How to Identify a King Shepherd

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Last Updated: July 12, 2021 References

The King Shepherd is a hybrid breed of dog. It is mixed between multiple potential dog breeds,^{[1]
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Research source} including the German Shepherd and the Shiloh Shepherd. ^{[2]
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Research source} Most often, the dog is also mixed with the Great Pyrenees and/or the Alaskan Malamute, though the older lines of this breed of dog have been known to be mixed with the Akita. ^{[3]
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Research source} