King Shepherd

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75-110 lbs
25-27"
United States
American King Shepherd

The King Shepherd is a new dog breed since the early 1990s. This canine was developed in the United States by breeders Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer to develop a dog similar in nature and in appearance to the German Shepherd breed, but larger. These dogs have the confidence that you would find in most German Shepherds but tend to be calmer and more affectionate, making them appropriate canines for livestock guarding, personal protection, and even therapy work. In most cases, King Shepherds are friendly but somewhat reserved towards strangers and get along well with other animals, but proper socialization should be offered to ensure that they retain their easy-going temperaments. 
purpose Purpose
Herding
history Date of Origin
1990s
ancestry Ancestry
German Shepherd, Shiloh Shepherd, Malamute, Pyrenees

King Shepherd Health

Average Size
Male King Shepherd size stats
Height: 26-29 inches Weight: 90-150 lbs
Female King Shepherd size stats
Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 75-110 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
Minor Concerns
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Joint Dysplasia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Allergies
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examinations
  • Full Physical Examination
  • Blood Tests and Analysis
  • X-rays of various parts of the skeletal system
  • Allergy Testing

King Shepherd Breed History

This regal canine is a new breed of dog from the United States that is still considered to be in development. Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer began the development of this engaging canine in the early 1990s utilizing German Shepherds from both America and Europe as well as Shiloh Shepherds, another emerging breed, with additional contributions from Alaskan Malamutes and Great Pyrenees dogs. Their intent was to develop a dog with the working ability and protective instinct of the German Shepherd, but larger, with fewer health problems, and with a friendlier disposition.

They have thus far been successful in their endeavor, founding the official King Shepherd club in 1995. As this dog is a rare one that is still in development, they have not yet been recognized by any of the major kennel clubs. They can be registered with the American Rare Breed Association and as well as the American King Shepherd Club.


This striking dog has very quickly gained popularity, and reputable breeders are continuing to carefully cultivate and perfect these dogs in order to continue improving their overall health. Unique and not always easy to come by, they are becoming relatively high in demand, allowing them to command a rather high price with well-bred puppies costing anywhere between $1500 and $3000. They have been increasing in recognition, encouraging some less-than-reputable breeders to attempt to cash in on their popularity. Some are breeding them without the proper genetic and physical testing. If you are seeking a King Shepherd pup of your own, it is important to ensure that the parents of your dog are registered with the American King Shepherd Club. 

King Shepherd Breed Appearance

These dog breeds are very large canines with strong bones and deep chests, standing over two feet high at the shoulder and frequently weighing over a hundred pounds. They are well-muscled and slightly longer than they are tall giving them a rectangular outline with a long, straight or slightly curved tail which is typically carried low. They have a large, well-defined skull with a square shape that narrows as it approaches the eyes and a well-balanced square muzzle with a strong underjaw. The almond-shaped eyes of the King Shepherd are dark brown and typically have a very keen but composed expression. Their large, triangular ears are carried erect and open to the front, often with heavily furred edges, and their nose is large and black in color. The association standard notes that there is no penalty for dogs with “snow nose”, a condition in which the nose develops spots or streaks of lighter color, particularly in the winter months. 
Eye Color Possibilities
brown King Shepherd eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black King Shepherd nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
fawn King Shepherd coat
Fawn
red King Shepherd coat
Red
black King Shepherd coat
Black
brown King Shepherd coat
Brown
sable King Shepherd coat
Sable
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
King Shepherd straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

King Shepherd Breed Maintenance

The King Shepherd has a thick, weather-resistant coat that shouldn’t be bathed too frequently, but it does require a thorough brushing on a regular basis. Brushing your dog several times a week will help to remove dead hair and control their moderate year-round shedding, improve circulation, and help to prevent uncomfortable and even dangerous tangles and mats from forming in the undercoat near the skin.
This breed also sheds more heavily during the change of seasons and should be brushed at least daily to control their copious shedding during those times. It is also important to examine their ears on a regular basis for dirt, debris, or damage in order to avoid any infections from taking hold. Their teeth will need to be cleaned on a weekly basis at the minimum. Check their nails for excessive length monthly.

Insuring your King Shepherd puppy as soon as “pawssible” is essential for preventing high vet care costs. Start comparing insurance plans from leading insurers like Healthy Paws and Embrace and save over $270 a year.
Brushes for King Shepherd
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
King Shepherd requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

King Shepherd Temperament

These dog breeds are generally confident canines, and while they may be slightly wary of strangers, they are rarely shy or aggressive about it. King Shepherds are loyal and affectionate with their families, and while interactions between smaller children and canines should always be closely observed, they tend to be calm and trustworthy with little ones.

