German Shepherd Dog vs Chinese Crested
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
German Shepherd Dog
Herding Group
Chinese Crested
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
German Shepherd Dog Overview
German Shepherd Dogs embody strength and nobility with their distinctive pointed ears, intelligent brown eyes, and powerful athletic build. Their double coat features a dense outer layer in various shades of black and tan. Standing confidently with a smooth gait, these dogs display remarkable agility and stamina. Their alert expression and muscular frame reflect their heritage as versatile working dogs.
Chinese Crested Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the hairless with silky hair on head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff with a full soft coat. Their fine-boned, slender body carries them with a light, flowing gait. Distinguished by their alert expression and vivacious personality, these dogs combine exotic looks with a warm, affectionate nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: German Shepherd Dogs are less energetic than Chinese Cresteds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Shepherd Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Chinese Cresteds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Shepherd Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Chinese Cresteds.
- Trainability: Chinese Cresteds may be slightly easier to train due to their Chinese Crested's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds adapt better to apartment living, while German Shepherd Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the German Shepherd Dog and Chinese Crested, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 13-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm |
| Weight | 50-90 lbs 23-41 kg | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Courageous, Smart | Affectionate, Alert, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
German Shepherd Dog Temperament
The German Shepherd Dog is known for being confident, courageous, smart, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Chinese Crested Temperament
The Chinese Crested is characterized by being affectionate, alert, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the German Shepherd Dog and Chinese Crested, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 5/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 1/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
German Shepherd Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd Dogs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, German Shepherd Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Chinese Crested Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chinese Cresteds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chinese Cresteds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
German Shepherd Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- DM
- EPI
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
Pros & Cons
German Shepherd Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Loyal
- Versatile
- Protective
- Trainable
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Can be overprotective
- Health issues
Chinese Crested
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Minimal shedding
- Good for apartment living
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- Requires skin care (hairless variety)
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
- Can be yappy
- May be difficult to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the German Shepherd Dog and Chinese Crested, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.