German Shepherds are considered to be one of the strongest, most agile, and robust breeds. There is no denying that this breed is powerful, and dangerous if agitated, or if it senses danger. This breed is capable enough to catch its target if it’s running away. It is very capable of killing small animals, but can it also kill a fox?

We know how dangerous and menacing a fox can be, but is our loving yet indomitable German Shepherd capable of killing a fox? Let’s find out by closely examining the qualities of a GSD.

Qualities of a German Shepherd Dog

Dynamic, vigorous, and mighty- these words can describe a German Shepherd pretty well. There is no contradiction that this breed is way too protective about its owners, and they can go to any extent to guard them. Being super muscular, this breed can kill many large and small animals.

German Shepherds being muscular, and powerful are capable of severely injuring anyone if agitated. This breed’s bite force exerts 238 psi (pound per square inch) which is strong enough to create mighty bruises on anyone. Since a GSD is considered to be a large breed, the maximum strength comes from its bites only because of its strong jaws.

How strong and muscular these breeds are can be comprehended from the fact that German Shepherds serve many militaries and police forces. Their strength can also be determined by the fact that they work as farm dogs and are super agile and active in nature.

However, to kill an animal, just strength and power are not enough; one must even be intelligent enough to sense the move and motive of the opponent. Now we all know how intelligent a German Shepherd is. Therefore, sensing the motive of the animal or the target would not be a great task for this breed.

A German Shepherd has a genetic nature and skill of being intuitive, guarding, and protective, which makes this breed super capable of killing anyone with wrong or ill motive.

Can a German Shepherd Kill a Fox?

German Shepherds are super wise and have a strong natural instinct. Therefore, judging the motive or intention of the animal in front of them is an easy task for them. Although, the truth is also that a German Shepherd will be purely harmless to an animal from which it does not feel danger or that the animal has a wrong motive.

When comparing a German Shepherd to a fox to know who can kill whom, we must know that a German Shepherd is bulkier than a fox and is superior in size. The bite force of the German Shepherd is also way more than that of a fox.

When talking about foxes, this is one animal who is always super cautious about bigger animals than them. Foxes feel threatened whenever a big animal is in front of them. Although they constantly hunt for meat, day in and day out yet, they tend to get scared whenever an animal larger than them comes near them.

They are known to be one of the smartest creatures. However, a fox is also smart and quick, but a German Shepherd is way smarter and more agile than a fox.

German Shepherds kill by biting, and the bite force of the German Shepherd is 238 psi (pound per square inch), which is enough to kill anyone and any animal. Talking about the fox, its bite force is about 92 psi, which is way lower than that of a German Shepherd, making a GSD more dominant in this sphere as well.

The known fact about German Shepherds is that they will not kill anyone if they do not detect danger. But being super protective of its owners, puppies, and territory, they can easily kill a fox.

Our Verdict

From all the aspects calculated above, it is easy to conclude that a German Shepherd can very well and very easily kill a fox, just like it can easily kill a snake. However, a GSD will never attack any animal if it is not posing any danger on the dog, but if it even slightly detects danger or any ill motives, then the GSD will not spare the animal which is in front of it. When talking about whether a GSD can kill a fox, the answer to this is YES; it very well can. Their high intelligence level, superior size, and strong bite of the GSD are enough to kill the fox.

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With its origin from the Caucasian mountains in Russia, this breed of shepherd dog will be your perfect snuggle toy provided you have space at your place. While one breed is attainable, the other surpasses other features. This article compares both breeds based on some features that will help you come to a fruitful decision. 

German Shepherd Vs Caucasian Shepherd: Comparison

1. Physical Appearance

Well, the Caucasians are large, like seriously huge, and typically depict a herding dog. An adult Caucasian male weighs almost 50-100kgs kgs and a female weighs approximately 45-90 kgs.

On the contrary, German shepherds are much lighter. A male GSD weighs approximately 30-40 kgs while the females weigh 24-32 kgs. Moreover, in comparison to GSDs, the Caucasians are much taller and measure about 65-72cm, while the GSDs measures about 55-61 cm. 

