King Shepherd

also known as King Shepherd Dog

Pros Summary


The King Shepherd is a large breed of dog that is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism, and are often described as being confident and fearless. King Shepherds have a thick, double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, red, sable, and white. They are large dogs, weighing between 80 and 120 pounds and standing at around 25 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder. King Shepherds are intelligent and energetic, and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They are generally good with children and other pets, and make excellent companion dogs for those who have a lot of time to devote to training and socialization.

Breed Information


Type

Is King Shepherd a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were King Shepherds originally used for?

Herding

Lifespan

How Long Do King Shepherds Live? What is average life expectancy for a King Shepherd? How long can King Shepherds live?

10-13 years

The average King Shepherd lifespan is somewhere between 10-13 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

King Shepherd Height & Weight


How big is a full grown King Shepherd?

What is the average height of a King Shepherd? How big is a Purebred King Shepherd height? King Shepherd dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 26-29 inches (66 - 73.7 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) 26.5 inches (67.3 cm)
Female 25-27 inches (63.5 - 68.6 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 24.0 inches (61 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
What is the average weight of a King Shepherd? How much should King Shepherds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 90-150 pounds (41 - 68 kg) 72.0 pounds (33 kg) 102.5 pounds (46 kg) 108.0 pounds (49 kg)
Female 75-110 pounds (34 - 50 kg) 55.5 pounds (25 kg) 79.0 pounds (36 kg) 83.5 pounds (38 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do King Shepherds get fat easily?

The King Shepherd is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are King Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the King Shepherd is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a King Shepherd personality? What are King Shepherd dogs best known for?

Courageous
Intelligent
Protective
Gentle
Loving
Affectionate
Loyal

Shedding Level

Are King Shepherds heavy shedders? How Much Does a King Shepherd Shed?

King Shepherd dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your King Shepherd. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a King Shepherd dog?

The King Shepherd dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do King Shepherds come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are King Shepherds descended from?

German Shepherd, Shiloh Shepherd, Malamute, Pyrenees

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the King Shepherd breed?

American Rare Breed Association
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.

Date of Birth

When were King Shepherds first bred? How old is the King Shepherd breed?

1990s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a King Shepherd?

Herding

King Shepherd Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are King Shepherd eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can King Shepherd nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can King Shepherd coat be naturally?

Fawn
Red
Black
Brown
Sable

Coat Length

How long is a King Shepherds coat?

The coat of a King Shepherd falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The King Shepherd Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a King Shepherd?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a King Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can a King Shepherd have in her first litter?

10-13 puppies per pregnancy

A King Shepherd can have a litter of 10-13 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

King Shepherd dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

King Shepherd Health Issues


Health Issues

Do King Shepherds have a lot of health problems?

The King Shepherd is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a King Shepherd?

Canine Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to King Shepherds?

Hypothyroidism
Degenerative Myelopathy
Joint Dysplasia

Occasional Diagnoses

Von Willebrand's Disease
Allergies

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for King Shepherd breed?

Eye Examinations
Full Physical Examination
Blood Tests and Analysis
X-rays of various parts of the skeletal system
Allergy Testing

King Shepherd Needs and Activities


Energy

Do King Shepherds have a lot of energy?

King Shepherds are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do King Shepherds need socialization? How social are King Shepherds?

King Shepherd have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should King Shepherds get?

The King Shepherd dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a King Shepherd have? Do King Shepherds sleep a lot?

King Shepherds dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a King Shepherd drool a lot?

The King Shepherd is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the King Shepherd, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

King Shepherd dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do King Shepherds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are King Shepherds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a King Shepherd running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do King Shepherd dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do King Shepherds enjoy doing? How do I keep my King Shepherd busy?

Fetch, Eating Snacks, Walk, Go to Park, Walking, Cuddling, Car rides, Go hiking, Cuddles, Dog beach, Dog Parks, Hiking

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a King Shepherd? How much energy does a King Shepherd have?

Medium

King Shepherds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a King Shepherd walk each week? How many miles should a King Shepherd walk every week?

14 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For King Shepherd, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a King Shepherd should exercise a day? How much activity does a King Shepherd need?

60 minutes

In general most King Shepherds usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a King Shepherd?

The King Shepherd is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a King Shepherd?

Daily

Ideally, King Shepherd should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for King Shepherds?

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a King Shepherd eat?

4 cups

For an average 90-150 pound (41 - 68 kg) King Shepherd feed 4 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a King Shepherd Cost Daily?

$3.90 - $4.20 / day

The average cost of a King Shepherd is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a King Shepherd Cost Per Month?

$112 - $126 / month

The average per month expenses of a King Shepherd is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

King Shepherd Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a King Shepherd?

King Shepherds has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The King Shepherd is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a King Shepherd dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are King Shepherd dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do King Shepherd do well in apartments? Are King Shepherds good indoor dogs?

The King Shepherd is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are King Shepherds good with kids? Are King Shepherds good around children?

King Shepherds are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are King Shepherds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are King Shepherds good with cats? How friendly King Shepherds are toward cats?

King Shepherds are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, King Shepherds can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do King Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs? Are King Shepherds OK with other dogs?

King Shepherds are below average dog friendly dogs. King Shepherd dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do King Shepherd dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are King Shepherds friendly with strangers?

King Shepherds are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most King Shepherds are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some King Shepherds will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do King Shepherds like to play? Are King Shepherds playful?

King Shepherds have an average level of playfulness. The King Shepherds, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are King Shepherd easily trained?

King Shepherd dogs can be hard to train, they may not understand the association between commands and actions. To have them obey, consistent and patient training is required.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Loyal and protective
    King Shepherds are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent guard dogs.
  • Intelligent
    King Shepherds are intelligent breeds and are easy to train.
  • Good with children
    King Shepherds are generally good with children and make great family pets.
  • Rarely barks
    If you're looking for a quieter dog, the King Shepherd breed could be a good option as they are known for being relatively peaceful.
  • Active breed
    King Shepherds are an active breed and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

Cons

  • Large size
    King Shepherds are a large breed and may not be suitable for apartment living or for people with small living spaces.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    King Shepherds are not typically recommended for office environments.
  • High energy
    King Shepherds are high energy dogs and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This may not be suitable for people who do not have the time or energy to meet their needs.
  • Health issues
    Like all breeds, King Shepherds can be prone to certain health issues such as Canine Hip Dysplasia, Bloat and Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat. Regular vet checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent these issues.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    While beloved by many, King Shepherds may not be appropriate for those with allergies due to the possibility of allergic reactions.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Overlooking a King Shepherd's weight can lead to weight gain.
  • Training and socialization
    King Shepherds, like all breeds, require consistent training and socialization from a young age to become well-behaved adults. This can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for everyone.
  • Not cat-friendly
    Cats and King Shepherds tend to not be a suitable pairing.
  • Cost
    King Shepherds can be expensive to purchase and maintain due to their large size and need for high-quality food and regular vet care.