King Shepherd : King Shepherd Ultimate

Covering everything that you need to own a King Shepherd Dog including an in-depth look at the collie and bear dog mixed breed.

The King Shepherd is a large breed of dog that originated in the United States. It was developed by American’s who crossbred German Shepherds with Collies and in their mind, they did not just create a new breed of dog they created the perfect one. Intelligent, loyal, and confident with a calm demeanor and protective instincts make the King Shepherd an ideal family pet or home/office companion dog. They grow up to 31 inches tall, weigh as much as 150 pounds and therefore need a lot of exercise, grooming and training. Not all that is recognised as a breed except by the American Kennel Club (AKC), they are accepted by rare breed clubs. With proper care, the athletic animals often live 10-11 years and do best in larger homes with active families.

The King Shepherd is said to be the gentle giant of all dogs. And GSDs might not be the healthiest breed, either.16 They do have long striding legs that give them their characteristic intense and purposeful gait (running stride) – as you see in the Grey Wolf where this trait is so easily observable with no extraneous hair making it difficult for naturalists to see). It’s intuitive to want to play fetch with a dog or wrestling games because these activities are more interesting than ask assuming they just happen happy to make pleasant tail well-poised. Although still young and uncommon as breed, the King Shepherd is gaining popularity among dog fans across the globe.

This comprehensive guide gives you all the information about King Shepherds from their history to care and grooming requirements, health issues, diet and the distinct differences between them and their close cousin – the German Shepherd.

Breed Overview

• Group: Hybrid / Working
• Height: 27 – 31 inches (males); 25 – 27 inches (females)
• Weight: 90 to 150 pounds (males); 75 to 110 pounds (females)
• Coat: The coat of a Kuvasz is long, dense and either straight or wavy with a double layer.
• Colors: black, white, tan, brown, gray and silver
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 11 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, quiet, friendly, loyal, protective
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Origin: United States (1990s)

Characteristics of the King Shepherd

King Shepherds are big, strong but gentle dogs. Their characters also make them particularly popular among families:

• Fondness Level: Moderate – Dedicated to their loved ones, Cajuns are responsive to the hugs and love.
• Kid-Friendly: High – Gentle and watchful with young ones
• Dog-Friendly: Moderate – Can be sociable with other dogs if both are socialized early
• Energy Level: High – Requires daily exercise and room to run around
• Playful: Yes – Love to play games, dog sports and mind challenges
• Trainability: High – Eager to please, smart and responsive
• Shedding: Heavy – Requires consistent grooming
• Barking: Moderate to high – Watchful and protective instincts

They are guard dogs, but when trained properly do not show it and are a very safe family dog.

History of the King Shepherd

The King Shepherd is a distinctly bred breed which must first be established before being recognized by the American Kennel Club. David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts-Cross come with the goal of producing a healthier, bigger, calmer German Shepherd offshoot. They first began crossing these German dogs with shiloh shepherds -which is a cross between German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes- until they started introducing longhairs from Europe to the mix for better coat quality and genetic diversity.

They aren’t yet acknowledged by the American Kennel Club (AKC); however King Shepherds are registered with:

• American Rare Breed Association (ARBA)
• World Wide Kennel Club (WWKC)
• (ERBDC) Eastern Rare Breed Dog Club

This cross is designed to maintain the working capabilities of the German Shepherd and minimize potential health issues that may result from a purebred breeding.

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

King Shepherds are very energetic and must have at least one to two hours of exercise a day. Ideal activities include:

• Long walks, hikes, or runs
• Games like tug, fetch or hide and seek
• Canine athletics such as agility, tracking or obedience trials
• Mental enrichment (training class, puzzle toys)

With too little, they can grow destructive or anxious.

Grooming

• Grooming: Every day or 3/4 times a week to control heavy shedding
• Bathing: Every 3/4 months unless dirty
• Ears & Teeth: His ears and teeth should be cleaned on a regular basis in order to avoid infections.
• Nails: Clip as necessary (getting plenty of exercise tends to help keep them ground down)

If you decide to have a King Shepherd in your life be prepared that you will also need a good vacuum and some grooming tools!

Training & Socialization

• Begin basic obedience between 8 – 16 weeks
• Maintain lifelong advanced education to keep their minds active
• Early exposure to humans, other pets and the environment is important
• Positive rewards such as treating, praising and playing will be your best choice

Health & Common Issues

Though they tend to be healthier than most purebreds, King Shepherds are still at risk for large-breed issues including:

• Hip & elbow dysplasia
• Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
• Hypothyroidism
• Von Willebrand’s disease (inability to clot the blood)
• Ocular conditions (pannus, glaucoma, corneal dystrophy)
• Skin allergies

The chances can also be minimized with routine veterinary checkups, genetic testing and preventive care.

Diet & Nutrition

• Daily food consumption: 3/4 cups of dry dog food (divided into 2 – 3 meals per day)
• Supplements: Omega-3s for coat health; glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
• Avoid obesity: Extra weight shortens lifespan and stresses joints
• Always consult a veterinarian for adjustments by age, weight, and activity

The Good and the Bad of Owning a King Shepherd

Pros

• Gentle, affectionate, and kid-friendly
• Intelligent and easy to train
• Loyal and protective without aggression
• Strong working ability and athleticism

Cons

• High physical and mental exercise requirements
• Heavy shedding – requires daily grooming
• Not suited for apartments or small spaces
• May be destructive if bored or left alone frequently

Adoption & Buying Tips

King Shepherds are relatively scarce, and thus harder to find in shelters. Start with:

• King Shepherd Club of America
• American King Shepherd Club International (recognized by ARBA and DRA)

Expect to pay $1,500 – $2,500 for a well-bred puppy. Never buy from backyard breeders or puppy mills. Always request health clearances and meet the parents.

Conclusion

The King Shepherd is not only a purebred dog, but it’s also the intelligent and loyal mixes of three aforementioned breeds. They are well-suited to busy families with room to roam – but they’re not low-key pets. Properly trained and exercised, as well as maintained in good health, the King is an exemplary protector, gentle playmate for children, and dedicated working dog.

FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between a King Shepherd and a German Shepherd?

King Shepherds are larger, often exceeding 100 pounds, with long coats and more laid-back temperaments. They were bred to reduce health problems found in German Shepherds.

Q2: Are King Shepherds rare?

Yes. They remain a rare hybrid breed in the United States, though popularity is rising.

Q3: Are King Shepherds good with family?

Absolutely. They’re gentle with children, protective, and loving toward their families.

Q4: What kind of exercise do King Shepherds need?

At least 1–2 hours per day of physical and mental stimulation.

Q5: Do King Shepherds shed a lot?

Yes. They shed heavily year-round and need frequent grooming.

Q6: What is the lifespan of a King Shepherd?

With proper care, 10/11 years on average.

Q7: Does the AKC recognize King Shepherd?

No. Recognition comes from ARBA and WWKC, but not AKC.