German Shepherd Vs. Pitbull

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In this post we’ll compare two dog breeds that people often choose between when they’re thinking about extending their family with a furry companion: the German Shepherd Vs. Pitbull.

When choosing a dog, one of the hardest decisions an owner must make is selecting between the numerous beloved breeds that are out there. Two such breeds that are often compared to one another are the German Shepherd and the Pitbull. 

Both canines offer love and loyalty beyond what many humans imagine possible. Yet despite their similarities, there are also stark differences between them in terms of temperament, health issues, size, coat care requirements, and more. 

Let’s explore how these two wonderful pets compare to help you choose the right companion for your lifestyle and family dynamic.

Comparison Table

Characteristic	German Shepherd	Pitbull
Size	Large	Medium to Large
Weight	50-90 lbs	30-85 lbs
Height	22-26 inches	17-21 inches
Coat	Double, medium	Short and smooth
Color	Black and tan, sable, or solid black.	Various colors, often brindle or fawn.
Temperament	Loyal, intelligent, obedient.	Loyal, confident, friendly.
Life Span	9-13 years	12-16 years
Health Problems	Hip dysplasia, bloat, degenerative, myelopathy, and arthritis.	Hip dysplasia, allergies, skin infections, and heart issues.
Trainability	Easy to train and eager to please.	May be stubborn but responds well to positive reinforcement.
Exercise Needs	High	High
Best Suited For	Active families with experience with dogs.	Active owners with experience in training.

German Shepherd Vs. Pitbull: A Quick Overview

German Shepherd

Temperament

Intelligent, loyal, and eager to please. German shepherds are easily trained and highly intuitive, making them ideal for law enforcement roles.

Health Issues

Generally healthy but prone to hip dysplasia, diabetes, or thyroid problems.

Size

Large dogs, typically weighing between 75-95 pounds.

Coat Care Requirements

Double-coated fur needs regular brushing and grooming to avoid matting.

Pitbull

Temperament

Friendly and affectionate with people they know, although they may be protective of their owners. They possess a strong intellect but might be hard-headed during training – consistency is key, though. 

Health issues

Their robust build puts them at risk for hip dysplasia and other related joint problems. They may also be more vulnerable to certain diseases like parvovirus.

Size

Medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 30-60 pounds.

Coat care requirements

Single-coated fur requires occasional brushing or wiping down with a damp cloth to keep the coat clean and shiny.

Comparing Temperaments

German Shepherd

German Shepherds have a reputation for their faithfulness, intelligence, and guardianship toward their loved ones. When brought up with young children, they can exhibit tenderness and affection. However, appropriate training and socialization are crucial to prevent them from becoming excessively possessive or hostile. 

Pitbull

Pitbulls can also be incredible loving companions if properly trained. They are typically more outgoing and friendly than German Shepherds and tend to be less anxious, making them a great option for families with small children looking for an active, affectionate pet. 

However, since Pitbulls have a reputation as an aggressive breed due to bad press in the past, they must receive plenty of socialization early on and get used to interacting with all kinds of people.

Health Considerations

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd breed is inclined to hip dysplasia, an inherited ailment that results in the deterioration of the hip joint as time progresses. Additionally, certain eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy, can also affect German Shepherds.

Pitbull

Pitbulls are prone to heart murmurs which can lead to heart failure if not treated promptly. They can also suffer from skin allergies requiring special veterinarian treatment. In addition, some Pitbulls may be predisposed to fighting other dogs due to their high energy level and desire for dominance.

Training Differences

German Shepherds

German Shepherds are intelligent, devoted, and loyal dogs. This breed is frequently regarded as one of the most trainable. Positive reinforcement methods, such as reward-based training, treats, or verbal appreciation, yield the best results. They may sometimes become bored or uninterested in repetitive commands and tasks, so varying their training routines can help keep them engaged. 

Pitbulls

Pitbulls are attentive and enthusiastic about pleasing their owners, making them an easy breed to train. However, they can require more patience and consistency than other breeds due to their stubbornness. 

Positive reinforcement is still the best method when training a Pitbull as they respond well to rewards and treats. Using physical punishment with this breed can result in aggression or fearfulness, and such methods must not be used at all.

Exercise Requirements

German Shepherds

German Shepherds need plenty of mental stimulation and regular daily exercise. At least an hour of vigorous activity is recommended for this breed, but multiple shorter daily activities can also benefit them. Keeping them mentally challenged will help prevent destructive behaviors from boredom.

Pitbulls

Despite their high energy levels, Pitbulls do not demand as much physical activity as German Shepherds. A daily walk combined with some playtime should provide adequate training for this breed. However, they need to burn off excess energy to maintain good health and avoid destructive behaviors from boredom or anxiety.

Grooming Needs

German Shepherds

German Shepherds have a double coat which requires regular brushing at least twice weekly to remove excess hair and dirt that might get lodged in their fur. Additionally, they need occasional baths, ear cleaning, and nail trimming, just like any other dog breed would require, to maintain good hygiene and overall health.

Pitbulls

Despite their short coats, regular grooming is still necessary for pit bulls since their hair tends to grow quickly and mats easily if not properly taken care of regularly. They typically need weekly brushing. Just like any other dog breed, they also need to receive occasional baths, ear cleaning, and nail trimming to maintain good hygiene and overall health.

German Shepherd Vs. Pitbull: Conclusion 

Choosing the right pet for your home and lifestyle can be daunting, but it does not need to be. After considering all the factors between the German Shepherd and Pitbull, you can make an educated decision that will provide many years of enjoyment and companionship. Knowing how these two beloved breeds differ is essential in helping determine which one is best suited for your home and environment. 

Ultimately, while they bring love, loyalty, and friendship, each breed has unique traits that make it better equipped to meet your needs as a pet owner. With careful consideration, you’ll soon land on the puppy perfect for you and your family dynamic. 

That being said, no matter what breed you choose, German Shepherds and Pitbulls bring joy to their owners, only matched by their unconditional love — and those rewards far outweigh any initial effort spent researching them.

Thank you for reading this article on the German Shepherd Vs. Pitbull! If the German Shepherd seems like a good fit for you, check out a more in depth look at the German Shepherd.

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