German Dog Breeds

I’ve learned one lesson on my four decades on this Earth. That is, dog people shouldn’t marry cat people, or should they?

Yes, I’m quite serious—but joking at the same time. Oh, maybe I just started a debate here (my debate coach from high school would be proud, don’t ya think?).

So, this got me to thinking about dogs. More specifically, German dogs.

Sure, breeds like the German Shepherd and Pomeranian have made the cut. But, have you ever heard of the Bavarian Mountain Hound (needs acres and acres to wander). Or, the Affenpinscher (a dog so small it weighs less than a newborn baby)? What about the Hovawart (a medieval estate dog)?

Even if you are a cat person (like I am), you may be bound to fall head over tail for some of these German breeds.

Dachshund

Known as the “hot dog,” this short, stubby fellow is famous for digging, and being stubborn. These guys will chase just about anything and everything, making for hours of fetching-fun. This breed’s been around so long, Kaiser Wilhelm II owned one; as well as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and E.B. White.

German Shepherd

You know this loyal, protective, guy was gonna be here. These dogs are so smart they’re often used for search & rescue missions, trained as seeing-eye dogs for the blind, and police dogs (I guess their 238 pounds of force on their bite have something to do with it).

Large Münsterländer

Called the Großer Münsterländer in German, this Black & White hunting dog is quite affectionate and really great with kids. They’re not all that big, weighing in at an average of 30kg.

Mini Schnauzer

This doggy is a cross between a poodle, affenpinscher, and a standard schnauzer—giving you a smaller version (around 5-9kg) with all the intelligence, friendliness, and playfulness of the bigger variety.

Pomeranian

Hmm, this is one little pup. I have a cat that weights more than this toy breed (average 3.5kg). Queen Victoria of England was a fan—she owned one.

Poodle

Called a Pudel in German, these canines are said to be smarter than the German Shepherd (believe it or not). Hypoallergenic, playful, and a willingness to be shaved into geometric shapes makes this breed a winner with many dog lovers.

Great Dane

Talk about massive—and popular. Think Scooby-Doo and Marmaduke. Either way, in TV or reality, the Great Dane is friendly, friendly, friendly. And even has a totally cool Blue colored coat (amongst others).

Leonberger

I saved the best for last. This gargantuan beast originally bred in Leonberg (males average 150lbs.) is loyal to the end, just like the lion it resembles. They’re a great family pet and loves to swim (it’s got webbed feet). I don’t care that Otto von Bismarck owned one; once you get a look at this fuzzy creature—you’re hooked for life.

Hey, the Leonberger converted some folks from being a cat person to the Leonberger dog lover. So this is some dog.

I can’t wait to hear about your favorite dogs. Hopefully they’re a German breed! ;-)