The German Shepherd is tall and lean, measuring about 22 to 26 inches depending on sex. Who Created the King Shepherd Breed and Why? The German Shepherd is a high-energy dog, and lots of exercise is essential. The German Shepherd and the King Shepherd share the same ancestry. German Shepherd vs. King Shepherd Who Makes The Best Pet? King Shepherds and German Shepherds share many of the same traits and appearance characteristics. However, this price can also quickly increase to $4500 or even more for top breed lines, such as a working or show dog. German Shepherds, however, can often be territorial or nervous around other dogs if they do not consider those dogs to be members of the family. The Shiloh Shepherd is another hybrid of the German Shepherd and predominantly Alaskan Malamute. They train efficiently and excel as protection, police, or therapy dogs. The canine world is filled with countless dogs dubbed designer breeds the King Shepherd is one of them. The King Shepherd breed began in the early 1990s when Shelly Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer bred American and European German Shepherds with Alaskan Malamutes and Great Pyrenees dogs. They were responsible for herding sheep and protecting flocks. If you are looking for a trustworthy, protective, confident watchdog, I recommend a German Shepherd. When Are Labs Potty Trained? A King Shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog still in development. Dog vs Dog Breed Comparison has also posted an informative video on YouTube that outlines the key differences between King Shepherd and German Shepherd breeds. If you plan on having one for a pet, you now have all the knowledge to help you decide. Your go-to guide for everything German Shepherd related! The breeds popularity rose in the UK and America, mainly due to the popularity of dog movie stars Strongheart and Rin-Tin-Tin. In addition, much like German Shepherds, King Shepherds are prone to Von Willebrand disease. The King Shepherd is a large dog having the appearance of a giant German Shepherd. King Shepherds are clever dogs and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. King Shepherds are not shy, so they are usually a bit more friendly to strangers than German Shepherds. The coat color can be black and tan or red similar to German Shepherds. King Shepherd vs German Shepherd: Which Is The Right Dog Breed For You? How Are German Shepherds and King Shepherds Similar? This site is the ultimate resource for everything dog-related. The King Shepherd is a rare stunning-looking dog, similar to the German Shepherd. The breeds history dates back to 1991 when Americans Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer developed it. Some breeders specialize in unique colors, including entirely black and white German Shepherds. When deciding whether a King Shepherd or a German Shepherd is better, you should consider the purpose of the breed. The American King Shepherd Club (AKSC) recognizes the King Shepherd and is the original club of the breed. Because of their hybrid breeding and the traits they have inherited from other dog breeds, such as the Alaskan Malamute, King Shepherds tend to be less wary of strangers. Hi, Im Sharon, and this is Willow, my German Shepherd. We have learned that the King Shepherd also has an abundance of energy. The difference between German Shepherds and King Shepherds is that GSDs were initially bred in Germany in the late 1800s to herd sheep and are purebred dogs. Both German Shepherds and King Shepherds are energetic dogs. In contrast, King Shepherds are a relatively new crossbreed, bred as a large family dog with a calmer temperament and fewer health issues. GSDs form an intense bond with their master from a young age. They are not hyperactive or overly aggressive. The primary ancestors of the King Shepherd are the German Shepherd and the Shiloh Shepherd. Typically, King Shepherds have a lifespan that ranges between 10 and 13 years, although most dogs will only live between 10 and 11 years. German Shepherds are prone to canine hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. The King Shepherd isless expensiveto purchase than the German Shepherd. With a degree in Education and a love for writing, Nicole aims to share her and others' expert knowledge with pet lovers worldwide with Hepper. If you desire an easily trainable, reliable working dog, you should probably choose the German Shepherd. German Shepherds love to please their masters, making them easily trainable. Since the King Shepherds coat is long, thick, and double-layered, regular grooming is a necessity. They are also regarded as highly trainable and can be trained either to be excellent pets and home companions or for a variety of different working tasks. The GSD needs high-quality food to provide all the nutrition he needs for an active lifestyle. German Shepherd vs. Swiss Shepherd: What Is The Difference? Front and rear angulations should be balanced. However, if you want a gentle family dog with a lovely temperament, you should choose the King Shepherd. So, what are the key differences between the King Shepherd and its parent breed, the German Shepherd? If potential dog owners are worried about health issues, on the other hand, King Shepherd is often the best choice. Given proper care, the average German Shepherd will live to be 7 to 10 years old. You can find my giant guide on thebest diet for German Shepherds,including nutrition and precisely what they can and cant eat. German Shepherds are generally considered to be excellent family dogs and are often very gentle around pets and children. It is true to say that the King Shepherd was created by selective breeding. (And How to Potty Train a Lab). Because their coat is almost always longer or thicker than a German Shepherds, King Shepherds require slightly more grooming. However, this will require lots of additional work, so make sure you have a suitable lifestyle to devote time to your dog. