German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier

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

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
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General Details
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Yes
Lifespan
10-14 Years
12-15 Years
Height
22-26 Inches
8-9 Inches
Weight
75-95 Pounds
4-7 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Origin Country
Germany
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1899 AD
1865 AD
Temperament
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Overall Friendliness
Average
Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Below Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Below Average
Personality
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Aggressive
Jealous
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Living Environment
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
40-85 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Energy Level
High
Medium
Exercise Required
High
Low
Top Running Speed
30 MPH
11 MPH
Strength
High
Low
Grooming Needs
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
High
Shedding
High
Low
Dander
High
Low
Drool
Medium
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
Yes
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Aggression
Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
None
Chasing
Below Average
None
Follow Commands
Above Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
None
Guarding
Above Average
None
Herding
Above Average
None
Hunting
Above Average
Average
Protection
Above Average
None
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
None
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Average Lifespan
10-14 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
German Shepherd
Yorkshire 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
Patellar luxation
Collapsed trachea
Progressive retinal atrophy
Portosystemic shunt
Reverse sneezing
Hypoglycemia
Appearance Comparison
Coat
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Single
Coat Texture
Straight
Silky
Coat Length
Short to Medium
Long
Coat Coloring
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Colors
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