Lakeland Terrier vs German Shepherd Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lakeland Terrier
Terrier Group
German Shepherd Dog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lakeland Terrier Overview
Lakeland Terriers possess a sturdy, well-balanced frame with distinctive wire-coated exteriors in various colors. Their alert expression and confident stance reflect their bold personality. Standing 14-15 inches at the shoulder, these compact terriers showcase a rectangular body profile with strong legs and a carried-high tail. Their temperament combines fearlessness with friendly approachability.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lakeland Terriers are less energetic than German Shepherd Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lakeland Terriers require less grooming attention compared to German Shepherd Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lakeland Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than German Shepherd Dogs.
- Trainability: Lakeland Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Lakeland Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lakeland Terriers 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 Lakeland Terrier and German Shepherd Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | German Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 7-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | German Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-15 inches 36-38 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 17-17 lbs 8-8 kg | 50-90 lbs 23-41 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | German Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Bold | Confident, Courageous, Smart |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | German Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lakeland Terrier Temperament
The Lakeland Terrier is known for being friendly, confident, bold, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
German Shepherd Dog Temperament
The German Shepherd Dog is characterized by being confident, courageous, smart, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. 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 Lakeland Terrier and German Shepherd Dog, 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
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 2/5
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Lakeland Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lakeland Terriers 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, Lakeland Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
German Shepherd Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd Dogs 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, German Shepherd Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Lakeland Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Lens luxation
- von Willebrand's
- Legg-Perthes
- Allergies
German Shepherd Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- DM
- EPI
Pros & Cons
Lakeland Terrier
Pros
- Low shedding
- Adaptable
- Good with families
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tendency to bark
German Shepherd Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Loyal
- Versatile
- Protective
- Trainable
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Can be overprotective
- Health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lakeland Terrier and German Shepherd Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.