Whether visiting Germany or loving German culture, you’ll want to get to know the country’s furry friends.
Known as some of the best guard dogs in the world, German dog breeds have also been favored by dog lovers around the globe since the Middle Ages.
Furthermore, German dog breeds are some of the most loyal and intelligent dogs in the world and some of the most beautiful.
They come in every shape and size. From miniature breeds for apartment living to large working dogs for farms and ranches.
All of these qualities make German dog breeds fantastic pets. But it’s best to research before bringing home your new companion.
Here are the top German dog breeds you should consider adopting!
1. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are miniature, wiry-haired terriers who are loyal and affectionate companions.
They were initially bred to be ratters in Germany and still have a strong hunting instinct today.
Affenpinschers are intelligent and playful German dog breeds that need plenty of exercise and attention.
They are sometimes stubborn but also very loving and devoted to their families.
2. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of the world’s most famous German dog breeds, and for a good reason. They are intelligent, loyal, and make great protectors.
German Shepherds were initially bred in Germany in the late 1800s as herding dogs.
They quickly became popular police and military dogs due to their fearless nature and trainability.
Today, German Shepherds are still used as working dogs, but they also make excellent family pets.
3. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are one of the most famous German dog breeds.
They are small, intelligent, and affectionate dogs that make great companions. Pomeranians are also known for being very protective of their families.
4. Boxer
The Boxer is a large, short-haired dog that was developed in Germany.
The coat is smooth and tight-fitting; colors are fawn or brindle, with or without white markings, which may cover the entire body.
In addition, Boxers are brachycephalic (have broad, short skulls) and have a square muzzle.
The head is adorned with a black mask and lines running over the forehead to the back of the neck.
5. Giant Schnauzer
It is a large, working dog breed that originated in Germany in the 1600s.
These German dog breeds were initially considered guard dogs and cattle herders. And they excel at both of these tasks today.
Also, the Giant Schnauzer is a powerful, muscular dog with a wiry coat that comes in black or pepper and salt.
These loyal, protective, and intelligent dogs make them excellent family pets.
6. German Spitz
The German Spitz is a versatile and courageous breed that excels in various roles, including as a watchdog, companion, and family pet.
Also, They are one of the most famous German dog breeds.
The German Spitz is a medium-sized dog with a thick coat of fur that can be either white, black, or brown.
They are known for their loyalty, obedience, and friendly dispositions.
7. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunting dog that is also great as a family companion.
They are energetic and need plenty of exercise but are also gentle and loving.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is the perfect breed if you’re looking for a loyal and obedient friend.
8. Great Dane
The Great Dane is a large German domestic dog breed known for its size.
The record holder for the tallest dog ever is a Great Dane named Zeus, who measured 111.8 cm (44.0 in) from paw to shoulder.
Great Danes are gentle giants, and despite their large size, they are typically good-natured and calm. They make great family pets and are loyal companions.
9. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is one of the most famous German dog breeds.
They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and fearless nature. Originally bred as guard dogs, they make excellent protectors and are often used in law enforcement.
Also, Dobermans are very loving and make great family pets.
If you’re looking for a German dog breed that is both beautiful and protective, the Doberman Pinscher is a perfect choice.
10. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized, sturdily built dog breed with wiry fur.
The first Schnauzer was developed in the 15th century in Germany, and they were initially bred to be guard dogs and ratters.
Today, Standard Schnauzers are still used as working dogs, but they also make great companion animals.
They are intelligent, playful, loyal dogs that bond closely with their families.
11. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, wiry dog that is obedient and easy to train.
This breed is originally from Germany, and its name comes from the German word for the mustache.
The Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent watchdog and makes a great companion dog.
This breed does well in obedience and agility trials and is a famous show dog.
12. American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dogs are playful, energetic, and loving companions.
They’re also fiercely loyal, making them excellent guard dogs. Originally bred in Germany, these dogs are now famous worldwide.
An American Eskimo Dog might be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a new furry friend.
13. German Wirehaired Pointer
If you’re looking for a dog that can do it all, look no further than the German Wirehaired Pointer.
This versatile breed is an excellent hunter, Pointer, retriever, and track dog.
They’re also loyal and affectionate companions that make great family dogs.
14. Bavarian Mountain Hound
The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a large dog originally bred in Germany for hunting.
These German dog breeds are gentle giants and are great with children and other animals.
In addition, they are loyal and protective of their family and make excellent guard dogs.
They need plenty of exercise and do best in a home with a yard.
15. Eurasier
The Eurasier is a spitz-type dog breed developed in Germany in the 1960s.
The breed was created by crossing the Chow Chow, Wolfspitz, and Samoyed.
The Eurasier is a medium-sized dog with a thick coat that comes in various colors.
Also, the breed is known for being loyal, protective, and loving.
The Eurasier is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a German dog breed that will become a part of your family.
16. Elo Dog
Elo is a medium-sized German dog breed in the herding group. They are intelligent, trainable, and make great family pets.
Elo German dog breeds are loyal, protective of their families, and friendly with strangers.
If you’re looking for a dog that will become a lifelong companion, Elo is the perfect breed for you.
17. Pudelpointer
The Pudelpointer is a versatile hunting dog developed in Germany in the 19th century.
