10 German Dog Breeds That Are Popular Throughout the World

1German Shepherd

Popularity: #4 (2021)

Highlights: Intelligent, Brave, Obedient

The German Shepherd is one of the most widely distributed and popular dog breeds. The favorite German Shepherd, however, is the German. About 500,000 German shepherds live in Germany, 90% raised by families. These dogs became good companions and guardians for people; The remaining 10% is owned by police departments, customs offices, relief organizations, and others.​

2Rottweiler

Popularity: #8 (2021)

Highlights: Fearless, Confident, Good-natured

Rottweilers are one of the most popular breeds of domestic dogs. They were initially bred to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat to market. They were known in German as Rottweiler Metzgerhund, meaning "Rottweil butchers' dogs," because this was their primary use. However, nowadays, Rottweilers are also used as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs.

The American Kennel Club states that Rottweilers are loyal, loving dogs who enjoy the company of their owners and other family members but may become aggressive toward strangers. As a result, they require obedience training and socialization to ensure they are well-behaved.

3German Shorthaired Pointer

Popularity: #9 (2021)

Highlights: Friendly, Smart, Eager to please

GSPs are a hardy and intelligent breed of dog, originally bred for hunting purposes. They are considered an excellent choice for both novice and experienced hunters alike. The breed generally gets along well with other dogs. Still, its strong hunting instinct might not suit households with small pets such as cats or rabbits.

4Dachshund

Popularity: #10 (2021)

Highlights: Kind, Curious, Courageous

The Dachshund originated in Germany in the sixteenth century, bred and trained to chase down prey, such as a badger or fox. It was recognized as a distinct breed in 1910 and is now a favored pet.

Dachshunds are not a good choice for small children. They need to be introduced to the family early to grow up knowing their place in the household. Well-trained dachshunds can get along fine with well-behaved children. However, they may become aggressive towards a child who moves quickly around them or teases them.

5Boxer

Popularity: #14 (2021)

Highlights: Loyal, Fearless, Calm

Boxers are a medium-sized, short-haired breed of dog that originated in Germany. They were bred from Old English Bulldogs, and an extinct mastiff-type dog called the Bullenbeisser. They are not naturally aggressive or vicious but make excellent guard dogs. In addition, it tends to be extremely loyal to its family and can become very attached.

6Doberman Pinscher

Popularity: # 16 (2021)

Highlights: Spirited, Loving, Intelligent

The breed was named Doberman Pinscher in honor of its creator. Still, a half-century later, the Germans dropped the word "Pinscher" because it had become inappropriate. The British did the same a few years later; now, only the US and Canada continue to use Pinscher and drop an "n" from Dobermann's surname.

The Doberman Pinscher was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908. Since then, it has been one of the most popular dog breeds due to its loyalty and agility. The popularity of Doberman dogs has increased even in recent years.

7Great Dane

Popularity: # 17 (2021)

Highlights: Reliable, Calm, Friendly

The Great Dane is a giant dog that originated in Germany. It descends from hunting dogs used to hunt wild boar and deer and as guardians of German nobility. Along with its relative, the Irish Wolfhound, it is one of the most giant breeds in the world.

The Great Dane, a breed of dog known for its gentle nature and affectionate disposition, makes a beautiful family pet. This animal will get along well with children with proper care and training.

8Miniature Schnauzer

Popularity: #18 (2021)

Highlights: Kind, Loyal, Dominant

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog of the Schnauzer type that originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. Farmers bred the dogs to be efficient ratting dogs. Miniature Schnauzers are popular dogs because of their friendly temperament and relatively small size. As of 2022, they are the 18th most popular breed in the US.

9Pomeranian

Popularity: #24 (2021)

Highlights: Sociable, Playful, Friendly

Pomeranians are small dogs that descended from larger Spitz-type dogs. They are named for the Pomerania region in north-west Poland and north-east Germany in Central Europe; the breed has been favored by royal owners since the 18th century. Although they are outgoing and like to be the center of attention, they can get pushy and stubborn if they're not trained well.

10Weimaraner

Popularity: #40 (2021)

Highlights: Friendly, Loyal, Fearless

In the early 19th century, Weimaraners were used for hunting animals like boar, bear, and deer. But as the popularity of large game hunting began to decline, people started using Weimaraners for hunting smaller animals like fowl, rabbits, and foxes.

A Weimaraner is not likely to get along with other pets or small animals. It has a strong hunting instinct and may chase and kill any small animals that enter the garden, even ones it has known for years. Training is essential for this dog to keep its behavior under control.