Key Takeaways

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• King shepherds are large, intelligent, and friendly dogs with high exercise and grooming needs.

• They were bred to have fewer genetic health issues than purebred German shepherds.

• King shepherds are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club but are recognized by other organizations.

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The King Shepherd is a giant breed dog originating from the United States, characterized by pointed ears, a long snout, and dense fur covering its strong, sturdy body. Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), these dogs retain many personality traits from their mixed origins. As the name suggests, King Shepherds are large hybrid dogs resulting from the crossbreeding of German Shepherds and Shiloh Shepherds. However, their massive size distinguishes them from their close relatives.

Despite their large stature and somewhat imposing appearance, they are just a bit smaller and lighter than a wolf. King Shepherds are generally very friendly. These dogs are typically calm and gentle with their owners. King Shepherds are also loyal and protective of their family members, but not aggressive, making them ideal pets for suitable owners.

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Breed Overview

Group: Hybrid dogs

Height: 27 to 31 inches (males); 25 to 27 inches (females)

Weight: 90 to 150 pounds (males); 75 to 110 pounds (females)

Coat: Long, course, and either straight or wavy

Coat Color: Black, white, tan, brown, gray, or silver

Life Span: 10 to 11 years

Temperament: Intelligent, calm, friendly, loyal, protective

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: United States

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Characteristics of the King Shepherd

King shepherds have very calm, adaptable personalities. They're best suited for single-family homes with fenced-in outdoor spaces due to their large size and high exercise needs. These dogs can live in an apartment if they have the ideal space, but a house is better suited for their needs. In an apartment, a large crate is required.

These dogs are a great choice for owners with kids, as they're typically very gentle with children and other pets. King shepherds can serve as efficient working dogs or be content as companions, and their level of intelligence makes them easily trainable. However, this breed also bonds closely with their owners, and they can become destructive in the house when left alone too often.

Affection Level: Moderate

Friendliness: Moderate

Kid-Friendliness: High

Pet-Friendliness: Moderate

Exercise Needs: High

Playfulness: High

Energy Level: High

Trainability: High

Intelligence: High

Tendency to Bark: High

Amount of Shedding: High

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History of the King Shepherd

The term "designer breed" or “hybrid dogs” may include dogs like Labradoodles and Yorkipoos, but it also refers to the giant, rugged-looking sing shepherd. Originating in the United States in the 1990s, these dogs were originally bred to create a German shepherd mix that had fewer health issues than a purebred German shepherd.

American breeders David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts-Cross first bred a German shepherd with a shiloh shepherd (a hybrid of German shepherds and Alaskan malamutes) to elevate the best qualities of the German shepherd. In order to achieve the long-haired look they wanted, the breeders also incorporated long-haired German shepherds from European lineages. These European lines didn't just give king shepherds their distinctive coats, but they also boosted genetic variation. This was essential to reduce the risk of genetic issues that have become common in longstanding lineages because of inbreeding.

Because king shepherds are a relatively new breed—and still fairly rare among American families—they are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are, however, recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA), World Wide Kennel Club (WWKC), and Eastern Rare Breed Dog Club (ERBDC), among additional smaller organizations.

 

King Shepherd Care

If you're looking for a low-maintenance dog, the king shepherd may not be the right pet for you. Between their grooming and exercise requirements, king shepherds need lots of time, energy, and attention in order to thrive.

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Exercise

King shepherds are a high-energy breed that needs extensive exercise. Strenuous activity for at least one hour per day is a must. These dogs thrive in active, single-family homes with lots of space to run, walk, explore, and play.

Because they're also very intelligent, king shepherds benefit from exercise routines that incorporate mental stimulation. Playing games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek are great ways for owners to keep this breed entertained. These dogs also excel in canine sports like agility training. King shepherds can become bored very easily, so it's vital to keep them engaged—and exercised—to prevent them from becoming destructive.

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Grooming

King shepherds have thick, double coats that shed heavily. Brushing your dog several times per week (or even daily) can help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy, clean, and tangle-free. It is very important to have a dog vacuum when owning a king shepherd.

When it comes to baths, the king shepherd only requires standard bathing every three to four months. Check your dog's ears and clean its teeth regularly to prevent infections. If your king shepherd is especially active, running and walking can help keep their nails worn down, but trimmings should be performed as necessary.

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Training

King shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, making training relatively simple for owners that are consistent and engaging. Basic obedience lessons can start in puppyhood between eight and 16 weeks of age, while more involved training should continue through the dog's life. Because king shepherds are so eager to please their family members, they can learn simple commands fairly quickly. Begin socializing your dog when you first bring him or her home to ensure they stay friendly and well-mannered with strangers and other animals.

Credit: Pixabay

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Common Health Problems

While king shepherds are generally healthy dogs, they're still prone to certain health issues like most breeds. Responsible breeders will test parent dogs for inherited diseases to prevent passing problems on to puppies; however, this breed's genetic variation does offer additional protection against genetic disorders.

The following are common conditions that king shepherds may experience:

• Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: This condition causes a malformation in your dog's joints as they grow, which can lead to pain, instability, or weakness. Dysplasia is especially common in large-breed dogs.

• Von Willebrand Disease: This genetic disorder affects the blood's ability to clot after injury.

• Hypothyroidism: Affecting the thyroid, this endocrine disease reduces your dog's metabolic rate, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in the future.

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or Bloat): Common in large and giant breeds, Bloat consists of gases expanding in the stomach that cause it to twist. Your veterinarian may recommend preventative surgery to tack the stomach down.

• Eye issues: Specific to the breed issues include pannus, glaucoma, and corneal dystroph.

• Allergies: King Shepherds are at risk for skin allergies like canine atopic dermatitis.

• Bloat: Since this breed has a large gastrointestinal tract, they are at risk for gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), which is a life-threatening condition.

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Diet and Nutrition

Feed your king shepherd a high-quality diet with plenty of protein. This breed typically eats between three and four cups of dry food per day, and it's important to split these portions into several smaller meals to help prevent bloat.

Since king shepherds are also prone to joint problems, owners should be especially mindful of their dog's weight. Canine obesity or excessive weight gain can put added stress on your dog's joints. To create a meal plan with the proper nutrients and portions, talk to your veterinarian about the best diet based on your specific dog's age, weight, and activity level.

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King Shepherd Overview

Pros

• Sweet, gentle, and good-natured with children and other pets

• Loyal to its family, but not aggressive

• Intelligent and easy to train

Cons

• Requires daily grooming to prevent excessive shedding

• Very high exercise needs; may become destructive when bored

• Not suitable for apartments or homes without outdoor space