German Shepherds come in a variety of sizes. Here you can find a list of the 30 smallest German Shepherd breeds worldwide:
- #1 Welsh Corgi Cardigan: 25 – 33 cm
- #2 Welsh Corgi Pembroke: 25 – 33 cm
- #3 Västgötaspets: 30 – 32 cm
- #4 Miniature American Shepherd: 33 – 43 cm
- #5 Shetland Sheepdog: 33 – 41 cm
- #6 Puli: 36 – 42 cm
- #7 Berger des Pyrénées: 38 – 48 cm
- #8 Pumi: 38 – 44 cm
- #9 Hrvatski Ovčar: 40 – 53 cm
- #10 Koolie: 40 – 60 cm
- #11 Perro de Agua Español: 40 – 46 cm
- #12 Schapendoes: 40 – 47 cm
- #13 Finnish Lapphund: 41 – 47 cm
- #14 Norwegian Buhund: 41 – 45 cm
- #15 Entlebucher Mountain Dog: 42 – 50 cm
- #16 Icelandic Dog: 42 – 42 cm
- #17 Polski Owczarek Nizinny: 42 – 47 cm
- #18 Australian Cattle Dog: 43 – 48 cm
- #19 Australian Kelpie: 43 – 48 cm
- #20 Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog: 43 – 48 cm
- #21 German Lace: 43 – 55 cm
- #22 Gos d'Atura Català: 45 – 53 cm
- #23 Greek Shepherd: 45 – 53 cm
- #24 Australian Shepherd: 46 – 54 cm
- #25 Basque Shepherd Dog: 46 – 59 cm
- #26 Border Collie: 46 – 53 cm
- #27 English Shepherd: 46 – 58 cm
- #28 Canaan Dog: 48 – 58 cm
- #29 Chodsky Pes: 49 – 52 cm
- #30 Siberian Husky: 50 – 56 cm
The above size information refers to the height at the withers of female specimens. Because in almost all cases, male German Shepherds are around 5-10% larger.
At the bottom you will also find a complete list of all German Shepherd breeds with the respective size information for female and male dogs.
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#1 Welsh Corgi Cardigan: 25 – 33 cm
The Welsh Corgi Cardigan is the smallest of 56 German Shepherd breeds. This small German Shepherd from Wales is very versatile.
It lives between 12 and 16 years and is suitable as both a guard and a family dog. The Welsh Corgi is alert in nature with a strong barking and hunting instinct.
Translated, Corgi means “dwarf dog”. But with its short legs, this four-legged friend is still fast and energetic. [1]
Fun fact: Contrary to what was assumed, this dwarf was not originally kept for herding purposes, but rather to drive wild herd animals away from its owner's property.
#2 Welsh Corgi Pembroke: 25 – 33 cm
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi comes from Wales and is the 11th most intelligent dog breed. This dwarf dog is also one of the smallest German Shepherd dogs in the world.
He is very trainable, playful and very trusting towards his owners. His love goes so far that he wants to follow his master everywhere. [2]
They are not particularly suitable for keeping in an apartment because they bark a lot and like to bark. Despite their small size, they can reach around 40 km/h with their short legs.
Fun fact: Be prepared to be out and about in snow for significantly longer than other dog owners. Why? The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's legs are so short that they often get stuck in the snow in the winter.
#3 Västgötaspets: 30 – 32 cm
The Västgötaspets comes from Sweden and was bred over 1000 years ago for herding and driving cows. [3]
This alert, intelligent four-legged friend makes a good watchdog as well as a family dog. This small, gray German Shepherd also makes a good couch potato.
He learns quickly, is easy to train, but can't stay alone very well. In this case, he tends to bark constantly. He also needs a lot of exercise and exercise.
Fun fact: This clever German Shepherd has gotten the hang of herding cows. To show them the direction, he pinches their heel while at the same time dodging to the side so as not to receive a kick.
#4 Miniature American Shepherd: 33 – 43 cm
The Miniature American Shepherd is an enthusiastic, small German Shepherd from the USA. Once only kept as a sheepdog, he now enjoys various tasks.
It is suitable as a guard, shepherd and family dog. This four-legged friend is very trainable and needs owners who want to spend a lot of time with him.
The small, active dog is not suitable for living in an apartment. He is often reserved towards strangers. He gets along great with children. [4]
Fun fact: If you're looking for a dog that will sleep in a basket all day, you won't find it with the Miniature American Shepherd. This rocket gets by perfectly with 5-6 hours of sleep.
#5 Shetland Sheepdog: 33 – 41 cm
The Shetland Sheepdog (“Sheltie”) from Scotland is one of the smallest sheepdogs in the world. He sheds a lot, is very trainable and has a moderate hunting instinct. [5]
He was primarily bred as a sheepdog. Nowadays it is also popular as a family and therapy dog. The little four-legged friends weigh around 9 kg when fully grown.
They are very loyal to their family. They love children and want to be kept busy. Unfortunately, Shelties bark a lot and very loudly.