2. Trainability 

Caucasian shepherds’ genes showcase their alpha nature and that’s why training difficulty for this breed can be moderate to tough. And needless to mention because large sizes making training them even more difficult. However, once they are trained Caucasians are obedient.

German Shepherds, on the other hand, possess lesser alpha characteristics than the Caucasians and thus training is pretty easy. GSDs are comparatively easy to train, however, training the German shepherds during the heart can be really difficult.

3. Adaptability

Adaptation plays a huge role both for the family and the dogs. Not all dogs are suitable to live anywhere called for. Caucasian shepherds are really large in size and thus will occupy larger spaces and needs enough free spaces to move and play. Thus, Caucasian shepherds are seldom apartment friendly.

German shepherds are, however, easily adaptable as long as they are trained properly. Moreover, first-timers or novices must avoid Caucasian shepherds, and handling such huge dogs initially can be quite daunting. German shepherds with a little bit of training are quite adaptable. Although they remain and territorial, with time they accept guests at your place.

4. Social Response

Caucasians have a strong sense of territoriality and are thus very much sensitive to any changes or new people lurking in the house. Thus, such changes can lead to an increased level of barking that showcases their displeasures.

Contrarily, German shepherds are also very territorial and along with these loves to follow a routine. They are very much sensitive to any changes in routine or are very reluctant to blend in unknowns. However, it must be noted that GSDs exhibit lesser degrees of barking than Caucasians. 

5. Temperament

Although both being shepherding breeds, there remain some levels of differences in their temperament. Caucasian shepherds are affectionate, loyal, loving, independent, courageous, alert, territorial, protective, and maybe stubborn.

German shepherds along with being territorial, are loveable, loyal, intelligent, outgoing, protective, and so on. However, it is noted that the German shepherds show an edge over the Caucasians in being friendly. Moreover, if you have other pets in the house, it is more likely that GSDs become more receptible and acceptable than Caucasian shepherds. 

6. Playfulness 

Dogs along with being protecting the house ought to be playful that allows for constant companionship. Out of these two shepherd dogs, the Caucasian shepherd secures a slight edge over the German shepherds. They are very active and also require a lot of exercising and physical activities making them playful.

German shepherds are slightly less playful and partially couch potatoes as compared to Caucasian shepherds. They too require exercising for keeping their physical activities at an optimal point. However, in both cases, if you are new dog parents or there are children or babies in the house, before playing, dogs must be checked for any discrepancies in the house. 

7. Maintenance

 In case of maintenance, it includes washing, brushing, or in any other form to keeps the appearance and also physical health of these dogs at an optimal condition. In the case of Caucasian, these dogs must be brushed at regular intervals such that it gets rid of any other extra of undercoat.

Bathing must also be not done daily as they are heavily coated and water takes ages to dry up. Thus, it can be stated that the Caucasians required moderate levels of maintenance. However, the Caucasians shed quite a bit and thus maintenance costs may go high.

German shepherds are also constant shedders and bathing, and nail cutting or any other forms of grooming are known to be low maintenance. Usually, the German shepherds require brushing 3 to 4 times a week, and bathing regularly is not recommended for them as well.

Our Verdict 

This part is a bit tricky to conclude as each of these breeds is of more or less of the same qualities. However, based aggressiveness, trainability, or any other factor related to the above-mentioned factors holds a nudge favor for German shepherds. Although, if you want to get Caucasian support, first you need to assess your internal living conditions and availability of space before getting one.

Apart from this, with the training of both, GSDs and Caucasian shepherds are protective and loveable making them at par. However, our opinion is that German shepherds would be the best-suited. They are protective, loyal, and also easy to handle than the Caucasian shepherds.

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It is undeniable that these two breeds have epic personalities, which are similar to a great extent. Still, certain traits make them contrasting and atypical of each other.

From origin to basic attributes to different personality traits, in this article, we bring you a detailed comparison of a Dutch Shepherd VS. German Shepherd so that you know these breeds better and choose better if you are planning on getting home one of these super active dogs.

Dutch Shepherd vs German Shepherd – Basic Difference

These intelligent dogs have been a favorite family pet for ages now. Many a time, people consider them to be of the same family, but are they?

Let’s look at some differences and similarities between a Dutch Shepherd and a German Shepherd to know if they really are kindred cousins or not.

