Lycan shepherd are relatively new experimental hybrid project started by Shane Boothe (1st508th Airborne Kennel 1st508th Airborne) and not yet an officially recognized breed by any kennel club (AKC, UKC, or FCI). Lycan Shepherds are visually stunning dogs. The ultimate goal was to produce a dog with exceptional intelligence and a wolf-like appearance in addition to light eyes. They have large heads and are not broad like other shepherds; to get full and detailed information of this hybrid breed we must take a sneak peak.
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Height: | 22–25 inches |
| Weight: | 55–80 pounds |
| Colors: | Black to very dark gray shade. |
| Temperament: | Active, loyal, intelligent, working dogs, |
| Suitable for dog owners due to: | They do well with families that provide love and attention. They understand commands easily and are very trainable. |
What is a Lycan Shepherd Dog?
The Lycan Shepherd project aims to combine the working ability of the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois with the appearance and gentle temperament of the Blue Bay Shepherds. It is not yet a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or any major kennel organization (AKC Breed List).
The Lycan Shepherd dog is a crossbreed between the Blue Bay Shepherd, a working-line German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. The Lycan Shepherd dog is an intelligent, devoted, and protective breed of dog. However, it can be difficult to manage because of its strength and independence.
Origin of the Lycan Shepherd
The Blue Bay Shepherd, created by Vicki Spencer in Florida, combines wolfdogs with blue-coated German Shepherds. They are usually loyal to their family and not aggressive towards other animals or humans.
The German Shepherd is a medium to large sized working dog breed that is also referred to as an Alsatian in Britain. It is distinguished by its obedient and intelligent nature. In older times, it was used as a dog to herd sheep.
Belgian Malinois are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are mainly used as working dogs for various purposes, such as law enforcement, military, and search and rescue. These dogs are known to be intelligent, obedient, dignified but also energetic and demanding. The Belgian Malinois is a breed of herding dog that was originally developed in Belgium. They were bred to herd and guard sheep and cattle, but this breed is also used as a police dog. Belgian Malinois originated in Belgium and they were bred to herd and guard sheep and cattle. Nowadays, people use them as police dogs or for military purposes.
The program was started around 2017 in the United States by Shane Boothe. His goal was to develop a wolf-like companion that retained the intelligence, trainability, and work drive of traditional shepherd dogs while being calm and family-friendly (1st508th Airborne).
Photo credit: 1st508th_airborne
Parent Breeds
Blue Bay Shepherd: The Blue Bay Shepherd, created by Vicki Spencer in Florida, combines wolfdog lines with blue German Shepherds. These dogs are known for their blue-gray coats and docile temperaments, unlike early wolfdogs which could be unpredictable (Blue Bay Shepherds).
German Shepherd: The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent working breed used in herding, police, and protection roles. Their loyalty and versatility have made them one of the most respected breeds worldwide (AKC German Shepherd Info).
Belgian Malinois: The Belgian Malinois contributes energy, agility, and an intense work ethic. This breed is widely used by law enforcement and military organizations for its focus and stamina (AKC Malinois Info).
Temperament
They are well-suited to the work because they are very intelligent and obedient. Herding instincts, courage, intelligence, and trainability can all be measured before you buy a puppy or adult dog. The shepherd is an active dog that needs both physical and mental activity to keep them happy. They thrive under experienced owners who can provide structure, training, and plenty of exercise. While protective and devoted, they are not suitable for novice owners due to their independence and mental stimulation needs (1st508th Airborne).
Lycan shepherds are a very social and devoted breed that thrive on human interaction. They do well with families that provide them love and attention, but they can also be stubborn and will need an owner who is firm in their leadership. They can also be very friendly and gentle.
Colors and Appearance
The colors of Lycan Sheperd Dog are iconic in the world of dogs. Lycan Shepherds typically come in shades of black, charcoal, and dark gray with lighter silver highlights around the chest or legs. Their coat can vary in color but is mostly black with or without markings. They have a strong build with a long muzzle and ears that point up on their head. The Lycan Shepherd dog has an average height of 22-25 inches at the withers (shoulders).
