Most people know the German Shepherd. It’s one of the world’s most popular dog breeds. But not everyone has heard of its bigger and fluffier cousin: the King Shepherd. These two dogs may look alike. However, they are not the same. They come from different places. They were created for different reasons. And they fit into homes in different ways.
The German Shepherd dog is famous for being alert and protective. That’s why it is used in police work, the military, and as a service dog. On the other hand, the King Shepherd is newer. It was made for families. It is calm, kind, and full of heart. It looks tough, but it’s soft on the inside.
In this post, we will take a look at the German Shepherd and King Shepherd dog breeds. This guide will help you make the right choice if you want a dog but can’t decide between these two.
German Shepherd vs. King Shepherd Dog Breed
The German Shepherd is a purebred dog with a long history. Britannica mentions that it was originally bred in Germany by Captain Max von Stephanitz in the early 1900s. He wanted a smart and strong working dog. The German Shepherd is one of the top choices for dog shows, police work, and guarding homes today.
The King Shepherd is a hybrid dog. It’s not a purebred. It has its own breed standard. This new breed came about in the 1990s in the US. David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts Cross wanted a dog that looked like a German Shepherd, but with a calmer nature and better health.
They mixed German and European Shepherds with the Shiloh Shepherd. The Shiloh Shepherd is another designer breed that was developed by crossing the German Shepherd with the Alaskan Malamute.
King Shepherds typically have a more square frame, a less sloped back, and longer hair coats. They are also calmer and more relaxed than the sharp and intense German Shepherd dog. Still, both dogs share the same deep German Shepherd ancestry and are loyal, smart, and strong.
Breed Classification: Purebred vs. Hybrid
The biggest difference is this: German Shepherds are purebred dogs. That means they meet a very clear breed standard. They are officially recognized by groups like the American Kennel Club. They were first recognized by the AKC in 1908.
AKC says that the German Shepherd stands at the forefront of canine royalty due to their courage, confidence, loyalty, and the willingness to put their life on the line to protect their loved ones.
The King Shepherd breed is not officially listed as a purebred. It is a hybrid dog. This means it is a mix of other purebred dogs. These include the German Shepherd, Shiloh Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute.
This difference matters. Purebred German Shepherds can enter dog shows and are bred with fixed traits. But mixed breeds like the King Shepherd often have fewer health issues because they come from a wider gene pool.
Size and Weight Comparison
When it comes to size, the King Shepherd is the bigger of the two dogs.
Male German Shepherds stand 24-26 inches tall and weigh 65-90 pounds.
Female dogs are usually 22-24 inches and weigh 50-70 pounds.
The King Shepherd is noticeably bigger:
Male dogs are at least 27 inches tall and can weigh 110-145 pounds.
Female dogs are at least 25 inches and weigh 80-110 pounds.
So, if you want a large dog that makes a bold presence, the King Shepherd is the winner in this round.
Temperament and Behavioral Traits
Both dogs are loving and smart. But their behavior in daily life is quite different.
German Shepherd
Very alert and protective
Needs a lot of mental stimulation
Thrives in active homes
Can be stubborn if bored
Needs early training and early socialization
King Shepherd
Calmer and more relaxed
Great with kids and other animals
Less intense than the German Shepherd
Still needs exercise and attention
Good balance of watchfulness and friendliness
The King Shepherd is a great choice if you are looking for a dog that’s easier for first-time dog owners. But the German Shepherd might be better if you want a strong working dog that stays focused.
Country of Origin and Breed Development
The German Shepherd comes from Germany. It was made to be a herding dog, good for guarding sheep and helping farmers. Later, people saw how smart and brave they were and started using them as military and police dogs.
The King Shepherd is a much newer breed, first seen in the US in the early 1990s. Shelley Watts Cross and David Turkheimer wanted a dog that looked like a German Shepherd but was healthier and easier to manage. So they crossed a German Shepherd with a Shiloh Shepherd. Then they also incorporated long-haired German Shepherds from European lineages.
Though the King Shepherd is rare compared to the German Shepherd, it’s gaining fans quickly because of its calm nature and beauty.
Grooming Requirements
Both breeds have dense double coats. That means they need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and to manage shedding.
German Shepherd
Short to medium coat
Loose hair all year round
Heavy shedding twice a year
Needs brushing 2-3 times a week
Sometimes found in long-haired versions
King Shepherd
Longer, thicker fur
More frequent brushing is needed
Heavy seasonal shedding
Needs daily brushing during shedding season
Both dogs have beautiful coat colors, including black and tan, sable, and bicolor. Some German Shepherds bred in the US may even have lighter fur or pink coloring around their nose or paws.
Health Considerations and Lifespan
Good health is one of the most important things to look for in any dog.
German Shepherd
Life expectancy: 7-10 years
Prone to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, bloating, degenerative myelopathy, allergies, and skin problems
Overbreeding has caused more health problems
King Shepherd
Life expectancy: 10-14 years
Built for better health
It can still face hip and elbow dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease, and hypothyroidism
Lives longer than most large-breed dogs
Because most King Shepherds are hybrid dogs, they benefit from better genes. But still, buy from a reputable breeder and always ask about health tests.
Conclusion
Choosing between the German Shepherd and the King Shepherd dog breed is not easy. Both are amazing in their own way. It all depends on what you want in a dog.
Pick the German Shepherd if:
You want a sharp and hardworking service dog
You love dog training and staying active
You prefer a purebred dog with a long history
Choose the King Shepherd if:
You want a calm and gentle family pet
You love a larger dog with a soft side
You prefer a dog with fewer health issues
Either way, you’re getting one of the greatest dogs out there. Both are loving, protective, and loyal. They are great family dogs, good with kids, and ready to be your best friend.
Before getting any dog, make sure you have the time, space, and energy they need. And always look for a reputable breeder who cares about the dog’s health and happiness. Whether it’s the famous German Shepherd or the growing King Shepherd breed, your future dog is waiting to give you years of love and loyalty!
