King shepherd vs German shepherd could be really interesting for people who have keen interest in dogs and their features. Since both dogs belong to the same family and share many traits yet display different behaviors make them favorites of pet owners. They are not equally popular, because King Shepherds are relatively rare among people. People may think that these dogs are aggressive which is a wrong concept. Both dogs share ancestry and many personality traits, but they’ve developed distinct sizes, temperaments, and care needs. While confident and protective, neither breed is naturally aggressive when raised and trained well.
| Characteristics | German Shepherd | King Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Height: | Males 60–65 cm (24–26 inches), Females 55–60 cm (22–24 inches) | Males 69-81 cm (27-31 inches), Females 64-71 cm (25-28 inches) |
| Weight: | Males 65-90 pounds (30–40 kg), Females 45-75 pounds (22–32 kg) | Males 90-150 pounds (41-68 kg), Females 74-110 pounds (34-50 kg) |
| Lifespan: | Males 9-13 years, Female average of 11.1 years. | 10-14 (average 10-11 years) |
| Colours: | Black, white, black and tan, black and silver, red and black, sable, grey. | Black, brown, red, fawn, and sable. |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, loyal, stubborn, brave, friendly, protective, curious, alert, and confident. | Self-confident, self-composed, vigilant, loyal, and friendly, working dogs, intelligent. |
| Trainability: | Excellent and intelligent. | Excellent and intelligent. |
| Grooming: | Weekly | Moderate |
| Exercise hours: | 2+ hours daily | 1+ hour daily |
Where They Originate From?
The German shepherd comes from Germany, while the King Shepherd is a relatively new breed developed in the United States in the 1990s by crossing German Shepherds, Shiloh Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes and Great Pyrenees. The German shepherd is a breed of large-sized dog that was originally standardized in Germany.
History
The German Shepherd was developed in 1899 by Captain Max von Stephanitz in Germany from herding dogs, valued for intelligence and versatility. The King Shepherd, by contrast, was created in the 1990s in the United States by David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts-Cross to produce a larger, more family-friendly shepherd with similar intelligence and fewer health issues. Since then, German shepherds have gained popularity as police dogs, service dogs for the disabled, search-and-rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, and obedience competition.
Characteristics
King Shepherds share many traits with German Shepherds but are generally larger, heavier, and calmer in temperament. Although they share the same ancestors, these two breeds have evolved differently over time to become distinct from one another. King Shepherds tend to have a straighter back and sturdier frame than modern show-line German Shepherds, which often have a more sloped topline.
Size comparison
The average size of a male German shepherd is 24 to 26 inches tall. German Shepherds were originally used as a herding dog, and have been bred to have a strong protective instinct. Male king Shepherds are 27-31 inches tall. The German shepherd breed is often used by police and military forces, both in Europe and the United States. The King Shepherd was developed in the 1990s in the United States by crossing German Shepherds with Shiloh Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, and Great Pyrenees to create a larger, calmer companion dog.
Difference in breed
The German Shepherd belongs to the herding group, bred to work alongside shepherds managing flocks. The German shepherd is the most obedient dog breed in the dog world. It is also a very clever and intelligent type of dog. German Shepherds are alert, loyal, and protective, often reserved around strangers. King Shepherds are generally calmer and more social, making them excellent family dogs when properly trained and socialized. Both breeds are highly intelligent and excel in service, protection, and companionship roles.
- King Shepherds are typically taller and heavier than German Shepherds.
- King Shepherd’s coats are typically longer, with a shaggy appearance.
- King Shepherds were bred to reduce the exaggerated sloping back seen in some show-line GSDs.
- German Shepherd’s tail hangs down in a gentle curve.
- German shepherd also has an excellent sense of smell, better than most other dogs in the world.
Which dog is heavier?
The King Shepherd is the larger of the two, with males typically weighing between 90–150 lbs, compared to 65–90 lbs for male German Shepherds.
Life span
Life span is one of the major differences between the King Shepherd and the German shepherd. The life span of a King Shepherd is 10-14 years with an average around 11 years, while for a German shepherd, it is 9-13 years.
Health problems
There are many health problems associated with German Shepherds. German Shepherds are prone to a lot of health problems. Hip dysplasia is a condition where the joint between the thigh bone and pelvis does not form properly, leading to a bad mechanical fit of the joint. This can cause pain for your dog as well as arthritis later in life. So, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and visit a Vet for regular checkups of your dog. Both breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and certain joint conditions due to their size. Responsible breeders perform health screenings for these issues. Always consult a veterinarian for diagnosis or treatment.
Traits comparison
The German Shepherd Dog is a working dog breed originally from Germany. The German shepherd’s intelligence, trainability, and natural abilities for hunting and herding make them desirable as an all-around dog breed. They are used in the police force to sniff out drugs and people with good track records of their ability to do so.
King shepherd are very loyal dogs who are always looking for their next order to carry out, which can make training challenging at times. But they do learn fast and they are eager learners which makes them enjoyable companions when they aren’t being trained or working on something else!
Training
German Shepherds are strong and agile, however, they are not particularly quick or graceful. They are very intelligent dogs that can be trained to do many different tasks. But they require a lot of patience and training in order to get the most out of them. King Shepherds on the other hand are heavier-boned and usually taller than their German counterparts. King Shepherds are heavily built and known for their loyalty and trainability. Both breeds excel in obedience, protection, and service roles when trained consistently with positive reinforcement.
