15 German Dog Breeds With Fascinating Histories

Known for its spirited intelligence, this breed has long had a job to do on family farms as ratters, herders, guardians, and hunters. Schnauzers comes in three different sizes: miniature, standard, and giant.

Height:

• 12 to 14 inches (miniature)
• 17.5 to 19.5 inches (standard)
• 23.5 to 27.5 inches (giant)

Weight:

• 11 to 20 pounds (miniature)
• 30 to 50 pounds (standard)
• 6o to 75 pounds (giant)

Life expectancy:

• 12 to 15 years (miniature)
• 13 to 16 years (standard)
• 12 to 15 years (giant)

Despite its name, the American Eskimo was bred from a Nordic breed called the German Spitz. The breed is highly adaptable and affectionate with family. The Eskie comes in three different sizes (standard, miniature, and toy), and is known for its smiling face and happy demeanor.

Height:

• 9 to 12 inches (toy)
• 12 to 15 inches (miniature)
• 15 to 19 inches (standard)

Weight:

• 6 to 10 pounds (toy)
• 1o to 20 pounds (mini)
• 25 to 35 pounds (standard)

Life expectancy:

• 13 to 15 years

This breed's pointy snout and low-slung body are instantly recognizable. As a German breed, Dachshunds, which means "badger dog," date back 600 years. First used to hunt badgers, these sturdy, courageous dogs make great pets with their friendly, feisty personalities. They come in smooth, wire, and long-coated varieties.

Height:

• 8-9 inches (standard)
• 5-6 inches (miniature)

Weight:

• 16 to 32 pounds (standard)
• 11 pounds or less (miniature)

Life expectancy:

• 12 to 16 years

Not particularly well known, this breed is a cross between a Wolf Spitz, a Chow Chow, and a Samoyed. The breed is one big ball of fluff, but it's also a calm, confident dog that tends to be good with kids.

Height:

• 19 to 24 inches

Weight:

• 4o to 70 pounds

Life expectancy:

• 12 to 16 years

Bold and spunky, the tiny Pomeranian is known for its sassy personality. The breed originated in Pomerania, in an area that is now part of Poland and Western Germany. This little dog is a miniature version of spitz-type sled dogs of the Arctic.

Height:

• 6 to 7 inches

Weight:

• 3 to 7 pounds

Life expectancy:

• 12 to 16 years

Descended from the mastiffs of the Roman legion, this muscular, courageous breed is a loyal companion and guardian. They're actually quite trainable and eager to please, but they need loads of mental stimulation and a disciplined owner to encourage good behavior.

Height:

• 24 to 27 inches

Weight:

• 80 to 135 pounds

Life expectancy:

• 9 to 10 years

This loving and affectionate dog was originally bred in Germany as a gun dog to handle big game such as bears and mountain lions. Athletic and spunky, Weimaraners are eager to please, but they also need lots of mental stimulation to stay happy.

Height:

• 19 to 24 inches

Weight:

• 4o to 70 pounds

Life expectancy:

• 12 to 16 years

The Great Dane is a loving and dependable breed. First bred for hunting boars, the breed is surprisingly gentle, especially with children. It's a playful, vigilant dog and highly adaptable to most households. It's definitely one of the most lovable giant breed dogs.

Height:

• 28 to 30 inches

Weight:

• 110 to 175 pounds

Life expectancy:

• 7 to 10 years

Münsterländers were developed in Germany as a new breed of pointers after a change in the hunting laws in the 19th century. Due to this breed's incredible swimming, retrieving, and tracking abilities, this dog is definitely best suited for active families who love the outdoors.

Height:

• 20 to 21 inches

Weight:

• 4o to 60 pounds

Life expectancy:

• 12 to 14 years

Originally bred to herd sheep, this tireless and courageous dog is the preferred breed for military and police units across the world. But German Shepherds also make loving family pets with plenty of mental stimulation and exercise. However, it's not necessarily the best breed for first-time pet parents.

Height:

• 22 to 26 inches

Weight:

• 50 to 90 pounds

Life expectancy:

• 7 to 10 years

This super-smart breed is a true athlete. Poodles were bred as duck hunters, but they love sports of all kinds, especially swimming! Poodles are extremely affectionate pets and come in three sizes: Toy, miniature and standard.

Height:

• 10 inches (toy)
  
• 10 to 15 inches (miniature)
• Over 15 inches (standard)

Weight:

• 4 to 6 pounds (toy)
  
• 10 to 15 pounds (miniature)
• 4o to 70 pounds (standard)

Life expectancy:

• 1o to 18 years (toy)
• 10 to 18 years (miniature)
• 12 to 16 years (standard)

The Leonberger is a huge but charming companion animal. Bred for royalty in the 19th century, the breed is eager to please and loving yet protective.

Height:

• 26 to 31 inches

Weight:

• 90 to 170 pounds

Life expectancy:

• 7 years

Not a very well-known breed, this dog's name literally means "hunt terrier" in German, and the breed was developed to serve as a versatile hunting dog in its native Germany. The Jagdterrier is known for being very smart and easily trainable and is a great dog for those who love the outdoors.

Height:

• 13 to 16 inches

Weight:

• 17 to 22 pounds

Life expectancy:

• 10 to 12 years

The Hovawart has a kind and even personality, and it's an alert and intelligent breed. With its smarts, however, it can be rather stubborn and requires a firm hand to encourage proper behaviors. For this reason, the breed isn't recommended for first-time pet parents.

Height:

• 23 to 28 inches

Weight:

• 60 to 90 pounds

Life expectancy:

• 10 to 14 years

The Doberman, or Doberman Pinscher, was a breed created by a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann in the late 1800s as a protector to accompany him on his rounds. Known as powerful dogs, they're often trained as police and military dogs, but they make loyal, lovey-dovey family companions.

Height:

• 24 to 28 inches

Weight:

• 60 to 100 pounds

Life expectancy:

• 10 to 12 years