Alvin

With a star-studded history and loving yet protective personality, it’s easy to understand why German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds around. These pups possess the perfect blend of gentle love and fierce watchfulness. As long as you’re safe and content, they will be too. Full-grown, they typically weigh 50-90 pounds and stand 22-26 inches tall.

German Shepherd Dogs are generally excellent with children of all ages. German Shepherd Dogs are ultra territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when they’re doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or any activity that taps into their herding instincts. This breed enjoys helping and having a job to do, so they're often used as guide dogs and police dogs. No matter what the activity is, be sure to keep your German Shepherd busy with mental and physical activities to prevent boredom. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

There are three varieties of German Shepherds: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. The most common dogs are tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor, or sable. They also have several kinds of markings, such as “pencilling” (black lines on the toes) and “tar heels” (black on the back of the leg). Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

German Shepherd Dogs are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. However, they don’t enjoy being with other dogs and would prefer to have the house to themselves. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

As the quintessential guard dog, Doberman Pinschers are fearless, honorable, and devoted to keeping you safe. “Dobes,” as they’re called, have a fierce loyalty but need a dominant owner to show them who’s boss. Bond with them in the beginning, and they’ll be your best friend for life. Full-grown, they typically weigh 60-100 pounds and stand 24-28 inches tall.

Doberman Pinschers are generally excellent with children of all ages. If properly socialized as puppies, Doberman Pinschers usually get along well with children and other pets. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

The Doberman Pinscher is no couch potato. These are working dogs that need lots of exercise, not just a walk here and there. They’ll be looking to you for activities that get their heart and mind racing. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

The Doberman Pinscher has a short coat that’s stiff yet smooth to the touch. They come in black, brown, or fawn, with black and tan as the most common colors. Their muzzles, legs, feet, and chest often have tan markings too. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Doberman Pinschers are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. Dobes aren’t suited for apartment life, as they need plenty of space and exercise. Give them large spaces to run and roam so they get enough activity. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.