1. Origin

While the German Shepherd originates from Germany, the Dutch Shepherd is from the Netherlands. Although both of these countries are European countries, a lot of differences can be seen as Germany has a lot of mountains whereas the Netherlands is partially lowlands. This difference reflects on their coats, as the German Shepherd, originating from the cold weather, has a thicker coat than the Dutch Shepherd.

2. Physical Attributes

The two Shepherd breeds have some astounding and remarkable similarities, due to which they are often confused for one another. Both these breeds are similar in body type, structure, and color. However, if looked closely, a German Shepherd comes with a double coat and long hair, while this coat can differ for the Dutch Shepherd.

While both of these come in multiple fur colors, the main difference that makes a Dutch Shepherd different from a German Shepherd is that they have distinct brindle markings whereas, a German Shepherd does not.

3. Height & Weight

Talking about the German Shepherd, their height varies between 22-26 Inches, whereas they weigh around 50-90 pounds.

In comparison, a Dutch Shepherd is 21.5-24.5 inches in height and 42-75 pounds in weight. Evidently, a German Shepherd is a slightly larger dog than a Dutch Shepherd.

4. Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of a dog depends hugely on external factors like exercise, health conditions, training, and the kind of food given to the dog. However, a German Shepherd lives for up to 7-10 years, whereas a Dutch Shepherd lives a slight bit longer, 11-14 years. But this factor can surely differ from dog-to-dog.

5. Price

If not adopting and buying, the price of both these breeds could differ. While buying a German Shepherd, you will have to pay an amount anywhere between $300-$1,000. Whereas, if you go for a pre-trained one, you will even have to pay as big an amount as $6,000.

Dutch Shepherds, on the other hand, due to their rarity cost in the range of $1,000-$2,500. Therefore, making them the more expensive breed out of the two.

6. Training

A German Shepherd and a Dutch Shepherd are both very similar when it comes to energy. Both of these are bundles of energy as they are super active. While bringing home these breeds, you need to be prepared that they would need extensive training. However, training them both is not a very tedious task, as these breeds are very intelligent and easily trainable.

Both being guard dogs and police dogs, they can be trained according to the need of the owner. If the owner has had other dogs, then they can easily train their Dutch Shepherd or German Shepherd, otherwise, hiring a local trainer would be more than enough.

7. Grooming & Care

Since both of these breeds have a double coat, shedding would be too frequent. Also, due to this, they would need weekly or fortnightly grooming sessions to keep their cuteness intact! Brushing them daily and bathing them once a week would do the trick and keep their fur looking great.

Dutch Shepherd VS. German Shepherd – Similarities

While these two breeds are extremely different from each other, yet these canine cousins are similar in a lot of ways. Let’s look at some of the similarities between a Dutch Shepherd and a German Shepherd.

1. Active and Loyal Dogs

Both being ‘Shepherds,’ these breeds were initially created to work on farms. Hence, they are extremely active and welcome challenges. Being police dogs and guard dogs, these breeds are extremely loyal to their country and their work.

2. A Classic Shepherd Look

From dark round eyes to muscular bodies, both these breeds look extremely similar. While they are young pups, differentiating between them is a task; hence, people often get confused between the two breeds.

3. Wonderful Service Dogs

Both of these dogs being loyal, active, and protective; these breeds serve many police forces and are wonderful service dogs as their intelligence is remarkable and is something that makes them unique.

4. Trainability and Intelligence

A Dutch Shepherd and a German Shepherd are easily trainable and do not need very extensive training as they are extremely intelligent breeds.

5. Protective about owners

Families would love these breeds, as they are extremely protective of their owners and super friendly with children. These dogs are great companions when it comes to being adopted and brought into the family.

How To Distinguish One from The Other?

To the owners or people who have never adopted a dog and have no or very less knowledge about breeds, to them, these two breeds would look faintly similar. Both these breeds have uncanny similarities when it comes to appearance. Erect ears, muscular body, and long a hugely similar structure, the similarity in their appearances are unreal.