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common ailments, as well as hypothyroidism and von Willebrands disease. Best Diet for German Shepherds: Nutrition, Types, and More! Will Neutering My Hyperactive German Shepherd Calm Him Down? They soon become bored and depressed. German Shepherds may also develop degenerative myelopathy and bloat a spinal cord disorder and a stomach disorder, respectively. For more insights into this, check out my article, Can a German Shepherd Have Two Masters? While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Does a King Shepherd Look Different Than a German Shepherd? The breed is focused, driven, and responds well to thorough training and socialization. When you first see a King Shepherd, you might think youre just looking at a large, long-haired German Shepherd, but thats not entirely correct. These are conditions where the socket of the hip or elbow does not grow large enough, so the joint can become dislocated. So, what sets these two breeds apart? Prices can vary, but the average is $1600. Like the German Shepherd, King Shepherds can be quite clingy towards their owners. He is rugged, powerful, and impressive, with less severe angulation at the hips. How Should I Introduce My Puppy to a Dominant Dog? Nonetheless, they still make excellent watchdogs, and their immense size and wolf-like appearance are enough to scare any intruder away! They are strong and fearless. The German Shepherd is most famous for its role as a working police breed, but these dogs are also extremely popular as companion animals. Plus, the King Shepherd possesses healthier joints than the average German Shepherd. However, theres good reason to consider a close relative, such as the King Shepherd, for your household. On the other, an under-stimulated German Shepherd is stubborn, destructive, and frustrating to train. The American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) also recognizes the King Shepherd. This breed is considered more laid-back and rarely becomes aggressive. You could say the King is two-thirds GSD due to how they were bred, especially if the pup came from a Shiloh Shepherd. Kings enjoy dog sports and conformation, keeping them mentally and physically stimulated. They can often become quite clingy and suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Want to see the latest dog supplies that are popular right now? On average, German Shepherds tend to live for 10 to 13 years. King Shepherds are a relatively new breed, but they share the same ancestry as a German Shepherd. Here, you will find many helpful tips and info, whether you are looking for your first dog, an experienced owner, or just a dog lover in general. Today, the German Shepherd is the second most popular dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club. Acupuncture For Dogs: Benefits And Effectiveness, Have a cat? German Shepherds are somewhat smaller than King Shepherds. A King Shepherd is a German Shepherd crossed with another large breed such as the Great Pyrenees, Akita, Shiloh Shepherd, Alaskan Malamutes, Belgian Shepherd, or Leonberger. It also matches the definition of being a dog still in development orin the process of being refined. Please try again. In contrast, expect to pay around $2000 for an average German Shepherd. These dogs look quite similar to the German Shepherd but have been crossed with Alaskan Malamutes and Great Pyrenees dogs in order to create a specific, different breed. At the same time, German Shepherds are popular working and companion dogs for a reason. True to their name, German Shepherds originated in Germany in 1899. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Here, the AKC informs viewers about the breed standards, the dogs appearance, and what owners can expect when they adopt a German Shepherd. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? King Shepherd Vs German Shepherd - The difference between the two dog breeds, King Shepherd Facts - Top 10 Facts About the Mighty King Shepherd. Returning soldiers of the First World War also spoke very highly of them. King Shepherds were initially developed using American German Shepherds crossed to flock guardians (livestock guarding dogs). If either German Shepherds or King Shepherds do not receive enough physical exercise combined with mental stimulation, they can become restless. GSDs were not initially bred as household pets or companions but were specifically bred to work as herders and all-purpose farm dogs. Early screening by most breeders for conditions such as hip dysplasia has allowed this disease, and others, to be substantially reduced. They are also good around children and other small animals such as cats. The official breed club, the American King Shepherd Club (AKSC), was established in 1995. They introduced other breeds to build upon the King Shepherds traits different from the German Shepherd. Kings can live for 10-11 years. The main differences between the German Shepherd and the King Shepherd are their size, country of origin, temperament, and health. Remember that bothrequire the same amount of daily exercise and thrive from being well-trained and stimulated. Size is also a factor to consider when choosing either a King Shepherd or a German Shepherd. This can help keep shedding under control. The original breeders wanted to create a larger-sized GSD, having outstanding watchdog capabilities but less aggressive and