Okay, so you already have a German Shepherd, but there’s that little voice telling you that getting another dog could be a very good idea…
Well, let me tell you it’s an excellent idea! Why have one furry friend when you can have double the fun and double the love that these furry babies can bring along.
We all know that German Shepherds are amazing dogs. They are pawsome companions, and they are incredibly loyal and intelligent; however, it can take them some time to make friends.
Some dog breeds get along with them pretty well, and they will soon become BFFs, but on the other hand, some breeds are simply one big NO-NO.
This list of the best companion dogs for a German Shepherd will help you decide which dog breeds are GSD-friendly, and which breeds are not. Stay tuned for more lovely pup info.
What Dog Breeds Get Along With German Shepherds?
1. The Optimum Solution – Another German Shepherd
Quite an obvious one, right?
What better choice for a GSD companion than one from his kin. Logically speaking, one German Shepherd will get along the best with another German Shepherd.
Let’s look at one analogy. If you think about your friends, usually, we get along best with the same-minded people, and ones who have similar interests and ideologies because it brings us a sense of safety, positivity, confidence, and inspiration.
Two GSDs will compliment each other the best because they have similar qualities, characteristics, temperaments, and needs. Their energy levels will probably match perfectly, and they will be able to play and exercise at just how much they need.
In order to avoid dominance disputes and territorial issues, it would be the best to get two dogs of opposite genders. German Shepherds are naturally protective pups, so getting two male GSDs could result in a little problem for you.
So, if you already have a male GSD, I would suggest a spayed female, and if you have a female GSD, a neutered male would be the perfect solution.
Read also: Male Vs Female German Shepherd: Which One Is The Winner?
2. People’s Choice – Corgi
When researching the German Shepherd community, and speaking with other GSD owners, I realized that quite a popular choice is actually a Corgi.
Corgis are often described as “big dogs in small bodies”, and I love that about them. This is probably the reason why many dog owners think they are the perfect companion dogs for German Shepherds.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are smart and silly dogs with decent energy levels, and they are usually friends with everyone. On the other hand, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are where the GSDs in a smaller package came from.
At first glance, they look completely different; however, they share many similar characteristics. Temperament-wise, they are very similar breeds (fun and silly, but aloof with non-family members), and therefore, they will probably get along pretty well.
Related: Male Vs Female Corgi – Are They Different, And How?
3. Boxer
Another dog breed that came up pretty high on the list is the Boxer. Boxers are usually described as the ones with the whole package: good looks, an amazing work-ethic, a good temperament, and the perfect balance of fun, silliness, intelligence, and courage.
Boxers can easily match the German Shepherd’s high energy and high-intelligence playtime, and general lifestyle, so they will probably get along really well.
Many owners who had both German Shepherds and Boxers at the same time testify how their pups were like best friends, and pretty much inseparable.
They took care of each other, and were like soul mates, which is exactly what you should be looking for when searching for another companion dog.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are consecutively the most popular dog breed in the USA, and if you know anything about this breed, you’ll easily understand why.
They are good companion dogs both for people and other dogs. Labs are very friendly and outgoing dogs that create a strong bond with the whole family, and they socialize well with different dog breeds, including German Shepherds.
They have nice energy levels and playfulness that have proven to be a good match for German Shepherd dogs. Also, Labradors respond well to obedience training, so hopefully you’ll be able to properly train both of your dogs.
Related: 10 Reputable English Labrador Breeders In The States
5. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of those dogs that you simply cannot help but love. Their happy-go-lucky personality is usually the selling point for these pups, but also it helps that they are extremely adorable appearance-wise.
Goldens get along with most dogs, and are excellent with kids and as family members. Both breeds are similar in size, and have nearly similar energy levels and working background (shepherds are herding dogs, though, and retrievers are hunting dogs).
If you do get a Golden Retriever as a companion dog for your German Shepherd, you need to keep in mind that these dogs require a lot of human interaction and socialization. Be prepared for a lot of “throw the ball” or “catch the frisbee” action going around.
6. Border Collie
Border Collies are very similar to German Shepherds, and these two are often seen as the perfect match for each other. They are highly intelligent, high-energy, and active working dogs, just like GSDs, so it makes sense that these two get along excellently.
If you do get these two dogs, make sure that you have a lot of space in the house, and that you preferably live in the country where they both can run around and play.
Both dogs are extremely loyal and perceptive, and will blend together perfectly. The German Shepherd will guard the premises, and the Border Collie will alert you if there is anything unusual.
Together, they will be able to play and tire each other out, which is amazing because athleticism is in both breed’s blood.
Related: German Shepherd Border Collie Mix: Things You Need To Know
7. Siberian Husky
If you want another wolf-like dog breed for your next companion dog, then a Siberian Husky might be your perfect choice. Although Huskies are a bit smaller dogs than German Shepherds, their playfulness and energy levels definitely make up for it.
Siberian Huskies are truly drama queens of the canine world with a lot of character and prey drive, but these two large breeds can get along just fine.
Both are wonderful dog breeds that are excellent around children. With a little bit of work and training, they can coexist peacefully as true family companions.
Read more about these two breeds and their possible friendship here.
8. Terriers And Bulldogs
A lot of people pair German Shepherds with different kinds of terriers. Although some people are against pairing small dogs with large breeds due to the obvious difference in size, there are some small breeds that can get along with GSDs really well.
For example, Russell Terriers and Yorkies are said to be a good match due to their huge personalities, playfulness, and high energy levels, which can compete with that of the German Shepherd puppy.
On the other hand, Bulldogs are not always an obvious choice, and not all of them are actually the right dogs for GSD companions, but, for example… a well-bred and sturdy French Bulldog can keep up with a GSD really well.
You only need to make sure that your GSD is not aggressive, doesn’t have a high prey drive, and is well-trained.
9. Beagles
Beagles are often a great choice for a new dog. They are cheerful, friendly, and portable, but they’re also feisty and energetic enough to keep up with high-energy German Shepherds.
These two breeds can easily become best friends that are able to run and play well together. Although Beagles are small hound dogs, their strong body and immense inclination to explore and have fun will match well with the Shepherd’s working needs and desires.
Read also: How Much Do Beagles Cost? Puppy And Adult Dog Life Expenses
10. Good Compatibility – Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds are both herding dog breeds that are very compatible and mesh really well.
Some people would say they can be a bit too much to own at the same time because of their high energy levels; however, they compliment each other amazingly because they have the same energy and drive.
If you are willing to train your dogs, and properly take care of them, there shouldn’t be many problems.
The Final Verdict
All dogs are different, and no one can guarantee you that your two new dogs will get along 100% well and be the best dogs for each other. However, different experiences and behaviorist recommendations suggest that these dogs above should be a good match for your GSD.
On the other hand, dogs such as Chihuahuas, Saint Bernards, Mastiffs, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and even Belgian Malinois proved to be incompatible. Belgian Malinois have a lot of similarities with German Shepherds, and that is exactly what makes them not a good choice.
The same goes for Rottweilers and Dobermans because their dominating temperaments only provoke each other and cause major disputes.
If you follow our list of the best companion dogs for a German Shepherd, I am sure that you’re gonna end up with two best friends that live in peace and love each other.
Read next: All The Differences Between Wolves And German Shepherd Dogs