However, knowing about their distinct features and how one can distinguish them makes one realize that both are similar yet very different from each other. One difference can be seen in how they walk. While a Dutch Shepherd walks just fine, a slight trotting can be seen in the walk of a German Shepherd. This is because of their sloping back, which is flat in the case of a Dutch Shepherd.

Besides this, one can differentiate between these breeds through their fur. The German Shepherd has a medium-length coat that is slightly rough, whereas a Dutch Shepherd has 3 types of coats, which can vary from dog to dog.

The biggest factor as to how people can distinguish between them is that Dutch Shepherd is always brindled. These brindles are not found in German Shepherds, making this a huge differentiating factor.

Dutch vs German Shepherd: Which One Is Best For Your Family?

If you and your family want a protective, loyal and intelligent dog, chances are you might be confused between a Dutch Shepherd and a German Shepherd. However, there are some factors that need to be considered before you get home one of these breeds.

For these Shepherd dogs, you need to be extremely devoted to them, as they can live in a home that provides an active lifestyle. You must have ample space at home, as they love to run and be all energetic. Being an experienced dog owner is a prerequisite with both of these breeds.

If you have young kids at home and need a dog that can guard, protect and play with them, then a German Shepherd would be the perfect fit for you.

However, owners who have older children or want a working dog who can help on the farm must think of getting a Dutch Shepherd.

Conclusion

Nonetheless, both of these breeds are a treat to have at home, as they are loyal and protective with kids and adults. At the same time, there is no denying that both these breeds need owners who can engage with them and be invested in them. So, after looking at all the similarities and differences, we hope you have made up your mind as to which one to get home to!

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In this post, we will talk about how similar these two breeds are, how friendly each of them is, their distinct habits, and much more. All these factors will help you make a better and more informed choice if you want to get a furry friend home.

Belgian Malinois vs Doberman

While thinking of getting big and tough dogs home, Belgian Malinois and Doberman are one of the top choices of pet lovers. However, knowing their differences and similarities becomes a crucial task.

1. Size Difference

Talking about differences, both of these dogs differ in size and weight. The weight of a female Belgian Malinois is somewhere around 40-60 lbs, while a male Belgian Malinois weighs approximately 60-80 lbs.

On the other hand, a female Doberman is 60-90 lbs, and a male one can be anywhere between 75-100 lbs. Hence, Dobermans are generally bulkier and weigh more than Belgian Malinois.

Dobermans are bigger in size, too, as their average height is somewhere around 66-71 cm, while that of a Malinois is 55-66 cm.

2. Life Expectancy

Life expectancy is a crucial factor taken into consideration while comparing the two breeds. While this factor depends mostly on health conditions, diet, living conditions, and exercise, but the average life expectancy of a Malinois is more than that of a Doberman, as a Malinois can live up to 16 years, but a Doberman has a life span of 12 years.

3. Behavior Traits

A Belgian Malinois and Doberman are both considered to be tough dogs that are perfect guards. In fact, many of these are also police dogs since they are extremely alert and agile. However, let’s look at some physical qualities of each of these breeds to get an idea as to how similar or different they both are –

4. Price

While both these breeds are sort of rare, however, a Doberman costs more than a Malinois when it comes to buying, if you are not adopting one. Both of these breeds are considered to be on a costlier side, however, comparing the two, if not adopted, a Doberman will cost you a little more than a Malinois.

5. Energy Levels

We all love dogs that are playful and active. Talking about these two breeds, both are energy bundles and are extremely playful. This is the biggest similarity that these two have in common. High on energy and low on maintenance, these two breeds are the epitome of energy.

6. Training Requirement

Talking about the training, both these breeds need heavy and extensive training. These can be easily trainable, even to an extent that they can serve as great home dogs and guard dogs. Training them is not a very tedious task, and can easily be done by an experienced owner or your local trainer.

7. Intelligence

Malinois and Doberman, both are intelligent breeds and are extremely affectionate towards their owner. If your house has children, these breeds will be overprotective towards them. The friendliness with strangers is not much though, but with family, they are the sweetest.

Which Breed Is Better For You?

People who love big dogs are a fan of both Belgian Malinois and Dobermans. If you are on this page, chances are you, too, are confused as to which one to get home to. However, from training to grooming, which of these two breeds would be perfect for you?