Fun fact: Get used to the fact that a Sheltie will follow you everywhere! This eager little dog is so loyal and affectionate that he is nicknamed “Shadow” by those in the know.
#6 Puli: 36 – 42 cm
The Puli comes from Hungary and was kept as a guard, shepherd and police dog. This little German Shepherd's temperament is nimble, clever and obedient. [6]
His coat naturally develops long dreadlocks over time. It therefore sheds very little and is ideal for allergy sufferers.
They are easy to train, but tend to be hyperactive, which is why they need a lot of exercise and exercise. A garden and regular activity are an absolute must.
Fun fact: Subscribe to the dog groomer now! Because without regular visits to the hairdresser, within a few weeks you will no longer be able to see the Puli's eyes because of all the fur.
#7 Berger des Pyrénées: 38 – 48 cm
The Berger des Pyrénées, also known as the Pyrenean Shepherd Dog, comes from France. This alert, active dog is very popular as a sheepdog and family dog.
If this small type of German Shepherd doesn't already attract attention with its long, shaggy fur, then it will definitely attract attention with its energetic, nervous nature.
This bundle of energy is not suitable for beginners. He is particularly good as a herder and can handle up to 500 sheep alone. [7]
Fun fact: “Bumblebee butt” is an understatement to describe these energetic dogs. In English-speaking countries they are even referred to as “Ball of Fire”.
#8 Pumi: 38 – 44 cm
The Pumi (plural: Pumik) from Hungary is often referred to as a “clown” in his homeland. This beautiful little German Shepherd is known for his goofy behavior. [8]
His nature is playful, lively and protective. Internationally, this curly little four-legged friend is still very rare and relatively unknown.
This intelligent dog is only suitable for first-time owners if you use it a lot and exercise it well, otherwise you have to expect digging and barking orgies.
Fun facts: Be careful! Pumik can be little “dictators” in dog clothing. If they don't receive experienced and strict leadership, they'll be on your back.
#9 Hrvatski Ovčar: 40 – 53 cm
The Hrvatski Ovčar (English: Croatian Sheepdog) comes from Croatia and is one of 56 German Shepherd breeds worldwide.
This eager little German Shepherd makes an excellent sheepdog, guard or family dog. With his strong desire for human contact, he is extremely trainable.
Without much training and early socialization, this black German Shepherd becomes a skeptical, reserved four-legged friend who has trouble getting along with strangers.
Fun fact: This four-legged friend sticks to your face and wants to fulfill your every wish. As a “workaholic”, the Hrvastski Ovčar is constantly waiting for his next task and implores you with the “what next?” look. [9]
#10 Koolie: 40 – 60 cm
The Koolie from Australia is a friendly, committed sheepdog and working dog with a moderate hunting instinct. Nowadays he is also popular as a family dog. [10]
He is easy to train, has a lot of endurance and is a wonderful guardian. His herding instinct is strong and he can easily run for half the day.
This active, small German Shepherd is suitable for beginners, but requires a lot of activity and attention. On average, Koolies live to be 15 – 18 years old.
Fun fact: Paradoxically, this breed is also known as the “German Collie”, although it has its origins in Australia.
#11 Perro de Agua Español: 40 – 46 cm
The Spanish Water Dog (Perro de Agua Español) is a small sheepdog from Spain that is an excellent swimmer and a very active four-legged friend. [11]
As an ideal guard, family and hunting dog, this German Shepherd can be trained in a variety of ways. It is therefore also suitable for beginners and proves to be very loyal.
The Perro de Agua appears reserved and shy towards strangers. Nevertheless, they are active and lively companions who need a lot of attention.
Fun fact: The allergy-friendly fur of these four-legged friends should not be brushed as it tends to mat quickly. But if you like dreadlocks, you have found the right dog here.
#12 Schapendoes: 40 – 47 cm
The Schapendoes comes from Holland and is one of the smallest German Shepherd dogs in the world. This bold, lively dog is known for his long shaggy hair and beard.
Originally bred as a farmer and family dog breed, these powerhouses are very independent and hard-working animals. [12]
They require a lot of attention and contact with people and have difficulty staying alone. If you deprive them of attention, they will retaliate with a lot of barking.
Fun fact: These dogs are bottomless barrels and are almost always hungry. Despite their small size, they often tend to be overweight.
#13 Finnish Lapphund: 41 – 47 cm
The Finnish Lapphund is an eager, trusting little sheepdog that is now kept primarily as a family dog.
This curious four-legged friend gets along excellently with children. He loves being outside and is therefore a wonderful jogging partner.
Thanks to its waterproof and very cold-resistant fur, the Lapphund can be kept outside all the time, even in the depths of winter. [13]
Fun fact: Keep an eye out for the environment in which Finnish Lapphunds are kept. If the animals sense a perceived “danger,” they report it loudly.
#14 Norwegian Buhund: 41 – 45 cm
The Norwegian Buhund is a sharp, small sheepdog with a weak hunting and barking instinct. He is easy to train and doesn't shed much.
These dogs love children and extensive cuddles as well as lots of activity and exercise. They used to be…