Nutrition and diet
The idea behind this section is that you need to provide your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet for them to have the best chance at living an overall healthy life. For example, if they are an older pet you should be feeding them food specifically designed for senior dogs. Feed a balanced, high-quality diet suitable for large breeds. Consult a veterinarian to determine appropriate portions, supplements, and feeding frequency. Avoid high-fat foods, chocolate, or table scraps.
The proper diet for senior dogs should be based on their nutritional needs, not their age. With a balanced and nutritious diet, you can give your dog the best chance at a healthy and happy life. A dog’s needs vary depending on their age, size, and lifestyle. The best way to find out what is best for your pet is to consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist. Whether you feed your dog home-cooked food or store-bought food, it needs to be balanced with meat, vegetables and carbohydrates. Always provide fresh water and regular vet checkups to maintain a healthy weight.
A German shepherd also needs plenty of fresh water every day. Avoid giving your dog fatty foods or chocolate as it will lead to obesity. It is very important that every time you feed your dog that he gets all the nutrients he needs to grow into a healthy adult. The king shepherd breed has many nutritional requirements because they are large dogs.
Grooming
Grooming a King Shepherd may seem difficult at first, but with regular care it becomes easy. You will see that it is easier than it seems. The German shepherd needs a lot of exercise and will do well with almost any kind of training. They love to learn new tricks and can be trained efficiently by their owners.
Both breeds have double coats that require weekly brushing and seasonal shedding care. A dog that is well groomed and clean will always look good. A King Shepherd is a large breed of dog and therefore requires significant grooming. It is essential to regularly trim the nails, brush the teeth and comb its hair. It is also important to keep it clean at all times by washing with light-warm water and gentle dog-safe shampoo.
Use the appropriate shampoo according to your dog’s fur type. The next step after bathing your dog is drying him or her with a towel. You can use a low-heat pet dryer after bath or just pat them down with the towel several times until they are completely dry.
Double coat
The King Shepherd has a double coat which consists of long outer fur and soft undercoat for insulation in cold weather. As they grow older, you will notice their outer coat will become dull and lose its sheen. Therefore, it is vital to groom the King. If you are planning to take care of grooming yourself, then you need to know how. You will also learn some basic guidelines that will help you while grooming your dog. You should always try and keep your dog’s coat healthy and clean, so it stays soft and shiny. Like humans, the dog’s skin also has its own natural oils which keep the skin healthy and soft. The natural oils in their coats protect them from harmful effects of rain, sun or any other harsh weather conditions.
Temperament
Both dogs will be protective over their family and property. Both breeds have a protective nature and a territorial instinct. But the German Shepherd may be more protective in certain situations. For example, when a family member is threatened, a German Shepherd will instinctively defend them.
German Shepherds are often stereotyped as being aggressive or even violent dogs. This idea is reinforced by the media, where German Shepherd Dogs are often shown playing the role of a police dog, military dog, or vicious guard dog.
King Shepherds are more laid back and friendly than German Shepherds. They do need a lot of attention and love, or they can become very destructive and demanding.
They also like to play hard and tend to be quite energetic. But that shouldn’t cause any problems as long as the owner is ready for it.
Which is better as a pet?
These two breeds are similar in appearance, but have different personality traits. It is important to know how each breed behaves so that you can select the right pet for your family. The German Shepherd Dog is a popular choice because of its distinctive black and tan coat. This breed does well with other pets and children. But may not be the best option if you don’t have time for daily exercise or training. If you’re looking for a protective yet trainable dog, both breeds make wonderful companions when given the proper attention and environment.
Conclusion
Both the King Shepherd and the German Shepherd are intelligent, loyal, and protective companions. The best choice depends on your living space, activity level, and time for grooming and training. German Shepherds thrive in active homes with daily exercise, while King Shepherds — being larger and calmer — do best in spacious homes with room to roam. Whether you choose the classic German Shepherd or the majestic King Shepherd, both will reward you with years of devotion, companionship, and love. If you live in an apartment or simply don’t have room for a large dog, then a German Shepherd may be a great choice. But if you are a house owner and have a separate space for large dog-breed, then you can consider adopting a King Shepherd.
Before adopting, always research reputable breeders or consider adopting from a local rescue — both breeds deserve loving, committed homes.
You may also like to read: Berger Blanc Suisse Breed, Lycan Shepherd, Best German Shepherd mixes.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shepherd
- About King Shepherds. https://www.kscofa.com/about-king-shepherds
- American Kennel Club — German Shepherd Dog: Breed Information & Standard. American Kennel Club
- American Kennel Club — German Shepherd Dog History. American Kennel Club
- German Shepherd Dog Club of America — Breed History. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America
- American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) — King Shepherd Breed Standard (PDF). arba.org
- American King Shepherd Club — Parent Breed Club Info. americankingshepherdclubinc.com
- The Spruce Pets — King Shepherd: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care. The Spruce Pets
- Rover — King Shepherd Dog Breed. Rover.com
- PetMD — German Shepherd: Health, Care, Temperament. PetMD
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) — Hip Dysplasia Overview. OFA
- VCA Hospitals — Hip Dysplasia in Dogs. Vca
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) — Canine Hip Dysplasia. American College of Veterinary Surgeons
- VCA Hospitals — Grooming & Coat Care for Your Dog. Vca
