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

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

Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Obedient
Confident
Curious
Loyal
Watchful

Agile
Obedient
Quick
Intelligent
Bright
Playful
Sturdy

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.

Keeshonds make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Germany

Netherlands

Shepherding Dog, Wolf-type Dog

Samoyed, Chow Chow, Finnish Spitz, Norwegian Elkhound, Pomeranian

1800s

1700s

Herding (AKC:1908, UKC)

Non Sporting (AKC:1930)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Black
Gray
Red
Silver
Sable
Fawn

Black
Gray
Fawn
Silver
White
Sable
Brindle

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

Keeshonds have longer coats compared to most dogs.

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 Keeshond can have a litter of 12-14 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 Keeshond breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Hip Dysplasia
Degenerative Myelopathy
Congenital Heart Defect

Renal Cortical Hypoplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Heart Disease

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

Patellar Luxation
Epilepsy
Skin Problems
Congenital Heart Defect

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

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

German Shepherds thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Keeshonds' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

German Shepherd has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Keeshond has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

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

Keeshonds need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

German Shepherds are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Keeshonds sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

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

Keeshond dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

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 Keeshond 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

Walk, Run, Frisbee, Play, Fetch, Eating Snacks, Chewing, Playing, Sniffing, Heel

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 Keeshond, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

The German Shepherd requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Keeshonds require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

German Shepherd should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Keeshond should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
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 35-45 pound (16 - 20 kg) Keeshond 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 Keeshond 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 Keeshond is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $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.

Keeshond is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

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

German Shepherds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Keeshonds are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

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

Keeshonds are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

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

Keeshonds are highly friendly around strangers.

German Shepherds are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Keeshonds are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.