If you are a new owner, A Doberman can be a good choice for you. Whereas Belgian Malinois are not generally recommended for first-timers. 

If you have children at home, and you really want to see your pet bonding with your little one, we must tell you that both these breeds are great for children. However, in comparison, Doberman is more affectionate and is more child-friendly.

Talking about grooming, Dobermans are easier to groom; however, a Belgian Malinois is also not very high maintenance and would need a bath or a comb once in a while. 

If you live in an apartment and are thinking of getting a Belgian Malinois, we must warn you, this could not be the best idea, as this breed needs a yard to play and to be active. If you are living in an apartment, a Doberman could still be a fine choice for you. 

Living weather conditions and temperature is intense criteria when it comes to selecting a breed. While both breeds can live in up to 80-degree Fahrenheit, but if you live in a hotter place, a Doberman could be a better pick for you.

Summing Up

While both breeds can be an excellent pick as both of them are super protective and affectionate towards their owner, especially children, however, comparing little specifications about these furry members are important. We hope that these similarities and differences help you pick the right breed!

The post Belgian Malinois Vs Doberman: Clash between the bonhomous laddie and the devoted defender appeared first on Purrfect Paws.

History

GSD: German Shepherd is native to Germany and registered its presence in the 1800s. Just like Cane Corso, the dog served as a protecting dog or a guardian to flock and people. This dog is still used as a service dog in military and police jobs, and is trained for the family living in apartments too.

Cane Corso: Cane Corso is a mastiff-type breed. It originated in Italy and has shown its presence in ancient times too. The dog was employed in guarding jobs in those times. That is why its name shows Italian influence. Cane is the Italian name for the word ‘dog’. And Corso is derived from the Latin word Cohors which means guardian or protector. The name describes its original job of protecting or guarding the pack or premises.

Height, Weight and Color

GSD: GSD goes up to the height of 26” on gaining maturity. It does intimidate by looks but is a sweetheart. Its healthy weight is somewhere around 88lbs. Its overall build is stout and looks beautiful in various mane colors. The black and tan, grey, sable, black & sable, etc. are a few common colors found in GSD breeds. 

Cane Corso: Cane Corso does give GSD tough competition as its height can be towering up to 27”. The weight can be expected to reach 99lbs. So, don’t overfeed out of love; it may become a task for you to walk him around. Fawn, Grey, Black Brindle, and Chestnut Brindle are some of the common colors of the Cane Corso breed.

Diet

GSD: GSD needs to have a protein-rich diet. Its diet must comprise up to 22% protein. So, add a raw meat diet. Supplement it with fats too. GSD needs fatty foods to avoid skin diseases. You can also check our posts on suitable fruits and vegetables that can be served to your furry companion. 

Cane Corso: Feed your black beauty with appropriate proteins and fats. Toss in some ground bones too to give him choices in the diet. The protein content in the diet should be about 56 g (or 20-22%) on crossing 18 months of age. The  Cane Corso also thrives on vegetables. Carrots and zucchini are safe vegetables that can be given to this puppy.

Temperament

GSD: If you want a ‘yes man’ around you, GSD is the dog you need. Fierce in looks but docile in nature if trained early, this dog loves to please you with his ease of learning skills. However, to learn to obey, he may need early training. Please check positive reinforcement training techniques for GSD dogs to achieve better results.

Cane Corso: Cane Corso is born to lead, he is the leader of the pack by instinct. Hence, to get the best of him as an obedient pet, you need to train him early. It is a highly intelligent dog. Also, it shows the characteristics like reserved nature, even-tempered and easy to go with.

Family dog

GSD: GSD loves family; you will feel blessed to have him around you. He loves his human pack and tries several tactics to keep them together in one room. Despite being a sturdy and stout species, he can be kept in an apartment as he loves staying close to everybody.

Cane Corso: Cane Corso was originally a security dog; guarding was his main virtue. But, with training and affinity development, the dog can show unmatchable devotion to his human family. Fiercely protective towards the human family, this pet needs to be controlled while around strangers.

