Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  German Shepherd |  Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Germany | Siberia, Russia |
| Group | Pastoral | Working |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Coat | Medium double coat, straight or slightly wavy | Dense double coat with a soft undercoat |
| Weight | 22 to 40 kg | 16 to 27 kg |
| Height | 55 to 65 cm | 51 to 60 cm |
| Lifespan | 9 to 13 yrs | 12 to 14 yrs |
| Exercise need | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Affection | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Grooming needs | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Barking | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Good with children | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Trainability | 10/10 | 4/10 |
| Prey drive | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Copes alone | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Drool | 3/10 | 1/10 |
| Shedding | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Flat fit | 3/10 | 2/10 |
| Running cost | €153 / month | €119 / month |
German Shepherd verdict
A loyal, capable working dog that needs a job to do and an owner ready to provide one.
Get one if
- · Experienced dog owners
- · Active families with a secure garden
- · Owners wanting a dog sport or working partner
Think again if
- · First-time owners unwilling to commit to training
- · Flat dwellers without garden access
- · Households wanting a dog friendly to every stranger
Siberian Husky verdict
A striking, athletic sled dog built for distance running and ill suited to a quiet life in the garden.
Get one if
- · Active owners able to provide well over an hour of vigorous daily exercise
- · Households with genuinely secure, tall and dig proofed fencing
- · Owners interested in canicross, bikejoring or long distance running
Think again if
- · First time owners wanting a biddable, easily trained dog
- · Flats or gardens without secure, escape proof boundaries
- · Households seeking a guard dog, since Huskies are friendly with strangers