Imagine a dog that combines the strength of a working powerhouse with the gentle heart of a family companion—a dog that not only turns heads with its impressive size and striking appearance but also wins hearts with its intelligence and unwavering loyalty. The King Shepherd is exactly that remarkable canine. Born in the United States and championed by enthusiasts at the American King Shepherd Club, this relatively new breed is the result of innovative crossbreeding among traditional working dogs like the German Shepherd, Shiloh Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute.

With its commanding presence, thick double coat, and protective and affectionate temperament, the King Shepherd is ideally suited for active families and dedicated professionals. Whether you’re seeking a new dog to join your busy household or a versatile partner for service and therapy work, the King Shepherd promises a blend of power, precision, and heart that is hard to find elsewhere.

Quick facts

  • Origin: United States

  • Size: Large; Males: 27–31 inches tall (90–150 lbs), Females: 25–27 inches tall (75–110 lbs)

  • Breed Group: Herding / Working

  • Lifespan: 10–13 years

  • Coat: Thick, double-layered coat that can be straight or wavy; colors include sable, black & tan, red, fawn, and bi-color combinations

  • Temperament: Loyal, protective, affectionate, intelligent

  • Exercise Needs: Moderate to high – requires daily physical and mental stimulation

  • Trainability: Eager to please and highly trainable

  • Best For:  Active families, working roles, service & therapy work

  • Health: Generally robust; though, like all breeds, may be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems. Their improved hip angulation makes them less prone to hip issues than German Shepherds.

King Shepherd Overview

The King Shepherd is a giant-hearted, giant-sized breed that combines power, intelligence, and loyalty—all wrapped in a furry package. Though still considered a hybrid breed, King Shepherds have earned a devoted fan base and are steadily gaining recognition for their gentle demeanor and impressive versatility.

They thrive in environments where they’re given purpose and companionship, easily adapting to family life, outdoor adventures, or working roles. With the proper attention and involvement, these dogs offer not just protection and presence but also true partnership.

History of the King Shepherd

The King Shepherd is a designer breed that originated in the United States in the 1990s by American Dog breeders Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer. This shepherd breed was initially bred to create a dog that maintained the desirable traits of the German Shepherd, such as intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, while addressing some of the breed’s health issues and enhancing its size and temperament.

To achieve this, German Shepherds were crossbred with Shiloh Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, Great Pyrenees, and other sturdy working breeds. The result was a large, strong, intelligent dog breed with a gentle nature and a versatile skillset, ideal for families, service work, and protection.

While the hybrid was in development in the early 1990s, it wasn’t officially established until 1995 when the King Shepherd breed club was formed. Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the breed has been acknowledged by several other canine organizations, including:

  • American Rare Breed Association (ARBA)

  • American King Shepherd Club (AKSC)

  • American Pet Registry, Inc. (APRI)

  • Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA)

  • Eastern Rare Breed Dog Club (ERBDC)

  • States Kennel Club (SKC)

  • World Wide Kennel Club (WWKC)

This dog is from a lineage of working parents and needs to stay busy in order to keep happy, making them excellent candidates for active homes and working roles.

Physical Characteristics & Appearance

Size and Build

King Shepherds are among the largest shepherd-type breeds, designed to outsize the traditional German Shepherd in height and mass. These were purposefully bred to be large dogs and commanding in stature, making them ideal for protection work and outdoor lifestyles.

  • Male king shepherds typically stand 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh a muscular 90 to 150 pounds.

  • Females are slightly more compact, range from 25 to 30 inches in height, and weigh between 80 and 120 pounds.

Their bodies are strong, well-balanced, and athletic, built for endurance and power rather than just speed. Despite their size, they move gracefully and are surprisingly agile. Their deep chests, straight backs, and solid bone structures give them a regal and imposing presence.

Coat and Colors

One of the most distinctive features of the King Shepherd is its thick double coat, which equips it to thrive in a variety of climates, even in freezing weather. The outer coat can be straight, wavy, or slightly coarse, while the undercoat is soft and insulating.