Overall Health

GSD: GSD can rightly be called the low maintenance dogs with minimal healthcare and grooming requirements. The dog tends to become depressed when left alone and does need to stay indulged in activities to maintain joint health. You have to be aware and proactive about their exercising needs and must have a caretaker in hand should you require going out for work.

Cane Corso: Cane Corso shows a high risk toward bloating. Entropion, Hip Dysplasia are a few common problems that need regular checking. This black beauty does need exercises, but you must not go over-enthusiastic about it. Overdoing may cause joint damage and heat exhaustion, especially during humid weather is also a matter of concern. You may expect Cane Corso to be a low-maintenance dog having an average age of 10-12 years.

Summing up the breed battle,

Final words

GSD and Cane Corso are the best choices for having a loyal companion at home. Both these breeds stand apart in looks, and have a great affinity for family and other pets. These puppy breeds are easily trainable and take pride in learning things fast. Originally used as guardian dogs, these breeds have proved their utility as family pets too. Unless not provoked, they behave in a sociably pleasant manner. Overall health is good; they live for 10-14 years if all health concerns are prevented proactively.

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German Shepherd Vs Kangal Shepherd Dog

1. Overview

Kangal or Kangal Shepherd is also known as Turkish Shepherd. This dog derives its name from its place of origin Kangal, which is a Turkish province. It is often confused with Anatolian Shepherd; a few canine registries, too, have done this mistake of recognizing it by this name. However, both Kangal and Anatolian Shepherds are very different species.

Kangal is a little more aggressive and dangerous than a German Shepherd. Though both dogs are trained to protect the livestock or as watchdogs, the GSD is a bit gentler in its approach to handling an intruder. While GSD just warns, Kangal goes a step ahead and can attack and kill.

Both dogs are not meant for first-time pet owners. Kangals are to be trained right at the puppy stage to recognize the owner as alpha, else they may not follow instructions and become completely uncontrollable. Also, both dogs are sturdy in appearance and love doing physical activities.

German Shepherd was recognized by American Canine Registries as a herding dog. It traveled from Germany to the US, and thus, made its appearance in the US in the 1900s. German Shepherds are also known as Alsatians or Wolf dogs. These are large dogs, wild by instinct, but trainable for civilized living.

While Kangals are not usable as service dogs, therapy dogs, etc. German Shepherds have the nature that makes them suitable for such roles. These dogs have served in the military and police because of their ability to absorb instructions and strong instincts.

2. Physical Characteristics

Kangal may look leaner than German Shepherds in a quick look, Let’s take a look at vital statistics like their height and weight, coat style, etc.

Height and Weight: Kangals are big-sized dogs. Male Kangals may grow 30-35inches in height on adulting, Female Kangals attain about 30 inches of height. While Male Kangals may weigh anywhere between 105-145lbs, a female’s healthy weight may reach 105lbs on maturity.

Male GSDs attain a height of about 26 inches, and females are 24 inches at their biggest. Male GSDs’ healthy weight maybe 66-88lbs; females weigh 49-70lbs on maturity.

Head: Rectangular muzzle ending in a black mask and v-shaped ears mostly dropped in type are the prominent facial features of the Kangal.

Coat: Common colors of the coat of a Kangal Shepherd may be Cream, Black, or Grey. They are never snow white. Their coat is double and dense and keeps them warm. Since they are heavy shedders, the owner requires combing this dog often. So, if you intend to keep this dog as a house pet, you might need regular vacuum cleaning.

German Shepherds have a dense and warm but fuzzy coat. You may find them in black, tan, grey, and red colors. They are heavy shedders like Kangals but are easy to groom with a home regime.

Grooming: Kangals have average grooming requirements. These can be bathed or cleaned at home. Occasional nail trimming and flea treatment are important. German Shepherds have similar grooming requirements as Kangals. They do not require regular bathing or a visit to a professional groomer.

3. Temperament

Kangals or Turkish Shepherds are antisocial by nature. They are loners and love spending time alone. However, they prefer staying in open. So, a garden in the house or a kennel placed in the open area of the house is ideal arrangements for this species. They do not mind their human going out for work leaving them alone at home, which means they do not display separation anxiety. Also, Kangals are not very welcoming to guests and do not adjust well in a crowded, noisy household. Kangals need to be kept engaged in activities when they are awake, else they may show destructive nature. Leaving them alone with some toys or a source of engagement in a garden or open space keeps them happy. So, these dogs make perfect companions for humans who are living nuclear or alone.

