German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier

Compare the German Shepherd to the American Pit Bull Terrier. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between German Shepherds and American Pit Bull Terriers.

German Shepherd vs American Pit Bull Terrier
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
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General Details
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-14 Years
12-14 Years
Height
22-26 Inches
17-20 Inches
Weight
75-95 Pounds
30-90 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Origin Country
Germany
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1899 AD
1898 AD
Temperament
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Overall Friendliness
Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
None
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Personality
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Aggressive
Loving
Willing to Please
Living Environment
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
40-85 °F
45-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Energy Level
High
Medium to High
Exercise Required
High
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
30 MPH
30 MPH
Strength
High
Very High
Grooming Needs
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Low
Shedding
High
High
Dander
High
Medium
Drool
Medium
None to Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
Yes
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
Yes
Breed Instincts
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Aggression
Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Average
Fighting
Below Average
Above Average
Guarding
Above Average
Average
Herding
Above Average
Average
Hunting
Above Average
Below Average
Protection
Above Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Average Lifespan
10-14 Years
12-14 Years
Health Concerns
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Common Health Issues
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Hip dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Skin allergies
Appearance Comparison
Coat
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Single
Coat Texture
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Short to Medium
Short
Coat Coloring
German Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Black and Tan
Blue
Blue
Gray
Gray
Liver
Liver
White
White
Black
Black
Black and Tan
Black and Tan
Black and White
Black and White
Blue
Blue
Blue, White, and Tan
Blue, White, and Tan
Chocolate
Chocolate
Chocolate and Tan
Chocolate and Tan
Fawn
Fawn
Fawn and White
Fawn and White
Light Fawn
Light Fawn
White
White
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