The 30 Most Popular German Shepherd Types | With pictures [2024] –

In total there are 56 German Shepherd breeds that are officially recognized. Below is a list of the 30 most popular species worldwide:

However, the popularity of these dogs only partially says something about their efficiency at work. Nowadays, many of these species are kept primarily as family dogs. [1]

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#1 German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is by far the most popular type of German Shepherd in the world. This breed is also the second most popular dog internationally.

There are many reasons for this. On the one hand, they have an excellent nose. On the other hand, these four-legged friends are also very versatile due to their excellent trainability.

This also explains why they are used not only as family dogs, but also as police, guard, military, rescue and assistance dogs. [2]

Compared to other breeds, the German Shepherd also has a strong hunting instinct, sheds relatively heavily and is considered courageous, self-confident and loyal.

Fun fact: Statistically, this species is particularly often affected by dwarfism. You can tell this from the fact that the affected dogs hardly gain any size after birth.

#2 Border Collie

The Border Collie has its origins in Great Britain. Among all dog breeds, this type of German Shepherd is also the 35th most popular breed.

The guardian instinct of these animals is often so strong that they literally guard everything that moves. For example, bicycles and strollers.

Combined with their enormous endurance, this makes them the ideal farm dogs. Because of their trusting nature, they also make great house and family dogs.

In addition, they bark relatively little, are very trainable and need a lot of exercise. But they are definitely unsuitable for living in apartments. [3]

Fun fact: These dogs are not only excellent at herding, but also at four wheels. Because the “Jumpy” can skateboard 100 meters in under 20 seconds.

#3 Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie has earned a reputation as a “farmer dog” in its homeland. For many farmers, this type of German Shepherd is significantly cheaper than employing people.

The popularity of these four-legged friends is due, on the one hand, to their versatility. Because they make good shepherds, guards, service and family dogs.

On the other hand, they are also easy to train and are considered very friendly, eager and intelligent. They also live up to a whopping 15 years.

However, the pointy-eared dogs find it difficult to stay alone and require a lot of attention. They are also ideal for first-time owners. [4]

Fun fact: Speaking of versatility… These breeds also hold the world record for surfing.

#4 Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie comes from Scotland and only became internationally known through the film industry. Because of their calm nature they are very good actors.

This type of German Shepherd is also very easy to train and has a charismatic appearance. Their long fur means they can also cope well with the cold.

Compared to other dogs, they also learn very quickly. They are visibly happiest when you give them a lot of work, activity and attention.

In addition, these animals get along very well with children. They also welcome strange dogs and people warmly into the family. [5]

Fun fact: Although the eyes of these long-haired German Shepherds are barely visible through their long fur, they do have well-developed other senses.

#5 Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund was once bred specifically to herd reindeer. Nowadays, however, this type of German Shepherd is mostly kept as a family dog.

The four-legged friends are very popular in their Finnish homeland. In the past 10 years, they have gained international popularity thanks to their easy training.

On average, these four-legged friends live to be around 13 years old. However, there are many reports where the animals lived up to 17 years.

Because of their calm, friendly and persistent nature, they are also great dogs for jogging. Their fur is also very cold-resistant. [6]

Fun fact: These dogs were taught to bark a lot from the beginning in order to guard their flock. So don't be surprised if your popularity among your neighbors drops.

#6 Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is one of those dogs that needs almost constant activity. These four-legged friends also need a lot of exercise.

The latter explains why this type of German Shepherd is less suitable for apartments and city life. On the other hand, they don't like loneliness at all. [7]

In addition, these animals are also suitable as guide dogs, therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. They are also one of the 20 most popular breeds worldwide.

They are very trusting towards their own family and always want to be close to their master. With strangers, however, they are more often shy and reserved.

Fun fact: As the name suggests, these dogs come from… The USA. Yep, you read that right.

#7 Long-Haired Collie

The long-haired collie has gained a reputation for its long snout and long hair. They also shed above average.

Statistically, this type of German Shepherd is one of the 40 most popular dogs in the world. Because they are not only suitable for herding animals, but also make great family dogs.

These four-legged friends also love company – whether it's their own family or even other pets. They also get along very well with children. [8]

The Scottish breed is also considered to be very loyal, protective and gentle. However, if a stranger comes too close to the family, they will intervene physically if necessary.

Fun fact: The guardian instinct of these animals is so strong that even pet dogs that have been around for years can become efficient sheepdogs within a day.

#8 Berger Blanc Suisse

The Berger Blanc Suisse is not only suitable for herding, but is also used as a family and guard dog. By the way, they are descended from the German Shepherd Dog.

Visually, this type of German Shepherd is reminiscent of white wolves. However, the fur of white German Shepherds changes color very quickly – especially on freshly mown grass.

In addition, they shed relatively heavily, are easy to train and need a lot of exercise. But they are definitely too active to live in flats and apartments.

However, this breed is not really widespread. This is partly because the government once banned the breeding of the animals. [9]

Fun fact: To say they are “loyal” is almost an understatement when it comes to these dogs. Because they follow you even if you just have to go to the toilet briefly at night.

#9 Basque Shepherd Dog

The Basque Shepherd Dog originally comes from the north of Spain and was previously used primarily as a shepherd and guard dog. But they also make great house dogs.

In addition, this type of German Shepherd is easy to train and requires a lot of exercise. They are therefore less suitable for living in apartments.

These animals are noticeably happiest when people are around them. They are also considered very territorial, friendly and protective. [10]

These four-legged friends are ideal even for beginners and first-time owners. They also learn very quickly, get along well with children and live up to 15 years.

Fun fact: This breed often spins in circles with joy. The more happy they are, the more circles they go around.

#10 Welsh Corgi Pembroke

According to studies, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is said to be one of the 11 most intelligent dogs in the world. And yes, despite its size, it is a type of German Shepherd.

In the past, these four-legged friends were mostly used to herd cows. Constant barking and the odd pinch in the heel are their primary techniques.

Even though they have very short legs, they can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. They are also one of the 13 most popular breeds worldwide. [11]

They are also easy to train, shed a lot and need a lot of exercise. However, they are less suitable for annoying neighbors. Because they bark too much for that.

Fun fact: During heavy snowfall, these dogs often overestimate their size. This sometimes leads to them jumping into snow that is too deep and then getting stuck.

#11 Hrvatski Ovčar

The Hrvatski Ovčar has its origins in Croatia. In his homeland, black German Shepherds are also used as family and guard dogs.

They are also described, among other things, as “workaholic”. Because this type of German Shepherd visibly thrives the more tasks and responsibilities they get.

However, without early socialization, they are also more likely to be reserved towards strangers. In addition, they are considered very sociable, loyal and alert.

These four-legged friends also have a strong urge for people and need a lot of attention. They also bark and shed comparatively a lot. [12]

Fun fact: This breed looks at its owner almost every 2 seconds so as not to miss any instructions.

#12 Belgian Shepherd Dog

There are four different subspecies of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. The so-called “Groenendael” has completely black fur and an excellent nose.

The “Laekenois” is known for its strong guardian instinct as well as its rarity. The “Tervueren” often serves as a drug detection dog and is very people-oriented.

And last but not least, the “Malinois”, which is often used by the police and the military. All of these types of German Shepherds are also easy to train.

In addition, due to their uniqueness, they are now recognized as an independent breed. They also bark relatively little and have a strong hunting instinct. [13]

Fun fact: This breed is feared by many people. Because they not only serve as guard dogs in…