German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier

Side-by-side comparison

Size
German Shepherd
Large
Yorkshire Terrier
Small
Weight
German Shepherd
50-90 lbs
Yorkshire Terrier
4-7 lbs
Height
German Shepherd
22-26 inches
Yorkshire Terrier
7-8 inches
Lifespan
German Shepherd
7-10 years
Yorkshire Terrier
11-15 years
Temperament
German Shepherd
LoyalConfidentCourageous
Yorkshire Terrier
AffectionateSprightlyTomboyish
Group
German Shepherd
Herding
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy
Origin
German Shepherd
Germany
Yorkshire Terrier
England

German Shepherd

German Shepherd is a large Herding breed from Germany. Known for being loyal, confident, courageous. Has an average lifespan of 7-10 years and a weight range of 50-90 lbs.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier is a small Toy breed from England. Known for being affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish. Has an average lifespan of 11-15 years and a weight range of 4-7 lbs.

Key Differences

AttributeGerman ShepherdYorkshire TerrierVerdict
SizeLargeSmallGerman Shepherd is the larger breed
Weight50-90 lbs4-7 lbsGerman Shepherd is heavier (approx. 1173% difference)
Height22-26"7-8"Different heights (22-26" vs 7-8")
Life Span7-10 yrs11-15 yrsYorkshire Terrier tends to live longer (11-15 vs 7-10 years)
Breed GroupHerdingToyDifferent groups: Herding vs Toy
OriginGermanyEnglandDifferent origins: Germany vs England
TemperamentLoyal, Confident, CourageousAffectionate, Sprightly, TomboyishDifferent temperaments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a German Shepherd bigger than a Yorkshire Terrier?

German Shepherd is the larger breed. German Shepherd weighs 50-90 lbs while Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4-7 lbs.

Which lives longer, German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier?

Yorkshire Terrier tends to live longer (11-15 vs 7-10 years)

Are German Shepherds and Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs?

Both breeds can make great family pets. The German Shepherd is known for being loyal, confident, courageous, while the Yorkshire Terrier is affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish.

What is the difference between a German Shepherd and a Yorkshire Terrier?

The main differences are in size (Large vs Small), origin (Germany vs England), and breed group (Herding vs Toy).

Which breed is easier to train, German Shepherd or Yorkshire Terrier?

Trainability varies by individual dog. The German Shepherd (Loyal, Confident, Courageous) and Yorkshire Terrier (Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish) each have distinct characteristics that affect training.