When you think of German dog breeds, there’s one iconic dog breed that comes to mind: the German Shepherd. It’s not all that surprising considering this European breed ranks 2nd in terms of popularity among all breeds in the USA.
But, believe it or not – there are other German dog breeds. In fact, there are many, many more. Most of which, you’ve probably never seen or even heard of. But others, have already become household names all around the world.
With nearly 50 different dog breeds, Germany is ranked third in producing the highest number of dog breeds. They’re only behind France and Great Britain. Both of which, have 57 registered breeds each according to the FCI.
That said, Germany has quickly become one of the largest markets for dog exports. Given their stunning looks, intelligence and favorable temperaments, it’s really no surprise why so many owners flock to these German dog breeds every year.
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Native German Dog Breeds
Many recognized German dog breeds have consistently made the top 10 list for most intelligent breeds, most expensive dogs, dangerous dogs and most widely-used police and military dogs. No other dogs are as unique and versatile.
That said, here are the 31 German breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.
1. Affenpinscher
Highlights: Confident, Brave, Comical
The Affenpinschers are also famously known as the “monkey terriers” thanks to the eerily similarities in physical traits and expressions of a monkey. These German toy dogs are full of curiosity, often said to be a little adventurous by nature.
Despite their small stature, the Affenpinscher is a bold and confident little dog. They’ll always have a bright personality with a lot of love towards their family members. Plus, they tend to bring a positive vibe that meshes well with older kids.
However, they’re not all fun and games when it comes to obedience training. Affenpinschers tend to be stubborn and strong-willed when it comes to obedience. Even so, don’t let that deter you from enjoying the funny and loving personalities of these little terriers.
- The name Affenpinscher in German directly translates to “monkey-like dog.”
- The French call these dogs “diablotin moustachu,” which directly translates to mustached little devil.
- Affenpinschers were frequently seen in old artwork dating back to the 1500’s.
2. Dachshund
Highlights: Kind, Curious, Courageous
There are few sights as funny and cute as the Dachshund. The world-famous wiener dog was first bred in Germany, but have become a massive hit around the world. In fact, they’re the ninth most popular dog breed in America today.
Don’t judge them so quick based off their short, stubby legs and elongated bodies. Doxies can be a handful, as they’re deceivingly fast and known to be skilled hunters of small prey (especially with as rabbits and badgers).
However in the home, they’re loving lap dogs that love being the center of attention. The playfulness of the Dachshund is hard to resist, as they’re all about having fun. They’re also fairly loyal dogs that can develop a solid relationship with anyone.
- These dogs are famously known for their nickname, the wiener dog. However, the original name of the hotdog was the dachshund sausage.
- The first official mascot of an Olympic game (in Munich 1972) was a Dachshund named Waldi.
- In 2014, the first British dog to be successfully cloned was a Dachshund named Winnie.
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3. German Spitz
Highlights: Loyal, Energetic, Alert
The German Spitz is the lesser known cousin of the Pomeranian. Even so, they’ll have the cheerful vibe and physical traits seen in Poms. It’s difficult to tell them apart, other than the fact that the German Spitz is slightly bigger.
So if you’re looking for a medium-sized German dog with a lively attitude and the upmost devotion, the German Spitz is worth a look. And if they pique your interest, I’d recommend taking a long hard look at the Pomeranian as well.
The good news is that the German Spitz is obedient and trainable. They have a high dog IQ, but it’s the eagerness to please that makes them so responsive with obedience training. Still, these German dogs need positive training and reinforcement.
- The German Spitz exhibit many physical characteristics found in the most ancient European fossil dogs from the stone-age.
- German Spitzes were brought to the United States and renamed to the American Eskimo dog because of anti-German sentiment.
- There are 5 variations of the German Spitz, each variety in a different size.
4. Shorthaired Pointer
Highlights: Friendly, Smart, Diligent
This German breed is one of the most versatile dog to come from Germany. The GSP is often seen in K-9 units, but are also acclaimed sporting dogs. That is, they hunt all types of game (especially birds) and are able to retrieve on both land and water.
And while they’re fierce and eager hunters on the field, they have a soft and affectionate side in the home. This makes them the perfect dog for families that enjoy an active lifestyle. Just make sure you give these dogs plenty of run!
If you’re looking for a highly trainable German dog, then the GSP is the breed for you. They’re some of the most intelligent dogs with an exceptionally high obedience and work IQ. Some love to work for the sake of working and obeying.
- German Shorthaired Pointers love to dig holes.
- Hunters have given the GSP the nickname, the Jack-of-all-trades dog.
