nose work, Observing, Barking, Chase, Eating Snacks

Fetch, Eating Snacks, Smell

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For German Shepherd, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Boykin Spaniel, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Dematter
Clipper
Nail Clipper

For an average 65-90 pound (29 - 41 kg) German Shepherd feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 30-40 pound (14 - 18 kg) Boykin Spaniel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a German Shepherd is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of a Boykin Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

The average per month expenses of a German Shepherd is between $55 - $77. This makes an average of $660 - $924 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Boykin Spaniel is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

German Shepherd is highly intelligent and very trainable.

Boykin Spaniel has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

German Shepherds are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Boykin Spaniels make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

German Shepherds make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Boykin Spaniels are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

German Shepherds are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Boykin Spaniels are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

German Shepherds are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Boykin Spaniels are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.