They do have a natural protective streak and can be easily trained to do protection and guarding work, but due to their friendly nature and stable temperaments, they are equally talented as therapy dogs. These dogs are not as energetic as some breeds, but they have a great deal of stamina, strength, and agility, making them suited to be working dogs as well, herding and guarding livestock.

They usually get along well with other dogs, although proper socialization with these large canines is a must to ensure that they retain their confidence and good natures. While they usually are amicable with other types of animals, like cats, some individual dogs may develop a fondness for chasing them. 

King Shepherd Activity Requirements

This large dog is typically quite sturdy and stable, and while they are athletic, they do not tend towards hyperactivity. That being said, the King Shepherd was developed from several working breeds that are known for their strength and endurance and these large dogs do need their exercise and daily dog walks in order to maintain their physique. They should get least an hour to an hour and a half of walking or jogging on a daily basis. These dogs are also quite intelligent and mental stimulation and dog training should also be provided on a daily basis in order to prevent detrimental boredom-related behaviors from developing. 
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to King Shepherd

Similarly Sized Breeds to King Shepherd

King Shepherd Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
4 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.80 - $3.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$80.00 - $90.00
food bag monthly cost

King Shepherd Height & Weight

6 Months
Male King Shepherd size stats at six months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 72.0 lbs
Female King Shepherd size stats at six months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 55.5 lbs
12 Months
Male King Shepherd size stats at 12 months
Height: 25.0 inches Weight: 102.5 lbs
Female King Shepherd size stats at 12 months
Height: 24.0 inches Weight: 79.0 lbs
18 Months
Male King Shepherd size stats at 18 months
Height: 26.5 inches Weight: 108.0 lbs
Female King Shepherd size stats at 18 months
Height: 25.0 inches Weight: 83.5 lbs
author-img

Written by a Pugs lover Grace Park

Published: 06/13/2018, edited: 08/25/2021

More articles by Grace Park

King Shepherd Owner Experiences

BEAR
6 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
swimming
Walks
Throw the ball
LOVING BUT VERY POWERFUL
5 months ago
skylar
1 Year
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
i love him so much he is the best
5 months, 3 weeks ago
skylar
1 Year
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
i love him so much he is the best
5 months, 3 weeks ago
Sasha
6 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sasha is pretty excitable. After the first week I found her ability to maintain focus is a challenge. She is proving to be smart, in her own terms. Sasha is also larger than average at 65 pounds and a bit over 24 in at the shoulder at 6 months. I am hoping her attention span and skills will improve so we can proceed with our SD training. She loves to sleep with me and is learning to cuddle. You need to be consistent with this breed but the pay out is proving to be very rewarding.
2 years ago
Paisley
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Paisley is the greatest hiking companion. She is not fond of her leash, but off leash she stays near, and would fight off a bear if needed. (and I think she would win) She's 100 lbs of pure love and loyalty. Gentle with the kids, but if you have any ill-thoughts of harming the family, I feel she would chew your arm off. Greatest dog ever. and absolutely stunning looking.
3 years ago
Solomon
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Absolutely fabulous
4 years ago
hera
7 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Look out the window
Fetch
Eating Snacks
Walk
Go to Park
it has been a learning experience
5 years, 10 months ago
Tila
11 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walk
She's been the best dog I could have asked for.
5 years, 5 months ago
Axle
14 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Cuddling
Car rides
Explore the woods
Rescued Ax 5 yrs ago, he's now 14. Altho, he does have allergies & signs of degenerate joints, the bond we share is indescribable! Axle isn't our dog, he's family. My boy brings more joy, love & friendship to everyday life than imaginable. Ax has super hero strength & drive, loyalty that's unmatched & intelligence beyond genius. He's a gentle giant, weighing 129... affectionate, loves cuddles, thinks he's a lap dog & has the sweetest demeanor. Not to mention handsome as hell & I luv my guy more than words. I rescued Ax...He saved me!
4 years, 3 months ago
Buddy
9 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Amazing dog, thinks he is human, likes his family very much
4 years, 1 month ago
Brody
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Go hiking
Running together
Walks to the park
play hide and seek
Cuddles
My Shepherd is the best thing that ever happend to me came in a dark time he is the purest soul . He thinks he is hooman , he is very smart and super playful and energetic and the most affectionate.
4 years, 1 month ago
Solo
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
They are very loyal and acts just like one of the family. They hold there family to the highest form. We just love our solo
4 years ago
Yazz
6 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog beach
Dog Parks
Hiking
Yazz is lovable to anyone and everyone. He is always getting compliments on how big and cute he is. He loves attention and absolutely loves my shoes and socks.
3 years, 7 months ago
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