German Shepherds are remarkable dogs known for their intelligence, loyalty, and energy. Having a compatible companion is essential to keeping them happy and well-rounded. The right dog can help balance their high energy, foster socialization, and provide a much-needed outlet for play and teamwork. Whether seeking an active buddy or a calming influence, these 15 dogs make excellent companions for your German Shepherd.

1. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers make wonderful companions for German Shepherds thanks to their calm nature and unwavering loyalty. They’re known for their friendly, empathetic behavior, which can help ease any tension or hyperactivity in a shepherd. Golden Retrievers enjoy outdoor activities and are great at cooperative games, making them ideal playmates for a shepherd. Their gentle disposition also helps in easing the German Shepherd’s more serious nature, encouraging relaxation and family bonding.

2. Labrador Retriever

Labradors bring versatility and energy that complement the German Shepherd’s enthusiasm for play and work. These dogs thrive in active households, whether for hiking, training, or water activities. Their friendly nature and high energy help them keep up with the shepherd, ensuring that both dogs stay engaged. Labs are also highly attuned to emotional cues, which aids in fostering a balanced and harmonious dynamic between the two. Their natural sociability helps reduce any potential conflicts, making them a great addition to a multi-dog home.

3. Border Collie

Border Collies are excellent choices for German Shepherds due to their intelligence and eagerness to work. Both breeds excel in training and enjoy problem-solving, making them perfect partners for advanced activities like obedience and agility. Their shared drive to stay active and engaged means they’re well-suited for tasks that require focus. While the Border Collie’s quick reflexes complement the German Shepherd’s disciplined nature, their strong bond also encourages teamwork, whether in training or play.

4. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are energetic, intelligent, and highly adaptable, which makes them a great companion for the German Shepherd. Their playful yet cooperative nature ensures they can keep up with a shepherd’s active lifestyle while providing balance. Australian Shepherds thrive in structured environments and are quick to learn, meaning they’re an ideal match for a German Shepherd in terms of training and activities. Their affectionate temperament creates a harmonious atmosphere where both dogs can engage in active play and shared downtime.

5. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies bring a sense of adventure and fun to the partnership. Their pack mentality makes them great companions for other dogs, and their love of exploration pairs perfectly with the German Shepherd’s zest for outdoor activities. Huskies enjoy a bit of independence, but they also enjoy working together on tasks, making them a good match for a shepherd’s high energy. Their expressive personalities and vocal nature keep the household lively, ensuring that both dogs remain entertained and engaged.

6. Boxer

Boxers bring boundless energy and a sense of humor to the mix, making them ideal companions for German Shepherds. They have an exuberant, playful personality that helps balance a shepherd’s more focused nature. Boxers are also fiercely loyal and protective, aligning well with the German Shepherd’s instincts. Their affectionate and friendly demeanor makes them great family dogs, and their energy ensures that they keep up with the shepherd’s active lifestyle, from training to outdoor adventures.

7. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants known for their calm, patient nature, making them a steady companion for a high-energy German Shepherd. Their strong, loving personalities bring balance to a household, especially when the shepherd may need moments of calm. Bernese Mountain Dogs are content with outdoor play but also enjoy quiet moments, which can help calm a shepherd’s nerves. This gentle nature, combined with their loyalty, makes them perfect companions in multi-dog households.

8. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels bring a fun and energetic vibe to the relationship, making them a great fit for an active German Shepherd. They’re smaller but full of energy and are always eager to engage in interactive play. Cocker Spaniels are highly adaptable, fitting well into homes that have a shepherd’s high-energy demands. They are affectionate and quick to bond, ensuring they integrate well into family dynamics. Their playful nature adds a refreshing break to the shepherd’s more serious demeanor, providing both dogs with fulfilling companionship.

9. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that complement the German Shepherd’s drive. Both breeds are known for their agility and love for training, making them ideal companions for activities that require focus. Malinois thrive in environments that challenge them mentally and physically, and they share a similar temperament to German Shepherds. They both enjoy working as a team and are highly trainable, which helps foster a strong bond between them as they navigate daily activities and challenges together.

10. Beagle

Beagles are cheerful and adventurous, making them an excellent companion for a German Shepherd. Their playful and curious nature allows them to keep up with a shepherd’s energy, and their independent streak ensures they don’t overwhelm a German Shepherd’s more dominant traits. Beagles also love exploration, so they make great hiking or outdoor partners. Their ability to enjoy both group play and independent exploration ensures a balanced dynamic in a multi-dog household, making them an ideal match for your shepherd.

11. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are loyal, protective, and confident dogs that balance the energy of a German Shepherd. While they share the same level of energy and need for regular activity, Rottweilers tend to have a calmer demeanor that can offset the shepherd’s intensity. They are naturally protective and enjoy working alongside other dogs, making them excellent companions for a shepherd. Their strong, steady presence helps create a peaceful environment where both dogs can thrive, especially in structured households that emphasize routine.

12. Standard Poodle

Standard Poodles are intelligent, adaptable, and energetic, making them great companions for the energetic German Shepherd. Their quick learning abilities and love for training make them an excellent match for a shepherd who enjoys mental challenges. Standard Poodles are sociable and enjoy playtime, which adds variety to the relationship. Their friendly demeanor and intelligence ensure they thrive in an environment where both dogs are mentally stimulated, contributing to a balanced and interactive household.

13. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are calm, patient, and gentle, which complements a German Shepherd’s sometimes intense personality. They’re excellent at soothing anxious or excitable dogs with their steady and affectionate nature. While they are large, their gentle temperament makes them great with children and other pets. Newfoundlands enjoy moderate physical activity, making them an excellent companion for a shepherd in need of downtime. Together, they form a balanced duo that thrives in a household where both dogs can enjoy calm moments and outdoor fun.

14. Collie

Collies are smart, patient, and have strong herding instincts, making them a great companion for German Shepherds. Both breeds enjoy structured tasks and training, so they work well together in activities like agility or obedience training. Collies also bring a calm and cooperative nature that contrasts the shepherd’s sometimes intense drive. Their herding instincts help keep them active and engaged, while their affectionate nature creates a peaceful dynamic in the household, making them an excellent companion for a German Shepherd.

15. Great Dane

Great Danes, despite their massive size, are surprisingly gentle and affectionate, making them a soothing companion for a high-energy German Shepherd. They bring calmness to the relationship and serve as a stabilizing influence when the shepherd may get too wound up. Great Danes enjoy physical activity, but they’re equally happy to relax at home, ensuring a balance of energy. Their calm demeanor and deep loyalty help form a strong bond with their shepherd companion, making them a great match for multi-dog homes.