Diet and Nutrition
They are very energetic and require a lot of exercise to keep them healthy. Lycan shepherds have a very high metabolism, which means they need a diet that is high in protein and fat. A good quality dog food should provide at least 18% of the calories from protein. The shepherd needs to eat about 4-6 small meals per day, with snacks as needed. They have a high metabolism and need a protein-rich diet based on meat. Feed 2–3 balanced meals per day with lean proteins like chicken, beef, or fish.
Lycan shepherds have a very high metabolism which means they need a diet that is high in protein and fat. A good quality dog food should provide at least 18% of the calories from protein. Lycans are different from other breeds in the sense that they are not always able to digest vegetables in their diet. They are more suited towards meat-based diets, which include chicken breasts, turkey breast, ground beef and canned salmon.
An adult Lycan should have at least 1/5th of their diet be vegetables and these should be low-calorie and high in nutrients such as broccoli and spinach. The rest of the diet should consist of protein and carbohydrates such as chicken breast and egg whites.
Life span
Lycan Shepherd dogs are one of the smartest breeds of dogs on the planet. They also live for a pretty long time. The average lifespan for a Lycan Shepherd is 12-14 years.
Grooming Needs
Grooming is an important part of owning a dog. Dogs need to be brushed and trimmed every once in a while to make sure they are clean and healthy. Some dogs need more grooming than others depending on their breed, length of hair, type of coat, etc. The Lycan Shepherd dog is a rare breed that needs regular grooming due to its double coat. These dogs have a thick, double coat that is usually black, gray, or charcoal. The coat helps protect them from cold weathers and even from most extreme temperatures. They can be easily mistaken for a wolf or a coyote if they are in the right habitat.
Training and Exercise
Lycan Shepherd dog is a rare dog breed. It was developed around 2017 by Shane Boothe to have all the qualities of a good shepherd. They are strong, intelligent, obedient and they have a high tolerance to heat. However, Lycan Shepherds can be problematic if they aren’t trained properly. And because of their high intelligence, it can be hard for them to follow commands or stop at a word from their master. These dogs require a proper routine and training so they can stay active and healthy otherwise it affects their health. It will require more exercise than most other breeds and will need more room to roam. (AKC Malinois Info).
Are Lycan shepherd good dogs?
The lycan shepherds are brave and fearless dogs. They are also very loyal to their owners and children, which make them an excellent companion for those who want a guard dog. In addition to being great protectors, they are also good as friendly dogs.
What’s the Price?
The price of Lycan Shepherd puppies varies depending on where you get it from. A puppy from breeders associated with the original Lycan Shepherd project will cost you around $2000-$3000 USD.
Pros and cons of lycan shepherd
The pros and cons of this dog breed are that while they are very loyal it can be challenging to keep them obedient and happy with training.
- Lycan shepherds are known for their amazing work ethic.
- The benefits of this breed are primarily related to its guarding skills, which are superior to those of German Shepherds.
- They are renowned for their keen intelligence. Their look is really attractive because of the intensity of color and overall personality.
Does Lycan shepherd Shed?
Shedding is a natural process for dogs. It is not uncommon to have hair all over the house. The coat of the Lycan shepherd dog sheds year-round, especially during seasonal coat blows. The best thing about them is that they shed moderately year-round, with heavier seasonal shedding typical of double-coated breeds.
Conclusion
This breed is highly curious and active; they are best suited for experienced dog owners. It’s not ideal for first-time owners, since handling this breed requires experience. The temperament of this dog needs to be understood if you are planning to keep it in your house since it is a working breed so it requires open spaces. The Lycan Shepherd represents one of the most fascinating canine experiments of recent years — blending wolf-like aesthetics with working-dog intelligence. While not yet a registered breed, it continues to gain popularity among dog enthusiasts seeking a loyal, intelligent, and striking companion.
For those with the time and experience, the Lycan Shepherd can be a devoted, capable, and unforgettable partner (1st508th Airborne).
