1. Another German Shepherd
The number one best companion dog you can get for your German Shepherd is another German Shepherd Dog. Since they're social animals, two German Shepherd Dogs can absolutely live together! If you plan on adopting a second GSD, you may want to consider an opposite gender. By all accounts, opposite-gendered pairs tend to get along more easily than two dogs of the same sex. That’s not to say having two female or two male German Shepherds is impossible. However, it's generally easier if the two dogs are of the opposite sex. Many GSD owners recommend getting a GS puppy if your first dog is 4 years old or older. That way, you won't lose the two dogs at the same time.
2. Australian Shepherd
An Australian Shepherd is an ideal companion dog for a German Shepherd. Both breeds are classified as herding dogs. And, generally, herding dogs get along well with one another. Many pet owners on the German Shepherds Forum who have German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds say both breeds get along great and play well together. Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs with strong herding instincts. Like the German Shepherd, the Australian Shepherd is very energetic and is happiest when it has a job to perform.
However, Australian Shepherds shed as much as German Shepherds, so be prepared for frequent grooming, which is the most effective way to keep your home almost hair-free. The two dogs in the above picture are Artemis, the Australian Shepherd, and Atlas, the German Shepherd. They get along well with each other and have an Instagram page where you can see more of their photos.
3. Golden Retriever
Characterized by a gentle and affectionate nature, the Golden Retriever can get along with any dog. In April 2024, a family's decision to introduce a Golden Retriever puppy into their German Shepherd turned into an internet sensation. The heartwarming footage showed the unexpected bonds that can form between pets. Initially, the family was uncertain about how their adult GSD would react to the new addition. On the contrary, the video shows the moment the GSD gently approaches his new sibling with an aura of curiosity and gentle acceptance. What follows is a series of endearing interactions and heartfelt moments exchanged between the two, signifying the beginning of a new friendship.
@kristenxziegler #gsd #germanshepherd #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverpuppy ♬ Little Things - Adrian Berenguer
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is friendly and loves to play, making them a great companion for other dogs, including the German Shepherd. Both the Lab and the GSD are people-oriented and affectionate breeds. Furthermore, both breeds are active and love any and all attention. As far as breeds go, the Lab isn't typically known as presenting with behavior-related problems. Labradors are generally known to be terrific pets for families. However, they're high-energy dogs and do require vigorous exercise in the form of fetch, running, or, if possible, swimming.
In essence, Labs need activity, and that means more than the occasional walk here and there. Labs can develop behavior problems if left confined and without enough exercise. By all accounts, Labradors are good with German Shepherds, however, their exuberance gets the best of them sometimes. Early obedience training is recommended to help aid in this excitement.
5. Rottweiler
A Rottweiler can be a great companion dog for a German Shepherd. However, to ensure a harmonious relationship between them, early and ongoing training and socialization are crucial. Both breeds are known for their smarts, loyalty, and strong protective instincts, so they need a firm and fair leader. In other words, both breeds, when kept together, need a confident, calm owner with enough time and energy for both dogs. Go slowly and be patient when you're introducing a Rottweiler and your GSD for the first time. To coexist peacefully, German Shepherds and Rottweilers need adequate space. They need a large, fenced-in yard to play, exercise, and relax.
Having multiple water and food bowls and beds located in separate rooms or corners in your home for both dogs is recommended. While both breeds generally get along well, there can be same-sex aggression issues, especially between two males. Both Rottweilers and German Shepherds tend to be dominant and one may view the other as a threat or competitor. To avoid same-sex aggression, I'd suggest you get a male Rottweiler for your female GSD.
If you live in the United States, you should check with your local animal ordinances, as Rottweilers are banned or restricted in some municipalities.
6. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is one of the most popular breeds in existence, but not as popular as the GSD. Both breeds are lovely in their own ways and are very similar in energy, intelligence, and play styles. Poor breeding and a lack of training can cause problems, but overall, Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds can live harmoniously. Both breeds get along quite well, actually, according to Husky owners on Reddit.
Siberian Huskies are notorious for being a little hardheaded when it comes to training, though. As such, they may require some additional time dedicated to training and may need higher value rewards than a GSD would. Nevertheless, both breeds have also created a popular hybrid dog known as the "Gerberian Shepsky," which is further proof that the GSD and Siberian Husky mesh well together, both physically and mentally.
7. German Shorthaired Pointer
With proper introduction and socialization, a German Shepherd can get along well with a German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP). The GSP is as energetic and trainable as the GSD, so you can be sure a GSP will match your GSD in energy and be obedient enough for you to keep control of them both. GSPs are known to be great with children and get along well with other dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointers do shed, but not nearly as much as GSDs. This breed is protective by nature but less so than GSDs. What's more, like GSDs, German Shorthaired Pointers are very adaptable. Moreover, GSPs are very energetic dogs bred for long days spent hunting and retrieving on both land and water. So, there’s little chance that your GSD will outplay or outlast a GSP!
Conclusion
Generally, German Shepherds get along well with other dogs. So, if you want your new dog to get along with your GSD, you should probably pick a breed known to get along well with other dogs as well. GSDs are naturally tough, athletic canines, which means they play rough without even meaning to. Therefore, a companion for a GSD must be able to withstand this type of vigorous physical play. Besides, both dogs must enjoy it!
German Shepherds can be overly friendly. That said, they can be overly aggressive as well. If a GSD acts aggressively towards another dog, in most cases, it will most generally be with one of the same sex. Male GSDs have a propensity for being more aggressive and dominant than females. When you have a male GSD and another male dog together in the same household, this can become a real problem.
Remember, GSDs possess very strong protective instincts, which can lead them to be territorial. When a new male dog comes into your home, your male GSD they may feel like it’s a threat. However, a male GSD will feel completely different if the new dog is a female. Males and females typically will get along better than two males or two females. That's because they're less likely to have dominance or territory disputes.
You can have two dogs of the same sex in the same household. That said, it’s generally recommended that your second dog be of the opposite sex instead. Also, it’s generally recommended that your second dog be a puppy or a few years younger than your first dog. Having two dogs of the same age in the same household isn't generally recommended. Losing a beloved dog can be very painful, and you don't want to lose your two dogs in the same month or year. Do you?
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