German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd Dog
VS
Irish Terrier
Irish Terrier

German Shepherd Dog vs Irish Terrier

Compare German Shepherd Dog and Irish Terrier side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
German Shepherd Dog
Irish Terrier
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
61 – 65 cm
44 – 50 cm
Weight
33 – 37 kg
11 – 15 kg
Life expectancy
9 – 13 years
13 – 15 years
Child friendly
4/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
4/5
2/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
1/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
4/5
3/5
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Characteristics

German Shepherd Dog
Great with kids
High energy
Protective
Easy to train
Large
Irish Terrier
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Stubborn
Medium

Summary

About German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog is a medium‑large, athletic working breed, highly intelligent and trainable. Loyal and naturally protective, it needs extensive daily mental and physical exercise. It has a double coat with notable shedding and is widely used in police, military, and search and rescue roles.
About Irish Terrier
Medium, athletic terrier with a wiry red coat, low shedding when properly groomed. Intelligent, energetic, and independent, needing daily exercise and mental stimulation. Deeply loyal and people‑oriented, a keen watchdog, with strong prey drive and sometimes challenging with other dogs.

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