Kangals need pre-occupations. else they start barking and biting on the furniture, drapes, etc. Good thing is that Kangals do not bark much. They are quiet by nature usually, and bark only to send an alarm, or to seek attention, and when provoked.

Kangals are gentle, protective, and a bit jealous. They may not like their parent showing love towards other dogs. So, a little caution is required while raring Kangals with other dogs.

German Shepherds are quite friendly, loyal, and social as compared to Kangals. They love the company and cannot be left alone at home. Though big in size, GSDs are quite suitable for apartment living. They prefer living close to their parent all the time, and so, do not need a separate place in the house. But, these should be trained to sleep or rest in a designated place, else they may tend to cuddle along.

3. Training Needs

Since Kangals are leaders and protectors by nature, they tend to make their own rules. Thus, their training needs are higher. Kangals may tend to go astray or not listen to instructions at all if their training is not done properly. So, you should look only for a trained Kangal if you are the first time pet owner. Kangals absorb instructions a bit slowly. They need about 35-40 repetitions to learn anything, but they have sharp retention power. Whatever they learn, they tend to stick to it; just a little extra effort in training is needed to achieve that level of obedience.

German Shepherds absorb training and instructions because they tend to please their parents or trainer. Especially when they know that their obedience can win them a reward, they tend to perform better. However, the GSDs need to be trained right from an early age; else, they may become more commanding because of their basic nature of being the pack’s ruler. Because of their exceptional attentiveness and watching capacities, GSDs are used as service dogs in the military and police and make great watchdogs.

Both GSDs and Kangals are friendly to kids, seniors, known guests, but they are not dog-friendly. While Kangals cannot be used as service dogs or therapy dogs, GSDs can perform these roles rather comfortably.

4. Health and Food habits

Overall, Kangals are healthy dogs. Their life expectancy is 12-15 years. However, they become prone to some health problems a bit more easily. Poor development of hips (Hip Dysplasia) causing arthritis of joints eventually affect these dogs most commonly, so, it is advisable to keep a watch on their limbs’ growth and provide them good exercising. Secondly, the chances of developing fatty tumors are high too.

Kangals are prone to parasitic attacks. Hookworms, heartworms, fleas, etc. are their common enemies. So, a flea check program and maintaining hygiene are two important essentialities for this dog.

Their energy levels, exercising needs and sleeping requirements are average. Thus, these are easy-to-maintain breeds. They are heavy droolers and maybe a mess for cleanliness-freaks. So, beware!

German Shepherds are overall healthy dogs. But, they are also prone to Hip Dysplasia like Kangals. GSDs need extra attention in terms of health maintenance, because they may develop allergies easily. Also, the bad food regime or poor physical activity levels can make them prone to bloating. Their weight gain potential is lower when compared to Kangals’. GSDs may show a sign of discomfort by drooling because they do not drool otherwise. The average life of GSD is 10-13 years approx.

GSDs are quite active dogs, and they need regular playing and exercising to avoid bad mood and other health issues.

Food: Protein-rich kibbles and excellent quality dry dog food form the ideal food choice for Kangals. They may also show love for fruits, vegetables, and some carbohydrates. The carbohydrates should constitute not more than 10% of their diet; these are essential to keep them energetic.

GSDs need a high protein amount in their daily diet. They do well with organ meat, liver, and kibbles. Carbohydrates should also be included. Vegetables and fruits like carrots and watermelons can be fed to GSDs.

Vaccination schedule: Combo vaccine called ‘5-in-1 shot’ is to be given in the second, third, and fourth months, and once annually when Kangals become one year old. This shot provides immunity against parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and distemper. The rabies vaccine is also given annually.

German Shepherds are given a ‘7-in-1 shot’ combo vaccine from 1.5 months of age, every alternate month till one year of age. This shot covers them against hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, distemper, parvovirus, Corona enteritis, and distemper. Their first rabies vaccine is due when they turn three months old. Then, they should be inoculated with the Rabies vaccine annually.

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