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Most people are very familiar with the German Shepherd and recognize these beautiful dogs when they see them. But did you know there’s another type of German Shepherd you may not know about? This dog is called the King Shepherd.
Do you know the difference between the King Shepherd and the German Shepherd? If you’d like to learn more about these amazing dogs, read on! We’ve put together some information about the dogs so you can decide if this is the right dog for you and your family. Let’s get started!
What is the King Shepherd?
We’ll start by giving you a little background about the King Shepherd. This is a hybrid dog breed that has been developed by crossing a purebred German Shepherd and a Shiloh Shepherd. Just a quick note on the Shiloh Shepherd, this is another hybrid dog breed that’s been developed by crossing an Alaskan Malamute with a German Shepherd. The King Shepherd can also be a hybrid mix of a purebred German Shepherd and a Great Pyrenees.
No matter which purebred parents are crossed with the German Shepherd (the Shiloh Shepherd or the Great Pyrenees), the result is a very large, beautiful dog that looks very much like a larger version of the German Shepherd.
The King Shepherd hybrid dog breed is not recognized by the AKC or other breed organizations; however, they’ve been around since about 1995. Breeders wanted to develop a healthier version of the German Shepherd. However, these dogs do have a shorter lifespan compared to German Shepherds. This is due to their larger size.
So, what are the differences between the German Shepherd and the King Shepherd? We’ll discuss these points in the following sections.
Differences in Appearance
It’s true the King Shepherd, and the German Shepherd look very similar. However, there are some key differences. For instance, when King Shepherds usually stand between 25 to 31 inches tall, while German Shepherds stand between 21 and 26 inches tall.
Then there’s a difference in weight: the King Shepherd weighs between 75 to 150 lbs, while the German Shepherd weighs between 95 to 95 lbs. As you can see, the King Shepherd is a little bigger than the German Shepherd. But the differences in their appearance don’t stop there.
The King Shepherd always has dark coloring on their noses, paws, and fur. These dogs also have very long fur that’s also thicker compared to German Shepherds.
German Shepherds, on the other hand, may have pink on their paws and lighter fur all over. German Shepherds can have wider variations in their coats than King Shepherds. They also come in more colors than King Shepherds.
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Ask a Vet Live NowKing Shepherd vs. German Shepherd Temperament
When it comes to temperament, you’ll also find some differences between the German Shepherd and the King Shepherd. The King Shepherd has a more laid-back personality than the German Shepherd. However, both dogs are highly intelligent and require plenty of mental stimulation.
The King Shepherd is a mellow, sweet dog that usually gets along great with other dogs and kids. They’re also friendly with strangers. So, they’re not as good at being protective or when it comes to being a watchdog.
On the other hand, the German Shepherd has a very strong work ethic, and they have more energy than the King Shepherd. They can also have a more defiant, stubborn personality than the King Shepherd. The German Shepherd was originally bred to be a herding dog; the dogs have this in common. However, the German Shepherd has a lot more energy. These dogs are also great watchdogs and protectors.
German Shepherds are very loyal and affectionate with their families. However, this dog breed tends to become destructive, stubborn, and frustrating when they don’t receive enough mental stimulation. These dogs thrive in canine sports and competitions.
King Shepherd vs. German Shepherd Health
The King Shepherd has a life expectancy of 10 to 11 years and is generally a healthy dog. However, the dogs are prone to certain health issues including hip & elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease.
On the other hand, German Shepherds have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. These dogs are also prone to certain health issues, including hip & elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat, spinal cord disorder, and stomach problems.
King Shepherd vs German Shepherd Grooming
Now, let’s take a look at the differences in grooming these two dog breeds. The King Shepherd has longer, thicker fur and a double coat. That means they require regular grooming to keep their fur in good shape. Experts recommend brushing the King Shepard’s fur once a day. What’s more, these dogs do shed quite a bit, especially during shedding season (spring and fall).
The German Shepherd, on the other hand, can have either short or long fur. Short-haired dogs don’t require as much grooming. The should be brushed about once a week to keep snarls from developing. And like the King Shepherd, the German Shepherd also sheds a lot, especially during shedding season. During this time, it’s recommended the dogs be brushed about once a day to control shedding.
King Shepherd vs. German Shepherd Exercise Requirements
When it comes to exercise requirements, King Shepherds are more laid-back; however, they require plenty of exercise and space to run. In addition, the dogs also need enough mental stimulation to keep their minds busy. The dogs love to run, jump, play, and more. They need at least 60 minutes of exercise a day.
The German Shepherd has more energy than the King Shepherd. They need at least 2 hours of exercise a day. That’s a minimum! These dogs love to walk, run, and play. The dogs also excel at dog sports and competitions.
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! But which dog is right for you?
The King Shepherd is a better family dog. They love to be with their families and are very loyal. But they’re not good watchdogs. The dogs are best for moderately active families that have enough space for this large dog.
On the other hand, the German Shepherds are very popular dogs that make great working and companion dogs. They thrive when they have a job to do. They also make great family companions for more active families.
Either dog breed can make a wonderful family companion. When it comes to choosing the right dog for you, remember that King Shepherds need more space due to their larger size. And that German Shepherds do best with families that are more active. King Shepherds also tend to be more laid-back, while the German Shepherd is very focused on his job!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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