20 German Dog Breeds

1. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is a German dog breed that originated in the late 19th century. It was developed by a tax collector named Louis Dobermann. He wanted a dog that could both protect him during his tax collection duties and be a loyal companion.

He selectively bred several dog breeds, including the Rottweiler, German Pinscher, Weimaraner, and Greyhound, to create a versatile and loyal working dog. Today, Doberman Pinschers are still known for their protective nature and are often used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and in other working roles.

2. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds from Germany. They originated in the late 19th century. They were initially bred for herding and protecting sheep. Later, their intelligence, strength, and versatility led to their use in police and military work, search and rescue operations, and as service dogs.

They are also called Alsatian dogs. German Shepherds have a strong sense of loyalty and are known to form deep bonds with their owners. They are highly trainable and eager to please, making them excellent working dogs. However, their loyalty can sometimes lead to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.

3. Dachshund

The Dachshund is a breed of dog that originated in Germany. They are also known as the "wiener dog" or "sausage dog." The breed was developed in the 15th century to hunt badgers, rabbits, and other burrowing animals.

The most peculiar fact about the Dachshund's breed standard is its elongated body and short legs. This unique body shape was specifically bred to enable the dog to enter and maneuver through burrows and tunnels. Dachshunds are beloved companion animals known for their playful and loyal nature.

4. Boxer

Boxers are a medium to large-sized breed of working dog that originated in Germany. The breed's history can be traced back to the 19th century when they were developed by crossing the now-extinct Bullenbeisser (a type of hunting dog) with English Bulldogs.

The Boxer breed gained popularity as a guard dog, cattle dog, and hunting companion. Boxers have a tendency to "box" with their front paws. This behavior, referred to as "play fighting," involves the dog pawing at objects or playfully swatting at their human owners.

5. German Longhaired Pointer

The German Longhaired Pointer is a versatile hunting German dog breed. It was developed in the early 19th century by crossing various local German hunting dogs with English Pointers and Setters.

They are also known as the Deutscher Langhaariger Vorstehhund. It is the only longhaired pointing breed recognized by the German Kennel Club (VDH). The breed's long, dense, and water-repellent coat allows it to work in various weather conditions, including cold and wet environments.

6. Schnauzer

Another famous German dog breed popular worldwide today is the Schnauzer. They were initially bred and primarily used for guarding and herding livestock, as well as hunting vermin.

The breed's name, "Schnauzer," actually comes from the German word "schnauze," which means "snout" or "muzzle." This refers to their bearded face, which gives them a distinguished and unique appearance. Their distinctive beard and eyebrows protect their face from dirt and debris while working in various environments.

7. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are named after the region of Pomerania, which is now part of Poland and Germany. They were originally bred as larger sled-pulling dogs known as the Wolfspitz. The breed's ancestry can be traced back to the sled dogs of the Arctic regions. They were brought to Pomerania by the Vikings around the 8th century.

Pomeranians were initially larger dogs weighing around 30 pounds, but selective breeding reduced their size over time to the small toy breed we know today. Queen Victoria was especially fond of the smaller-sized Pomeranians. They have fluffy double coats, which require regular grooming to maintain their appearance and prevent matting.

8. Leonberger

The Leonberger is a giant dog breed that originated in the town of Leonberg, Germany, in the 19th century. It was created by Heinrich Essig, a politician and dog breeder, who wanted to develop a breed that resembled the lion on the town's crest. 

Essig crossed Landseer Newfoundland with a St. Bernard and later introduced Pyrenean Mountain Dogs to the mix.

Leonberger has exceptional water rescue abilities. The breed has a natural instinct for water rescue and is an excellent swimmer. Their webbed feet and water-resistant double coat make them well-suited for swimming.

9. German Spitz

The fluffy and adorable German Spitz dogs have been around for centuries, dating all the way back to the Middle Ages. They were bred to be versatile working dogs, helping out with various tasks like herding livestock, guarding homes, and even pulling small carts.

But it wasn't until the late 19th century that German Spitz really started to gain popularity. They became the hot dogs (pun intended) among the aristocracy and were often seen strutting their stuff in the dog shows. People just couldn't resist their elegant looks and charming personalities. Their cute little faces, pointy ears, and luxurious coats adds to their charm.

10. Rottweiler

Rottweilers have quite an interesting history, dating all the way back to ancient Roman times.  Rottweilers were the loyal and badass companions to guard and drive Roman cattle. Fast forward a few centuries, and Rottweilers found themselves in a little town called Rottweil in Germany. Hence, the name "Rottweiler" was born!

These canines became the go-to working dogs for butchers, helping them with tasks like pulling carts and guarding their goods. Later, Rottweilers became exceptional police and military dogs. They gained a reputation for being courageous and super intelligent.

11. Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is the only coonhound breed that doesn't originate from English ancestry. It is all German. Around the 18th century, a man named Johannes Plott moved from Germany to North Carolina with his trusty pack of badass hunting dogs. Those dogs were the Plott Hound. They were bred to be absolute hunting machines.

The Plott Hound dog breed is known for their incredible work ethic, determination, and loyalty. They're always ready to fight for what they believe in.

12. Eurasier

Eurasier is a mixed-breed dog that originated in Germany back in the 1960s. It all started when Julius Wipfel had a vision to create a dog that combined the best traits of our favorite breeds such as the Chow Chow, Samoyed, and the Keeshond.

These dogs have really calm and composed demeanor. They are the most loyal family dogs and have this uncanny ability to sense emotions. They are always ready to cuddle up and provide comfort when you're feeling sad, as if they have an empathy radar.

13. Great Dane

The Great Dane hails from Deutschland Germany. Back in the day, they were known as "Deutsche Doggen" which translates to "German Mastiffs." These dogs were bred by German nobility to hunt wild boars. With their sheer size and strength, they could take down those boars like it was no big deal.

Great Danes are massive and known as one of the tallest dog breeds out there. But don't let their size intimidate you, because Great Danes are total gentle giants. These dogs are known for their sweet and friendly nature.

14. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a pint-sized version of the regular Schnauzer. These little dog breeds are also from Germany. The breed originated in the 19th century. They were bred to be all-around dogs, helping out on farms by catching rats and being loyal companions.

They have a small, compact body covered in a wiry coat that comes in various colors like salt-and-pepper, black, or even white. They also have a signature bushy eyebrows and a beard that just screams "distinguished." They're also very friendly and outgoing. A Miniature Schnauzer is your go-to if you're looking for a loyal companion who'll stick by your side through thick and thin.

15. Weimaraner

Weimaraners were bred in Germany, around the 19th century. The elite people wanted a dog that was both stylish and versatile, just like their designer handbags and Gucci shoes. Their unique coat is like a silver bullet, shining bright like a diamond.

The Weimaraner breed was developed by crossing some beautiful canines, including Bloodhounds, Pointers, and various hunting dogs. The goal was to create a super-fetching, sleek, and athletic breed that could hunt like a boss. These pups got their name from the Grand Duke of Weimar. 

16. Pudelpointer

Pudelpointer is an amazing blend of two popular breeds: the Poodle and the Pointer. A German man named Baron von Zedlitz created the breed in the 19th century. He wanted to create the ultimate hunting companion, so he decided to mix these two breeds to get the best of both worlds.

They have great hunting skills in both retrieving and pointing, making them a double threat. Moreover, their webbed paws are perfect for swimming, so they can fetch stuff from the water easily.

17. Poodle

It is believed that Poodles originated in Germany despite their high popularity in France. They were initially bred as water retrievers by Germans. Their name actually comes from the German word "Pudel," which means "to splash in water" or "to puddle."

The Poodle we know today didn't always look so fancy and fluffy as we see strutting their stuff at dog shows. They were actually used for hunting waterfowl. Their iconic curly coat was designed to protect them from the cold water. Even their famous haircuts were functional. The coat was trimmed to help them move more freely in the water, while leaving some hair on vital organs to keep them warm.

18. Hovawart

The Hovawart breed's history can be traced back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest German dog breeds. The name "Hovawart" is derived from the German words "hova" (meaning yard or farm) and "wart" (meaning guard).

They were historically used as guard dogs for farms and estates in the medieval period. It was officially recognized by the German Kennel Club (VDH) in 1937. The breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. Hovawarts have a strong drive to protect their families and can be reserved with strangers.

19. Lowchen

The Lowchen dog, also known as the "Little Lion Dog," is believed to have originated in Europe, particularly in Germany and France. The breed's history can be traced back several centuries, with depictions of similar-looking dogs found in artwork dating back to the 15th century.

Their lion-like haircut is serves both practical and decorative purposes. It helped keep the dogs cool in warmer climates and protected their vital organs while allowing them to move freely. They are friendly and outgoing, making them excellent family pets and companions.

20. German Spaniel

The German Spaniel is also known as the Deutscher Wachtelhund. It was developed in the late 19th century by crossing several breeds, including the English Cocker Spaniel, English Water Spaniel, and the Stoberhund (a type of German hunting dog).

The breed was primarily created as a versatile hunting dog capable of tracking, flushing, and retrieving game on land and in water. It was specifically bred to work in dense cover and marshy areas.  It has a dense, weather-resistant coat that can come in various colors, including brown, black, and roan. These dogs are intelligent, trainable, and eager to please.