King Shepherds are a very large mixed breed dog with a regal appearance. These dogs were created by crossing the German Shepherd with other breeds, mainly Shiloh Shepherds. You may also come across the term Giant German Shepherds, which is another name for this mixed breed.
As a breed, King Shepherds are both rare and relatively new, so you may not have many opportunities to see these dogs—but once you have, they’re not easy to forget.
“King Shepherds are loyal, smart, and protective,” says veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow. “They’re big dogs with big hearts, but they need early socialization to make sure they’re friendly with other dogs, people, and pets.”
Wondering whether the King Shepherd could be the perfect dog for you? Read on to learn all about this breed, including their origin, exercise and grooming needs, and potential health concerns.
Breed Characteristics
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: United States
- Size:
- Weight: 75-150 pounds
- Weight (Male): 90-150 pounds
- Weight (Female): 75-110 pounds
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Hair type: Double coat
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
- Drooling level:
Appearance
The first thing you’ll most likely notice about a King Shepherd is their size. These giant dogs generally have a sweet nature, but they can seem large and imposing at first glance!
They dogs weigh in at 75-150 pounds, with females slightly smaller than males. They have large heads, long muzzles, muscular bodies, and pricked ears.
The King Shepherd has a double coat, and dogs can have short or long hair. They can come in many different colors, including the classic black and tan, along with black, white, gray, or silver. Some dogs have bi- or tricolored coats.
As a hybrid breed, their appearance can vary depending on both the dog’s individual parents and the blend of breeds in their family tree.
Origin And History
The first King Shepherds came into existence in the United States in the 1990s. David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts-Cross bred these dogs with the goal of creating a dog that had many of a German Shepherd’s traits—but a lower risk of the health concerns many German Shepherds develop.
They originally bred German Shepherds with Shiloh Shepherds, a cross of the German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute. Other breeds in the King Shepherd’s history include:
- Great Pyrenees
- Alaskan Malamute
- Canadian White Shepherd
- Akita
- Czech Wolf Dog
The American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize this mixed breed, but other breed organizations like the World Wide Kennel Club (WWKC) and American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) do recognize the King Shepherd.
The King Shepherd Club of America was founded in 2015, with a commitment to preserving the integrity of the breed.
Personality
“King Shepherds are large dogs, but extremely gentle and affectionate with their owners,” says Sally Gutteridge, qualified dog behaviorist and founder of The National Institute for Canine Ethics. She adds that King Shepherds have a reputation for their calm, friendly, and loyal nature—despite their size!
“When socialized from a young age, they bond well with other dogs, people, and pets,” Gutteridge says. “They can be gentle with kids and other animals—but proper socialization is crucial to make sure they’re comfortable and well-behaved in various environments.”
Ideal Environment And Lifestyle
King Shepherds are active and intelligent, and they do best with a home where they’ll get plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
“They’re best suited for families who have large, fenced yards where they can run and play freely,” Gutteridge says. However, she adds that King Shepherds can adapt to apartment living—if they get enough exercise.
This breed needs plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Gutteridge says they should get at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise, like walks, runs, and playtime, every day. They also need mental stimulation like puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions.
A lack of mental and physical exercise may lead to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging.
King Shepherds don’t tend to bark excessively. But Gutteridge says they can get a little more vocal when encountering strangers or unusual activities. Barking can become a concern if King Shepherds are bored or anxious, she adds.
Proper training, plus plenty of mental and physical stimulation, can help reduce unnecessary barking—just don’t expect these dogs to be completely silent!
“As an extremely loyal breed, King Shepherds may develop separation anxiety if not properly trained to be alone for short periods,” Gutteridge says. They thrive with plenty of human companionship, so they’re probably not the best match if you spend a lot of time away from home without them!
Training
“King Shepherds are easy to train because they are highly intelligent and eager to please,” Gutteridge says. “Ideally, basic obedience training should start between 6 to 18 weeks of age.”
As a loyal breed that loves to please their people, King Shepherds love the challenge of regular training sessions. But don’t be surprised if they still act like puppies past their first year!