- The United States Air Force has a Shorthaired Pointer named Haus. His primary job is to locate bombs and explosives.
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5. Great Dane
Highlights: Reliable, Calm, Friendly
True to the name, the Great Dane is nothing short of “great.” They’re massive mastiff dogs with a calm and friendly demeanor. It’s why they’re often referred to as gentle giants. On the other hand, they tower over just about any other dog breed out there.
A Great Dane can weigh as much as 200 lbs and stand upwards of 40 inches tall. In fact, the Guinness World Record holder for tallest dog is a Great Dane named Zeus (fitting name, no?). The Dane stood 44 inches tall. Amazing!
However, there’s more to the Great Dane than just sheer size. They have a reserved and loving side that few people would expect. Plus, they’re loyal dogs that tend to develop unbreakable bonds with all pack members, including the kids.
- Once a fearful hunter, the modern Great Dane had been bred to be great show dogs instead. This was due to the dying popularity of hunting.
- Great Danes were once believed to help repel evil spirits and ghosts. It’s no wonder Scooby-Doo was a Great Dane!
- In 1941, a Great Dane once diffused a bomb by urinating on it. This Great Dane was awarded two Blue Cross Medals.
6. Doberman Pinscher
Highlights: Devoted, Fearless, Vigilant
The Doberman is the grand daddy of all Pinscher dogs, and possibly all German breeds. Not only do they have the brains, but also the brawn. A quick glance at this muscular 100-pound beast and you will know exactly why they’re respected police dogs.
On top of that, they’re considered to be the fifth smartest dog breed. Not surprisingly, they’ve become premier guard dogs. Plus, they’re great with older kids. The tenaciously devoted and bold Dobie is not a dog you, or any thief, want to mess with.
Dobermans are confident and bold dogs. There are few things in the world that can scare off a Dobie. After establishing a respectful and loving bond, they will fight to the end with you. As such, a Doberman is often called a large “velcro dog.”
- Kurt the Dobermann was a WWII hero. He went ahead to warn soldiers of incoming Japanese troops, but unfortunately, a grenade set off and killed him.
- Ear and tail docking were done to remove any weak spots on the Dobermann when engaging in fights.
- Dobermanns hate cold weather – avoid at all cost.
7. Giant Schnauzer
Highlights: Kind, Loyal, Dominant
If you’re looking for a superb worker and big companion dog, look no further. The Giant Schnauzer is the stronger and larger version of the standard Schnauzer. They’re as unique as any dog, showcasing their signature cropped ears, a docked tail, a beard and “eyebrows.”
Despite their physical looks, they’re as loyal and obedient as any other German breed. Owners will tell you the Giant Schnauzer is high in spirit but gets bored easily. So if you can keep these massive dogs stimulated, they’re definitely a top choice.
But don’t think they’re boring or stoic dogs. Rather, Giant Schnauzers do have a playful side that’s a lot more rare with extra large dog breeds. These good-natured dogs enjoy all human interaction and will welcome any opportunity to play.
- This dog’s name in German is “Riesenschnauzer,” which directly translates to: herculean monster with a walrus mustache.
- The Giant Schnauzer was relatively unknown until the first World War, where they became popular military dogs.
- Prior to working in the police force and military, the Giant Schnauzer was bred to be the ultimate multi-purpose farm dog.
8. Standard Schnauzer
Highlights: Obedient, Playful, Sweet
The Standard Schnauzer is the medium version of the Schnauzer breed. They’re about half the size of the Giant and three times bigger than the miniature. Despite this, they retain all the wonderful traits that make the schnauzer dogs great.
Not only are they highly intelligent, but they’re alert, agile, reliable and have amazing endurance on the field. All these traits, combined with their strong work ethics, have made the Schnauzer one of the most popular dogs breeds in Europe.
And just like their other size variants, Standards respond well to obedience training. They will be one of the most dependable and reliable German dogs when you need them. Plus, these schnauzers do enjoy a bit of fun too.
- The Schnauzer has made appearances in 14th – 16th century artwork by renowned German artists, including Rembrandt and Dürer.
- Before the 19th century, the Schnauzer was a popular dog among peasant farmers for many centuries.
- A Schnauzer, named George, made headlines for being the first dog to be able to sniff out cancer in a patient.
9. Miniature Schnauzer
Highlights: Spirited, Affectionate, Alert
A Miniature Schnauzer brings all the spunk and boldness of a Schnauzer breed, packed into a little tiny ball of fluff. But other than their petite size, they share many of the same physical traits as the Giant and Standard Schnauzer.
