King Shepherd
The King Shepherd is a very large shepherd breed developed in the USA in the 1990s by Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer, who crossed German Shepherds and Shiloh Shepherds (and possibly Alaskan Malamutes) to produce an even larger, more robust shepherd dog.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
10–11 years
Weight
41–68 kg (90–150 lbs)
Height
64–74 cm (25–29 in)
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality giant breed food. Giant breed puppy food. Bloat prevention important.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The King Shepherd is a very large shepherd breed developed in the USA in the 1990s by Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer, who crossed German Shepherds and Shiloh Shepherds (and possibly Alaskan Malamutes) to produce an even larger, more robust shepherd dog. The King Shepherd was designed to be a German Shepherd-type dog large enough and stable enough for more demanding protection and search-and-rescue work while maintaining a family-friendly temperament. It is not AKC-recognised and is managed by breed-specific clubs.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
Discover which pets match your lifestyle
Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A very large shepherd dog — heavier and taller than even the Shiloh Shepherd — with a flowing, thick, double coat. The overall impression is of a large, imposing, powerful shepherd dog with a commanding but not aggressive presence.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Very High
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Loyal, confident, and gentle — a family guardian that is protective without being aggressive. Intelligent and highly trainable. Good with children and other pets when socialised.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •2+ hours exercise daily. Heavy grooming commitment — daily brushing during seasonal shedding. Giant breed puppy diet for 24 months. Prophylactic gastropexy strongly recommended.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloat (GDV) — very high risk. Degenerative myelopathy. The giant size means orthopaedic health monitoring throughout life is essential.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The King Shepherd is one of the largest shepherd-type dogs ever developed — males commonly exceed 60 kg, making them heavier than many Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards while retaining the working shepherd's agility and drive.