“They maintain their puppy-like behavior until around two to three years old,” says veterinarian Dr. Anne Baccay.
As a large, intelligent breed, regular training sessions throughout their life will help maintain good behavior. Gutteridge recommends beginning socialization training as soon as possible, with a focus on introducing them to other animals, different people, and environments to prevent any nervousness or fearfulness.
Gutteridge mentions that in her experience, King Shepherds respond best to positive reinforcement techniques, with plenty of treats and praise.
Once they’ve learned the basics, this breed can excel at a range of activities. “They can be trained to develop excellent scent detection abilities, which also provide mental and physical stimulation,” Gutteridge says.
Keeping your King Shepherd socialized throughout their life can help prevent them from developing aggressive or fearful behaviors toward other pets or dogs, strangers, and new environments,” Gutteridge says.
In the event this does happen, Gutteridge recommends reactive dog classes to help manage and reduce these behaviors through controlled exposure and positive reinforcement.
Grooming Needs
King Shepherds have a thick, double coat, so pet parents need to set aside time to keep this in good condition. “King Shepherds are also moderate to heavy shedders, particularly during seasonal changes,” Dr. Baccay says.
Most King Shepherds shed, or blow their coats twice a year, but this also depends on your local climate. In warmer locations, they may shed all year round.
“Regular brushing is essential to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy,” Dr. Baccay says. “Tools like an undercoat rake or a slicker brush work best for their fur.”
Health
King Shepherds are a large, robust breed, but they can develop a few health issues. Dr. Crow says some common health conditions found in King Shepherds include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: Often inherited, this condition can make moving around painful as King Shepherds get older. Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight and making sure they exercise can minimize the risk of dysplasia.
- Degenerative myelopathy: This disease affects the spinal cord and may lead to paralysis. There’s no cure, but early detection and supportive care can help manage symptoms of degenerative myelopathy.
- Allergies: Allergies in dogs may show up as skin problems or stomach issues. Your vet can conduct allergy tests and recommend diet adjustments to help manage your dog’s symptoms.
Dr. Crow adds that while King Shepherds don’t need a special diet, feeding them high-quality, protein-rich food helps keep their muscles strong and supports their overall health. Including essential fatty acids in their diet can also keep their coat healthy and reduce inflammation.
Investing in a pet insurance plan for your new pet can help give you some peace of mind and reduce vet expenses throughout their life!
Getting A King Shepherd
If a King Shepherd seems like the right dog breed for you, you can start your search by checking out breeders or rescues.
Breeders
When you visit breeders, try to meet both parent dogs if possible. If you can’t, it’s important to meet the mother and see where she and the puppies live. A reputable breeder will be happy to show you the space and answer any questions you have.
They can also tell you more about the mix of breeds in the puppy’s lineage. Trustworthy breeders should willingly give you all the information you need.
Tip: To protect yourself, learn the warning signs of puppy mills or internet scams.
As a rare breed, King Shepherds can prove difficult to find, so you’ll probably need to do a little research to find a breeder. To start, you can try the King Shepherd Club of America and the American King Shepherd Club. They keep a list of breeders across the United States and Canada.
Prices of a King Shepherd can vary, depending on factors like the parent dogs, their lineage, and more. In general, you can expect to pay between $1500-$2500.
Rescues
As a large, sometimes challenging breed, King Shepherds may end up in shelters or with a breed-specific rescue.
When adopting from a shelter, you may not always get much background on a dog’s history, training, and socialization. Breed-specific rescues can generally give you a little more information about a dog’s history, training, and socialization to help you find the right pet for you.
The King Shepherd Club of America keeps a list of dogs available for adoption, but you may also have some luck contacting local rescue centers and shelters.
Alternative Dog Breeds
King Shepherds have a loyal and affectionate but highly energetic disposition. They make a good match for experienced pet parents with plenty of time and knowledge to dedicate to training and exercise.
If you’re not entirely sure about a King Shepherd, you might also consider:
Resources
- About King Shepherds. (n.d.). https://www.kscofa.com/about-king-shepherds
- Baccay, A (2024). Personal interview.
- Crow, A (2024). Personal interview.
- Gutteridge, S (2024). Personal interview.