German Pinscher vs. Shar Tzu: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are German Pinschers or Shar Tzus hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither German Pinscher nor Shar Tzu are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of German Pinscher and Shar Tzu dogs?

Outright
Tempered
Courageous
Loving
Familiar
Lively
Spirited

Active
Playful
Loving
Independent
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Affectionate
Devoted
Lively
Gentle
Reserved
Suspicious

Shedding Level

Do German Pinschers shed more than Shar Tzus, or which breed sheds more, German Pinschers or Shar Tzus?

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German Pinscher or Shar Tzu will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Origin

What is the origin of German Pinscher and Shar Tzu dog breeds?

Germany

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of German Pinscher and Shar Tzu breeds?

rattenfanger

Chinese Shar-Pei and Shih Tzu

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register German Pinscher and Shar Tzu?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were German Pinscher and Shar Tzu breeds first developed?

1600s

1990s

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of German Pinscher and Shar Tzu dogs?

Hazel
Brown

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of German Pinscher and Shar Tzu?

Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for German Pinscher and Shar Tzu breeds?

Black
Fawn
Red
Brown
Blue

Cream
Fawn
Brown
Black
Red
White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for German Pinscher and Shar Tzu breeds?

2 / 5

German Pinschers have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

3 / 5

Shar Tzus have medium-length coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of German Pinscher and Shar Tzu?

2 / 5

5 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of German Pinscher and Shar Tzu?

Wiry

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for German Pinscher and Shar Tzu?

A German Pinscher can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Shar Tzu can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

3 / 5

German Pinschers have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

4 / 5

Shar Tzus are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Health Issues

Between German Pinscher and Shar Tzu, which breed is more prone to health problems?

4 / 5

The German Pinscher and Shar Tzu breeds are commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for German Pinscher and Shar Tzu breeds?

Hip Dysplasia
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism
Congenital Heart Defect

Patellar Luxation
Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Renal Dysplasia
Urinary Stones

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning German Pinscher and Shar Tzu?

Cataracts

Ear Infections
Skin Allergies
Eye Disease and Disorder

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for German Pinscher and Shar Tzu breeds?

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Dna Test For Vwd
Thyroid Tests

Serum Biochemistry
Urinalysis
Full Physical Examination
Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests
Laryngeal Examinations
Ophthalmic Examination
Blood Tests and Blood Count
Ultrasound to detect urinary stone location
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Social Needs

German Pinscher vs Shar Tzu social needs comparison

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German Pinscher has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

4 / 5

Shar Tzu has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: German Pinscher or Shar Tzu?

1 / 5

German Pinschers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

4 / 5

Shar Tzus are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: German Pinscher vs Shar Tzu?

3 / 5

5 / 5

Roaming urge

German Pinscher vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

4 / 5

2 / 5

Prey Drive

German Pinscher or Shar Tzu - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

5 / 5

4 / 5

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, German Pinschers or Shar Tzus?

German Pinschers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Shar Tzus are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

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2 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should German Pinscher or Shar Tzu walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For German Pinscher, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shar Tzu, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do German Pinschers or Shar Tzus require more exercise?

In general most German Pinschers usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Shar Tzus usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, German Pinschers or Shar Tzus?

1 / 5

The German Pinscher is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

4 / 5

Shar Tzus require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for German Pinscher and Shar Tzu dogs?

German Pinscher should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Shar Tzu should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for German Pinschers and Shar Tzus?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to German Pinscher or Shar Tzu in cups?

For an average 65-90 pound (29 - 41 kg) German Pinscher feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 25-40 pound (11 - 18 kg) Shar Tzu feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, German Pinscher or Shar Tzu?

The average cost of a German Pinscher is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of a Shar Tzu is somewhere $2.00 - $3.10 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, German Pinscher or Shar Tzu?

The average per month expenses of a German Pinscher is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Shar Tzu is between $50 - $56. This makes an average of $600 - $672 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Sensitivity Level

How do German Pinscher and Shar Tzu compare in sensitivity?

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This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

3 / 5

Shar Tzus have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: German Pinscher or Shar Tzu?

3 / 5

German Pinschers are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

5 / 5

Shar Tzus make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Child Friendly

Do German Pinschers or Shar Tzus have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

German Pinschers are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

2 / 5

Shar Tzus are not the best choice for families with kids.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - German Pinscher or Shar Tzu?

4 / 5

2 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do German Pinscher or Shar Tzu breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

German Pinschers are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

4 / 5

Shar Tzus are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: German Pinscher or Shar Tzu?

3 / 5

German Pinschers are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

4 / 5

Shar Tzus are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Pet friendly

How do German Pinscher or Shar Tzu dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: German Pinscher or Shar Tzu?

3 / 5

German Pinschers are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

2 / 5

Shar Tzus are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between German Pinscher and Shar Tzu?

4 / 5

German Pinschers are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

3 / 5

Shar Tzus have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of German Pinschers and Shar Tzus compare?

4 / 5

German Pinschers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

3 / 5

Shar Tzus are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.