They’re by far the most popular Schnauzer size. In fact, they’re the 17th most popular breed in the USA due to their great temperaments and convenient size. A big plus is that they’re hypoallergenic dogs and perfect for allergy-sensitive owners.
While the Minis may be small, they’re not great lap dogs. These schnauzers are full of energy and will be bouncing off your laps! Despite being just 12 inches tall, they certainly don’t know it. They’re fearless dogs that are surprisingly durable too.
- The Miniature Schnauzer are one of the healthiest and robust dog breeds in the world. They have very little congenital diseases associated with them.
- Although a German dog breed, they were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926.
- Martial artist Bruce Lee owned a Miniature Schnauzer at one point.
10. Löwchen
Highlights: Cheerful, Playful, Friendly
The Löwchen, which means “little lion,” is a German toy dog in the non-sporting breed category. The extra-small dog is always happy, active and playful, making them some of the best dogs for all types of families. Their optimism is contagious.
The Löwchens are also some of the best show dogs because of their long and wavy coats, often shaped in a lion-like cut. But what really makes them so popular is probably the lack of barking – a huge win for many people like myself.
In addition, these toy dogs strike a great balance. They’re lively and playful, but not hyperactive. The Löwchen needs exercise, but not too much. And although they love to have fun, they will respond well to obedience training.
- At one point, the Lowchen was considered the rarest dog breed in the world. However, they’ve made somewhat a comeback since.
- Due to their scarcity, they’re considered to be the most expensive dog breed in the world.
- These dogs can be traced as far back as 1442, where they’re present in old paintings, engravings, literature and tapestries.
11. Rottweiler
Highlights: Fearless, Confident, Kind
When people imagine a big, loyal and strong black dog, it’s probably going to be the Rottweiler. As such, these intelligent dogs have easily earned a spot on the 10 most popular dog breeds list, and it’s easy to see why. Rotties are as loyal as they come.
In the past, they were fantastic herders, but even better guard dogs. No thief would have wanted to get near a Rottweiler, let alone mess with one. And while they can look absolutely terrifying, they do have a sweet, gentle and good-natured side to them.
In actuality, Rottweilers are calm and obedient, though they’re no push-over. Rather, they carefully pick when to use their energy, as all great guard dogs do. Also, Rotties are smart enough to understand who is a friend and who isn’t.
- Rottweilers have a bite force of 328 pounds, roughly half of a shark’s bite force. Their powerful bite is stronger than that of a German Shepherd or Pit Bull.
- The German name Rottweiler Metzgerhund translates to “Rottweil butchers’ dog.” This is because they were used to pull carts with butchered meat to markets.
- The Rottie is one of the oldest herding breed and can be traced as far back as the Roman Empire. They’re believed to be descendants of Roman dover dogs.
12. German Shepherd
Highlights: Intelligent, Brave, Obedient
No German dog breeds list is complete without the German Shepherd. As the second most popular dog in America, they’re also the third most intelligent dog breed. This correlation between high intelligence and popularity is no coincidence.
German Shepherds are highly obedient, courageous and alert, giving them the title as the premier K9 police dog around the world. And if you have enough energy to keep up with them, they are possibly the best guard dogs on the market.
But in the home, German Shepherds can be as loving as any other German dog. Because of the dog’s unwavering loyalty, you can always count on a GSD to have your family’s back. And in the face of a threat, they can quickly become dangerous dogs.
- A German Shepherd can learn a task with just 5 repetitions, performing with 95% accuracy.
- There are two German Shepherds honored with a star on the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- After these dogs were enlisted as World War I military dogs, people took notice and were impressed. Soon after, they became a household name around Europe.
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13. Pomeranian
Highlights: Sociable, Playful, Friendly
The descendant of the German Spitz, the Pomeranian is a small spitz dog breed from either Germany or Poland. Historians can’t seem to agree. But regardless, Poms are perhaps the fluffiest dogs among all the German breeds.
What other dog can rightfully own and embrace the nicknames “tumbleweed” and “pompom?” All of the names perfectly describe the Pom’s cheerful and playful nature. But they’re not all about fun and play – they’re quite intelligent too.
However Poms tend to be aggressive toward other dogs that are much bigger, thanks to the small dog syndrome. This can be trained out through socialization, though. And just know that this German toy dog will come with some excessive barking.
- The Pomeranian was made popular after being kept by a long line of royalty, including Queen Victoria in the 19th century.
- Wolfgang Mozart dedicated a musical piece to his beloved Pomeranian, named Pimperl.
- Only three dogs survived in sinking of the Titanic in 1912, two of which,