They are a cross between the Poodle and the Pointer, known for their loyalty, intelligence, and trainability.
Pudelpointers make great family dogs and are excellent with children. If you’re looking for a dog that can do it all, the Pudelpointer is the breed for you!
18. German Longhaired Pointer
If you’re looking for an elegant and hardworking dog, the German Longhaired Pointer is the breed for you.
These dogs will turn heads with their long, flowing coat and regal bearing.
Meanwhile, don’t let their good looks fool you – these German dog breeds were bred to work. And they take their jobs very seriously.
If you’re looking for a loyal companion who will also be your best friend, look no further than the German Longhaired Pointer.
19. Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog is a relatively new breed, having only been around since the 1970s.
This dog was bred as a working dog and is still used for herding and hunting today.
Also, they are excellent guard dogs, thanks to their fearless nature. If you’re looking for a loyal and protective companion, the Saarloos Wolfdog may be the perfect breed.
20. German Pinscher
The German Pinscher is a strong, compact, and muscular dog known for being athletic and agile.
They are also very obedient and loyal, making them an excellent choice for families.
If you’re looking for German dog breeds that will make you fall in love, the German Pinscher is one of the great options.
21. German Spaniel
The German Spaniel is a versatile hunting dog and a famous companion dog.
They are gentle and intelligent and want to please their owners. German Spaniels are relatively easy to train and make great family pets.
However, they do require plenty of exercise and need to be socialized early on to avoid shyness around strangers.
22. Hanoverian Scenthound
The Hanoverian Scenthound is a versatile hunting dog that tracks deer, wild boar, and foxes.
These German dog breeds are also excellent at finding lost people or animals.
This breed is gentle, loving, and loyal to its family. They need plenty of exercise and love to run and play.
The Hanoverian Scenthound is an excellent choice for families who want an active dog that will be a loyal companion.
23. Hovawart
Hovawarts are large, loyal German dog breeds that make great family pets.
They are gentle with children and have a strong protective instinct, which makes them excellent guard dogs.
Moreover, Hovawarts are highly intelligent, trainable, and excel at obedience and agility trials.
These dogs are also known for their striking black-and-tan coats, which make them stand out in a crowd.
24. Jagdterrier
Jagdterriers are active, intelligent dogs that make great hunting companions.
They’re also loyal and affectionate family pets. The Jagdterrier is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a German dog breed that is perfect for both the field and the home.
25. Stichelhaar
The Stichelhaar is a German dog breed that is often overlooked.
This medium-sized breed is perfect for families seeking a loyal and loving companion.
The Stichelhaar is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. They are also great with children and other pets.
If you are looking for a protective breed, the Stichelhaar is a perfect choice.
26. Kromfohrländer
Kromfohrländer is one of the unique German dog breeds. They were initially bred to be hunting dogs, but they’re just as happy being a loyal companion.
Kromfohrländer is intelligent and eager to please, making them an excellent choice for families with children.
If you’re looking for a lovable, energetic dog breed, the Kromfohrländer is perfect!
27. Small Münsterländer
The Small Münsterländer Pointer is a versatile hunting dog perfect for those who love the outdoors.
This breed is eager to please and will do whatever it takes to make its owner happy.
The Small Münsterländer Pointer is intelligent, loyal, and loving. We make it the perfect companion for anyone looking for a new best friend.
28. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a giant dog breed that originated in Germany. These German dog breeds are gentle and loving and make great family pets.
Also, they are very loyal and protective of their family and home. Leonbergers are large dogs that need plenty of space to run and play.
The Leonberger is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a giant, lovable dog breed!
29. Westphalian Dachsbracke
The Westphalian Dachsbracke is a small, short-legged hunting dog native to the Westphalia region of Germany.
The breed was created in the 19th century to hunt badgers and other small games.
Today, the Westphalian Dachsbracke is a famous companion dog and makes an excellent family pet.
30. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is one of the most beautiful German dog breeds known for being loyal and loving.
They make great family pets and are great with children. Also, they are knowledgeable and easy to train.
The Weimaraner is the perfect breed if you want a loyal and loving companion!
31. Landseer Dog
The Landseer is a large breed of dog, originally from Germany.
The breed is named after the 19th-century painter Sir Edwin Landseer, who often featured them in his work.
They are loyal and protective dogs that make great family pets.
The Landseer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for German dog breeds that will make you fall in love!
32. Large Münsterländer
The Large Münsterländer is a versatile hunting dog initially bred in Germany.
This breed is known for its exceptional tracking and pointing abilities and strong work ethic.
The Large Münsterländer is an intelligent breed that is easy to train and makes excellent family pets.
If you are looking for loyal, hard-working German dog breeds, the Large Münsterländer may be the perfect breed!
33. Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Dachshund is one of the most famous German dog breeds. They are a small breed known for their long bodies and short legs.
Also, they are known for being very loyal and loving dogs. Miniature Dachshunds make great companion dogs and are excellent with children.
34. White Shepherd
The White Shepherd is a versatile breed that excels at obedience, tracking, and agility. They are knowledgeable and have a strong desire to please their owners.
Also, White Shepherds are very protective of their families and make excellent guard dogs.
If you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion, the White Shepherd is the perfect breed.
