Rat Terrier
VS
German Shepherd Dog
Rat Terrier vs German Shepherd Dog
Compare Rat Terrier and German Shepherd Dog 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
Rat Terrier
German Shepherd Dog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 46 cm
61 – 65 cm
Weight
5 – 10 kg
33 – 37 kg
Life expectancy
15 – 18 years
9 – 13 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
1/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
4/5
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Characteristics
Rat Terrier
Low grooming
Small
German Shepherd Dog
Great with kids
High energy
Protective
Easy to train
Large
Summary
About Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is an American‑bred, small to medium, athletic farm and vermin dog. Intelligent and energetic, it thrives on training, exercise, and close family contact. With a short, low‑maintenance coat in many pied colors, it suits active homes and excels in various dog sports.
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.
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