The German shepherd dog and the Siberian husky are two very popular and beautiful dogs. What are the similarities? What are the differences? Find out here:
Similarity:
Both dogs are working breeds.
Differences:
The German shepherd originated in Germany and the Siberian husky originated in Siberia.
Similarities:
Both dogs make excellent companions.
Differences:
The German shepherd was bred to guard the flock and herd. The Siberian husky was bred to pull a sled in freezing temperatures. The Siberian people relied on it for their survival.
Similarities:
Both dogs have a dense coat which requires lots of grooming.
Differences:
German shepherds continue to work and are commonly used in police work and in the military. They excel at search and rescue, as service dogs, and much more. The husky still can be found pulling a sled.
Similarities:
Both dogs get along well with children when raised to do so.
Differences:
The German shepherd grows to be approximately 22” – 26” and weighs 60-90 lbs. The husky is more compact and grows to be approximately 20”-25” and weighs 35-50 lbs.
Similarities:
Both dogs are muscular, have alert eyes, erect ears, and long tails.
Differences:
The husky is more compact, rugged, and comes in 13 colors. The German shepherd is leaner and comes in 6 colors.
Similarities:
Both breeds can suffer from hip dysplasia.
Differences:
The German shepherd is highly trainable and loves to learn new things and please its handler. The husky is also trainable but is more stubborn and independent and requires more patience.
Similarities:
Both breeds are naturally good at self-grooming but need their ears cleaned and nails trimmed. They both need lots of brushing.
Differences:
Both breeds are active and require lots of exercise and mental stimulation. However, the husky needs more time and maintenance due to their stubborn nature and their breeding for long endurance.
Similarities:
Both dogs are active, require lots of time, attention, training, and socialization.
Differences:
The German shepherd is highly intelligent, eager to please, protective, and gets very bonded with their owners. The husky is smart, more mischievous, requires more activity, and can be an escape artist.
Which breed is best for you? Please share with your family and friends.
Bradley Minnick says
I have the best of both breeds. My dogs father is a Siberian Husky and his mother is an Albano German Shepard. Very intelligent and also very protective. He is getting huge and wears a XL harness. He's a therapy dog for my PTSD. He loves everyone and thrives on attention.