DogDataHub

German Shepherd

Herding ยท Large

VS

Yorkshire Terrier

Toy ยท Small

German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier

Side-by-side comparison of the German Shepherd and Yorkshire Terrier โ€” size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

German Shepherd

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

German Shepherd

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Yorkshire Terrier

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Yorkshire Terrier

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

German Shepherd

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Yorkshire Terrier

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

TraitGerman ShepherdYorkshire Terrier
SizeLargeSmall
Height22โ€“26โ€ณ7โ€“8โ€ณ
Weight50โ€“90 lbs4โ€“7 lbs
Lifespan7โ€“10 yrs11โ€“15 yrs
GroupHerdingToy
Coat typeDense double coat, medium lengthLong, silky, straight, human-hair-like

Temperament & behavior

TraitGerman ShepherdYorkshire Terrier
Energy levelVery HighModerate
TrainabilityVery HighModerate
Barking levelModerateVery High

Compatibility

TraitGerman ShepherdYorkshire Terrier
Good with kidsHighLow
Good with dogsModerateModerate
Good with catsLowModerate
Apartment friendlyLowVery High

Care requirements

TraitGerman ShepherdYorkshire Terrier
SheddingVery HighVery Low
Grooming needsLowVery High
Daily exercise60โ€“120 min20โ€“40 min
Daily food2.5โ€“3.5 cups0.25โ€“0.5 cups
Annual cost$1ย 500โ€“$2ย 600$1ย 000โ€“$1ย 800

Temperament

German Shepherd

ConfidentCourageousSmart

Yorkshire Terrier

AffectionateSprightlyTomboyish

Common health issues

German Shepherd

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Bloat
  • Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Yorkshire Terrier

  • Patellar luxation
  • Tracheal collapse
  • Portosystemic shunt
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Dental disease

Compare more breeds

Browse all breed comparisons or explore DogDataHub's full library of 200+ breed profiles.