Wait, why is there an American dog on the list?
History of Dogs in Germany
In March of 2021, Science Alert reported on cave findings in Germany that could be the earliest evidence of domesticated wolves (future dogs) yet. The cave, called Gnirshöhle, is in southwest Germany in the Hegau Jura region near Switzerland. This area is known for its incredibly old (like 17,000 years ago old) fossils and artifacts. These new bones are so significant because they’re older than many previously discovered specimens and they have more genetic variety—meaning this could be the place and time where modern-day wolves, foxes and domesticated dogs really began to take shape.
Modern Dog Culture in Germany
Germans seriously love their dogs—no joke. According to The German Times, “Dogs are more than pets; they are the source of meaning and identity.” As of 2023, there were 10.6 million pet dogs in Germany.
Emma Hurt at NPR reported on the differences between owning a dog in Germany and owning one in the U.S. Aside from a dog tax (roughly $140 per year), it is illegal to keep your dog in a crate in Germany for an extended period of time—or chained up at all. Another law proposed in 2020 requires every pet dog to be let out for exercise twice per day for a total of at least one hour. Hurt says there is even a German state that administers a test to potential dog parents before allowing them to adopt a puppy!
Perhaps regulations are more intense in Deutschland because pet dogs are allowed in tons of public areas (think: public transit, restaurants, hotels). Dogs must be well-behaved and trained rigorously to avoid nasty confrontations or issues. If your dog isn’t well-trained, Hurt at NPR says you should get ready to be called out and asked to leave. Unfortunately, at this time, Germany’s customs page says Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Bull Terriers are not allowed entry into Germany as they are considered fighting dogs. Even Rottweilers, a German breed, are considered unpredictable Kampfhunds (attack dogs) in several states and are denied entry.
While most of the dogs on our list were bred initially as skilled hunters, many have turned into loving family pets who know how to learn and obey commands.
1. Affenpinscher
- Height: 9-12 inches
- Weight: 7-10 pounds
- Personality: Goofy, Proud
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Trainability: May be stubborn, bore easily
Originally bred in the 1600s to chase and kill rats, Affenpinschers have become delightful and goofy companion dogs. They’ve definitely retained their bold, brave hunting instincts and may try to play with the big dogs (which could result in their feelings being hurt). Sensitive and smart, the Affenpinscher Club of America says they adapt and travel well.
2. Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
- Height: 17-21 inches
- Weight: 37-66 pounds
- Personality: Devoted, reserved
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Trainability: Intelligent and eager to please, trains well with patience
Talk about a hunter! The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound has a nose so strong it can smell the difference between prey that is bleeding and prey that is not, according to the American Kennel Club. The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound Club in Germany says these unique dogs were bred because hunting techniques in the late 1800s changed and hunters in the mountains needed more nimble canines. Given their history and intelligence, it’s wise to provide them with ample outdoor time and mental stimulation.
3. Biewer Terrier
- Height: 7-11 inches
- Weight: 4-8 pounds
- Personality: Smart, Loving
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Low
- Life Expectancy: 16 years
- Trainability: Easy to train
Say hello to one of the longest living dog breeds! These cuties can live well into their high teens if given quality care and nutrition. In the mid-1980s, a German couple (the Biewers) who were known for breeding Yorkshire Terriers produced a pup with unique blue, white and gold fur. They named her Schneeflockchen von Friedheck and embarked on the Biewer Terrier breeding journey. These are charming, sweet pups who love to play.
4. Boxer
- Height: 21-25 inches
- Weight: 50-80 pounds
- Personality: Active, Playful
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Low to Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Trainability: Trains moderately well, keep things interesting to avoid boredom
Boxers today are descendants of hunting dogs known as Bullenbeissers (picture a big Mastiff) who were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, according to the American Boxer Club. This working breed really came into focus at the first Boxer dog show in 1895 in Munich. Since then, these dogs have become lovable sweethearts who aren’t afraid to show their excitement when they see you. They make great family pets—as long as you train the “down” command early; otherwise they’ll jump on everyone.