Standard coat colors include:

  • Sable (black-tipped hairs on a tan or reddish base)

  • Classic Black and Tan

  • Red or fawn

  • Grey, Silver, or Cream

  • Bi-color and multi-shade patterns

This luxurious coat sheds moderately year-round and heavily during seasonal changes, so weekly brushing is essential and more frequent during shedding seasons. Routine grooming not only keeps their coat shiny and healthy but also helps reduce allergens and hair around the house.

Facial Features

The King Shepherd’s head is noble and powerful, blending strength with intelligence. Its broad skull and strong, square muzzle project confidence and authority, while its dark almond-shaped eyes radiate warmth and awareness.

Key features include:

  • Large, erect ears that stand tall and pivot toward sounds—adding to their alert and attentive nature.

  • A black nose and firm, well-defined jaw.

  • A thoughtful, sometimes almost “human” expression that reflects their sensitivity and emotional intelligence.

Their face alone can tell you a lot; they’re the kind of dog that observes you, always tuned into your mood or commands.

Temperament and Behavior

One of the most admired qualities of the King Shepherd is its balanced temperament. Bred to be both protective and loving, they excel as family pets and working dogs alike.

  • Loyal and Protective: They form deep bonds with their families and are naturally protective, though not aggressive.

  • Gentle with Children: Their calm and tolerant demeanor makes them an ideal choice for families with children.

  • Social: With proper socialization, King Shepherds are friendly toward strangers and other pets.

  • Trainable: They are highly intelligent dogs, making them easy to train. They quickly learn commands and thrive in structured environments.

  • Versatile Roles: They perform well as service dogs, in search and rescue missions, and even in law enforcement roles, proving their adaptability in various working scenarios.

King Shepherd Children And Other Pets

King Shepherds are beloved as family dogs thanks to their stability and nurturing temperament.

  • With Children: Calm, tolerant, and patient—making them one of the best large-breed choices for households with young kids.

  • With Pets: Typically do well with other dogs and even cats if socialized early. Their herding instincts may come out, but they’re rarely aggressive.

Their natural guarding instinct makes them watchful, but they aren’t reactive or hostile without cause.

Versatility

King Shepherds are celebrated for their versatility. They aren’t just impressive in appearance; they are competent in a range of roles:

  • Service Work: They make reliable service dogs for mobility assistance and therapeutic support.

  • Search and Rescue: Their acute sense of smell and stamina equip them well for search and rescue operations.

  • Guarding: With their natural protective instincts, they are excellent watchdogs who can defend without resorting to undue aggression.

  • Therapy and Companionship: Their calm demeanor and friendly nature make them ideal therapy dogs.

  • Farm and Herding Duties: They exhibit a strong herding instinct, which can be valuable on farms or large properties.

This dual ability to be both a guardian and a gentle companion ensures that the King Shepherd may fit seamlessly into a variety of environments, from urban homes to rural properties.

King Shepherd Feeding

Proper nutrition is vital for an active breed like the King Shepherd. A well-balanced diet supports overall health, joint function, and a shiny coat. High-quality food with real meat as the primary ingredient is essential.

Feeding Guidelines:

  • Puppies (up to 18 months): Large-breed puppy formula to support slow, healthy growth

  • Adults: ~4 to 5 cups of premium dry kibble daily, split into two meals

  • Seniors: Lower calorie intake, joint supplements may be helpful

Key Feeding Tips:

  • Choose food with meat as the first ingredient

  • Avoid cheap fillers like corn, soy, and wheat

  • Feed smaller, frequent meals to reduce bloat risk

  • Limit high-intensity exercise around meal times

Adding omega-3s and glucosamine can support coat and joint health, especially as they age.

Conclusion

The King Shepherd is a majestic blend of strength, intelligence, and gentle affection. It is a true giant with a heart to match its size. Whether serving as a dedicated working partner, a protective family companion, or a versatile service dog, this breed brings remarkable qualities to any home.

With their impressive build, striking appearance, and well-rounded temperament, King Shepherds are ideally suited to active families and professionals who can meet their exercise, training, and nutritional needs.

By providing the proper care, training, and environment, you can enjoy the many rewards of welcoming a King Shepherd into your life—a loyal and versatile companion who excels at work and play.