Have you ever wanted to bring a loyal, protective and courageous companion into your home? It can be difficult to decide between the wide range of dog breeds available. If you’re trying to choose between a King Shepherd and a German Shepherd, then this article is for you! Here we’ll go in-depth about the various differences between these two incredible pups. We’ll discuss why one might be a better fit than the other based on characteristics like temperament, energy level, activity requirements and more so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to pick up your pup. Let us begin!
History of German Shepherds
The German Shepherd is a breed of dog that has a long and storied history, stretching back to its development in the 19th century. The breed was developed by Max von Stephanitz, a former military man who wanted to create a dog that had the physical and mental characteristics necessary for working on farms, protecting and herding livestock.
Due to World War 1, these dogs were repurposed into working for the military, which they were able to do with great ease due to their intelligence, courage and athleticism.
At the end of the first World War, American soldiers brought German Shepherds back with them to America, leading to their massive popularity.
History of King Shepherds
The King Shepherd is a very new breed, having been bred in 1991 for the first time. It is still considered to be a breed in development and is being refined regularly. They are the result of breeding between the German Shepherd and the Shiloh Shepherd, which are the result of breeding between a German Shepherd and an Alaskan Malamute.
Read Also: The German Shepherd Dalmation Mix- Everything That You Need To Know
Purebred vs Hybrid
The American Kennel Club recognizes the German Shepherd as a purebred dog. On the other hand, the King Shepherd is considered to be a hybrid dog, as they are the result of a purebred German Shepherd breeding with other Large Purebred dogs like the Alaskan Malamute, Great Pyrenees and Akita breeds.
Due to not having a purebred status, the King Shepherd cannot participate in any AKC dog shows, due to it not being recognized by the AKC.
Country of Origin
The German Shepherd comes from Germany, as is obvious thanks to its name and were bred around the year 1900.
The King Shepherd, on the other hand, was bred in America during the 1990s by American breeders David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts-Cross in order to create a healthier version of the German Shepherd
Size and Weight
While the German Shepherd is considered to be of a size that is between the medium and large categories, the King Shepherd is definitely larger. A German Shepherd weighs around 50 to 90 pounds and can be 22 to 26 inches tall.
On the other hand, the King Shepherd weighs in at a hulking 130 to 150 pounds and stands proud and tall between 27 to 31 inches. They are also more muscular than their purebred counterparts.
Appearance
While they may look very similar, there are some differences that separate a King Shepherd from a German Shepherd. The biggest difference between them is their coats. While both the breeds have a double-coat, King Shepherds tend to have a thicker and longer coat, thanks to their Great Pyrenees and Alaskan Malamute heritage. This also means that the King Shepherd requires more grooming as well, compared to a German Shepherd.
Both the breeds can have similar coat colors. Coat colors usually are black, a mix of two colors, white or sable colored.
Behavior and Temperament
German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and intelligence. They can be incredibly devoted and protective to their families and close friends. German Shepherds tend to be very tolerant and gentle with young children and other pets, making them a great choice for many households.
When it comes to temperament, German Shepherds are usually calm and alert dogs. They are attentive and observant of their surroundings, allowing them to sense potential threats quickly. However, although they are generally good-natured dogs, they can sometimes become territorial or aggressive when faced with unfamiliar people or animals. Proper socialization is essential to ensure that your German Shepherd is comfortable in any situation. These qualities make the German Shepherd a great watch dog.
Just like German Shepherds, King Shepherds are known to be highly intelligent, loyal and devoted to their owners. However, they are mellower than the German Shepherd, having a gentle, affectionate and naturally calm demeanor. They are also quite friendly with other animals if socialized properly as puppies. They retain most of the qualities of the German Shepherd which are dialed down a bit, making them great for families.
Both the breeds form strong bonds with their families and can be protective of them if needed. They may bark at strangers or unknown animals, but their bark is usually more for alerting than aggression. They can show signs of guarding behavior when it comes to their owner’s property or family members, but this should not be seen as a negative trait as it is often a sign of loyalty.
Training Requirements
Both the breeds are quite intelligent, learn commands easily and are very eager to please. While proper socialization should be done when the pups are young, they are not very difficult to train and can be very obedient. In fact, first time dog owners will have no problems with them.
Space Requirements
This is one of the parts where there aren’t any differences between both the breeds. Due to their highly energetic nature, a house with a big yard is ideal. However, both the dogs are very affectionate and love staying with their family members, which is why they can also adjust to living in an apartment, but it will require a lot of work on the owner’s part. They will have to make sure that the dog is exercised quite frequently, as failure to do so can lead to negative behaviors like chewing or barking excessively.
Exercise Requirements
Both German Shepherds and King Shepherds require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. Without these two elements in their lives on a consistent basis, they can become bored or frustrated which could lead to destructive behavior such as chewing or barking excessively. This breed is highly intelligent so providing activities like agility courses or obedience classes can help keep them mentally stimulated throughout the day. They do require regular exercise and attention from their owners in order to stay mentally and physically healthy.
Grooming Requirements
A German Shepherd has a dense and short coat, which does not need frequent grooming. A weekly brushing is enough for them, as it keeps tangles and dead fur from building up. They do tend to shed more during changing seasons, but apart from that, don’t require too much maintenance.
A King Shepherd, on the other hand, has a longer and thicker coat, which makes regular grooming a necessity. They need to be brushed everyday. They also shed heavily during changing seasons.
However, their coats are weather resistant, so you need to bathe them only when it is needed. Bathing them frequently can actually lead to complications, as it ends up removing necessary oils from their skin.
Check: 5-Month-Old German Shepherd: A Detailed Guide
Lifespan
German Shepherds are very fit and healthy dogs on an average, and can live up to 13 years. While there are some health conditions that you may need to look out for, you can be sure to have a long time with the German Shepherd.
The King Shepherd, on the other hand, lives only up to 10 to 11 years, due to their larger size. However, they tend to not suffer from many of the diseases that German Shepherds are prone to, as one of the goals during its breeding was to get a healthier breed.
Health Issues
The German Shepherd is a healthy dog on an average, but does suffer from some genetic issues. A German Shepherd can suffer from diseases like Bloat, Hip Dysplasia, Arthritis and Degenerative Myelopathy.
On the other hand, thanks to selective breeding, a King Shepherd tends to be much healthier. While they can suffer from some of the issues that a German Shepherd suffers from, they are much less prone to them. In fact, hip dysplasia, which tends to be one of the major diseases that German Shepherds suffer from, is rare amongst King Shepherds.
Conclusion
While there are considerable differences between both the breeds, in the end, they are both lovable dogs that are easy to care for and tend to be great dogs for the household.
If you are looking for a more aggressive dog with lesser grooming needs, the German Shepherd is a better fit for you. However, if you are looking for a slightly less aggressive dog and want a breed that is less prone to diseases and maladies, the King Shepherd is a great choice.
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