5. Dachshund
- Height: 8-9 inches (Standard), 5-6 inches (Miniature)
- Weight: 16-32 pounds (Standard), up to 11 pounds (Miniature)
- Personality: Curious, affectionate
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Low
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Trainability: learn quickly, but can be stubborn
Ever wonder why Dachshunds are so long and skinny? They were bred to hunt badgers! Their wiener-dog shape made it easy to wiggle into badger dens, a skill they perfected centuries ago. These affectionate—albeit loud—watch dogs are considered national symbols of Germany and were recently honored with a museum.
6. Doberman Pinscher
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Weight: 60-100 pounds
- Personality: Intelligent, alert
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: High
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Trainability: easy to train
The Doberman Pinscher Club of America says these pups first popped up in Germany in the 19th century. The exact lineage that led to the development of the Doberman is murky, but the breed as we know it today is a regal and loyal companion. They are super smart and have served alongside soldiers in war and as service dogs for people with physical and mental disabilities. Despite their short, sleek coats, Doberman Pinschers shed profusely.
7. German Longhaired Pointer
- Height: 22-28 inches
- Weight: 55-80 pounds
- Personality: Friendly, sweet
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Trainability: easy to train
The German Longhaired Pointer Club of America says German art from the Middle Ages depicts these longhaired dogs hunting waterfowl. Not much has changed! Today, German Longhaired Pointers excel at retrieving ducks and geese during hunts and love water. They are calm and focused, but incredibly sweet and great with kiddos. As long as they get enough exercise, they’ll follow you anywhere.
8. German Pinscher
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 25-45 pounds
- Personality: Intelligent, playful
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Trainability: trains well with routine sessions and firm boundaries
Though German Pinschers didn’t arrive in the U.S. until the 1970s, they were being bred in southern Germany nearly a century before. Fun fact: Schnauzers and Pinschers are almost the exact same dog. The German Pinscher Club of America says a single pinscher breed had been bred with two different coat varieties – wire-haired and smooth-haired. In the early 1900s, breeders decided the wire-haired would become Schnauzers and the smooth-haired would become Pinschers. These pups are affectionate, energetic dogs who are ready to play.
9. German Shepherd
- Height: 22-26 inches
- Weight: 50-90 pounds
- Personality: Loyal, confident
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: High
- Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
- Trainability: easy to train
The German Shepherd is a striking animal with deep loyalty and high intelligence. Though their history doesn’t extend as far back as say, the Boxer’s, these dogs have earned the title of most popular German breed. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America says these pups first came to America in 1907 and have since served as bomb sniffers, therapy dogs, search-and-rescue dogs and so much more. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, though they can become so focused on tasks that they will be relentless playmates. Early training and socialization ensures their aloofness doesn’t become aggression.
10. German Shorthaired Pointer
- Height: 21-25 inches
- Weight: 45-70 pounds
- Personality: Friendly, active
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Trainability: trains well with routine sessions and firm boundaries
OK, think about a German Longhaired Pointer but smaller, with shorter hair. That’s the active and even-tempered German Shorthaired Pointer! Bred over centuries to track birds, the breed finally came to the American Midwest in the 1930s after hunters in Montana and Nebraska caught wind of their talents, according to the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America. Today, GSPs, as they are called, love to bond with their people and be in on the action. One word of warning: The AKC says these dogs are “extremely challenging from six months to three years.” So while they are smart and eager to please, training could be hard for novice dog owners.
11. German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund)
- Height: 18-21 inches
- Weight: 40-55 pounds
- Personality: Loving, alert
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Trainability: easy to train
These dogs are intriguing. Not only do they go by several aliases (German Spaniel, Deutscher Wachtelhund, German Quail Dog), the AKC says it’s rare to find one in the U.S. or beyond hunting groups in Germany. They are more muscular and smaller than German Longhaired Pointers and have keen noses like Bloodhounds. They’re also more mellow than their fellow hunting dogs and enjoy less strenuous exercise indoors. Don’t keep the Deutscher Wachtelhund inside forever, though! They do love water.