Pitbull and German shepherd For many people are strong, courageous, and protective dogs however not many know that both dogs are loving, loyal, and devoted to their families.

If you’re currently stuck between pitbull and german shepherds worry no more because, in today’s article, we’ll talk about the differences in similarities between Pitbull and German shepherds – which one is best for you?

In today’s article, we’ll help you decide between the pit bull and the german shepherd which one among these dogs suits your lifestyle or which one is best for your home

History

Perhaps one of the most important factors to consider before having any dog is knowing their history

The breed’s history will help you understand the dog better so that you’ll know what to expect from them

Pit bulls

The Pitbull breed came from the bulldog’s gene which resulted in a dog that is strong and muscular. 10 Important facts about Pitbull

Originally, pit bulls were bred to be fighting dogs, they were trained to attack dogs for sports they were also used as a mascot during the world wars to engage brave and loyal soldiers just like them.

Today pit bulls are known for being loving and sweet dogs however, those who didn’t know how to handle them ended up giving them to rescue shelters which is why many pit bulls can be found in such places. The Pitbull Stigma

German Shepherds

On the other hand, German shepherds are known for being versatile dogs, originally they were used to herd livestock

however, this breed not only became herders but also became popular guard dogs.

Today German shepherds are one of the most popular dogs breeds out there and they’re also used for various canine jobs such as police and army services.

Appearance

When it comes to their appearance the German shepherd and the Pitbull are easily distinguished from each other.

Compared to german shepherds, pit bulls are smaller and more compact, their height ranges from 17 to 21 inches tall while their weight is around 30 to 65 pounds.

Their coat is short and their muscles are also more defined, unlike german shepherds.

Meanwhile, german shepherds are taller at 22 to 26 inches their weight ranges from 65 to 90 pounds.

Unlike Pitbulls, German shepherds have medium to long coats they also usually come in black and tan or just black while pit bulls come in various colors.

Temperament

Their temperament, both the Pitbull and German shepherd are loyal, eager to please and loving dogs they’re also wary of strangers which makes them excellent watchdogs because they are loyal and devoted dogs.

Both breeds may easily suffer from separation anxiety if they’re left alone for long periods of time.

While there are similarities there are also differences between these two breeds.

Pit bulls dogs are much more sociable compared to german shepherds, they love to be the center of attention, and while they will alert you of anything suspicious they are very friendly dogs which makes them not the best option if you’re looking for a guard dog.

On the other hand, German shepherds are more of this serious type of dog, especially around visitors, they prefer to sit in one corner observing these unusual people.

In the house, they may welcome strangers although it may take a while for this reason, German shepherds make excellent guard dogs. 7 Reasons People Prefer German Shepherd Over Other Dogs

Moreover, pit bulls will treat everyone in the pack equally whereas the german shepherd tends to be a one-man master. This means they’ll still get along with everyone in the family although they will give higher respect to their true pack leader.

Grooming

Their grooming needs are a huge factor to consider because they highly differ in this aspect compared to german shepherds, pit bulls require less grooming due to their short coats. Every week pit bulls would only need a quick brush to keep their coat in their best condition

Meanwhile, the german shepherd with medium-length hair will need to be brushed twice or thrice a week if his hair is long then it’s best to brush him every day.

Therefore if you cannot allow a longer time to groom your dog then the pit bull would be a better choice.

Exercise

When it comes to exercise needs both the Pitbull and german shepherds are quite similar.

Every day, these dogs will need about an hour of exercise to keep themselves healthy and happy. This could be in the form of brisk walks play sessions in the yard or jogging at the park, otherwise, they can become bored which can lead to the development of destructive behaviors.

The slight difference between the two is that German shepherds tend to be less intense compared to pit bulls

This means that after a tiring day outside they’ll be happy to chill at home meanwhile, you need to provide pit bulls with games aside from their daily exercise to keep them entertained. The good thing about this is that you get to bond closer.

Training

Both the german shepherds and the pit bulls need early socialization so that they can grow into well-rounded dogs

At a young age, expose them to different people, sites, sounds, environments, and animals so that they know how to act in different situations once they grow old. It is just as important that they are properly trained.

Fortunately, both breeds are intelligent and eager to please their owners, this makes training much easier compared to other dog breeds.

Make sure to use positive reinforcement techniques when training them such as food rewards, praises, and plenty of playtimes.

Health

Both the German shepherd and the pitbull are considered healthy breeds. However, pit bulls have a longer life span compared to German shepherds.

On average they have a life span of 12 to 16 years whereas the german shepherds have 7 to 10 years

Although they are healthy dogs, there are certain health conditions they may be prone to.

If you’re considering the pitbull you should know that they may suffer from elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, and cerebellar Ibiatrophy.

Meanwhile, the german shepherd is prone to elbow dysplasia degenerative myelopathy and they often suffer from digestive problems

Regardless of your choice make sure that your dog gets to visit the veterinarian at least once or twice a year to ensure that they’re healthy.

Price

Not everyone is capable of handling the pitbull and german shepherd properly, both dogs often end up in shelters. Therefore before buying one of these dogs you might want to check your local shelter first if they have this specific breed that you want for your home

Regarding the price, pit bulls are cheaper than the german shepherd simply because they’re more available compared to the latter

On average Pitbulls cost about $800 while the German shepherd is around $1 250 dollars

This is the price if you’re buying from a reputable breeder

If you choose to buy instead of adopting, make sure that you’re buying from a reputable breeder and not from puppy farms and this is because there’s a high chance that you’ll get unhealthy and already predisposed to some health conditions puppies.

Overall, both the pit bulls and German shepherds will make excellent family companions so long as their needs are met. Top 15 Dogs With Strongest Bite Force

Regardless of your choice make sure that you provide your dog with enough time, attention, and love and you’re sure to have a dog that’s loyal, obedient, and affectionate.