having fewer health issues. Nicole is the proud mom of Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway, and Baby, a Burmese cat. Although the infection can be treated by a veterinarian, it is sometimes incurable. King Shepherds are also protective of their homes and families. But these traits dont necessarily translate to life as a household pet. They were specifically bred to be less intense making them an excellent family companion. However, she will relax when I let her know that the stranger is not a threat. They make excellent guide dogs, are often used as police dogs, and also work well as search and rescue dogs. By watching this video, potential dog owners can see the difference between dogs and perhaps get a better feel for which dog might be the best choice for them. However, because the dogs topcoat is weather-resistant, this dog breed does not require frequent bathing. Posted on Published: August 24, 2021- Last updated: July 2, 2022, German Shepherds vs. Pitbulls: Battle of the Guardians, 9 Differences Between Wolves and German Shepherd Dogs. By the start of World War 1, the German Shepherd had become extremely popular throughout Germany and had already started spreading to other parts of the globe. Heres How To Reduce Shedding, Any pigmentation (nose can be black or pink), Dark pigmentation (e.g., black nose, paw pads, lips), Alsatian, Alsatian Wolf Dog, Schferhund, DeutscherSchferhund, Black and Tan, Bicolor, Black, Black & Red, Sable, Stable Temperament, Less Aggressive, Loving, Protective, Alert, Courageous, Playful, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Loyal, Sensitive, Intelligent, Independent, Versatile, Aloof With Strangers, Breeding a German Shepherd to a Shiloh Shepherd. They admired the German Shepherds characteristics, especially their loyal and courageous demeanor. The King Shepherd borrows many traits from the German Shepherd, especially when it comes to appearance. Canine sports are also a great way to burn your dogs excess energy while giving them a focused purpose. However, there are several differences between these two breeds. This beautiful breed is also considered healthier than the German Shepherd due to careful, selective breeding. 25000 Euclid Ave The German Shepherd breed standard began in 1889 when Max von Stephanitz became intrigued by the appearance of the herding dogs used by Germans. There are many different diets to feed your dog, such as dry, wet, raw, etc. They were specifically bred to have a consistent, sound temperament. All prospective owners should understand the King Shepherds exercise needs. What Is The Ideal Temperature For a German Shepherd? Owners can also expect heavy seasonal shedding from the King Shepherd. Hes becoming increasingly popular due to his desired temperament, beauty, and reduced health problems. I love to keep my GSD occupied with the iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher from Amazon, as the random distance setting keeps him guessing and stimulated. Due to this, its necessary to choose a reputable breeder. Im a former Police Officer who worked alongside GSDs for almost 30 years, but I love all dogs. Male German Shepherds weigh between 65 to 90 pounds, while females weigh around 50 to 70 pounds. While many of these cross-breeds are bred for unique physical traits or diminutive size, the King Shepherd actually emerged from an attempt to create a German Shepherd with fewer health problems. The German Shepherds dense, short coat demands a minimalist grooming regimen. King Shepherds are known for their kind and loving nature. Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for known hereditary health conditions, such as degenerative myelopathy (DM) or hip dysplasia. And is the King Shepherd a worthy alternative to the much more popular German Shepherd? Instead, the breeds have different appearances, coat lengths, and sizes. Euclid, OH 44117, 2022 Copyright Anything German Shepherd Designed by WPZOOM. Because they have been cross-bred with other dogs, they often face less frequent health issues than German Shepherds. Aside from its imposing size, the King Shepherd has an all-around noble appearance. If not raised in a loving home, socialized, and trained, German Shepherds can grow up to become aggressive. The King Shepherd has striking features due to his immense size, good-looking expression, and wolf-like appearance. 25 Hilariously Relatable German Shepherd Memes, My Dog Ate Raw Chicken! Here are some key takeaways from the article: I hope this article has helped you understand the differences between the German Shepherd and the King Shepherd, as it can be somewhat confusing at first. The first is coarse-haired, which is a straight coat similar to that of a German Shepherd. Heres What to Do (Vet Answer), Mini Foxie Doxie (Mini Fox Terrier & Dachshund Mix), English Speagle (Beagle & English Toy Spaniel Mix), The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, Urinary Blockage in Cats Signs, Symptoms and Solutions, Dog Breaks or Tears a Nail? King Shepherd vs. German Shepherd: Which Is Right for You? Like most double-coated breeds, German Shepherds shed with the changing seasons. German Shepherds require brushing about twice a week. Because it is genetic, many King Shepherds have inherited this condition from their German Shepherd parents or ancestors. In the end, choosing either King Shepherd or German Shepherd comes down to weighing a number of factors. Ideally, your German Shepherd should be included in as many family activities as possible. Best Diet For Huskies (Nutrition Every Husky Needs), Husky Shedding Like Crazy? They also adore children. 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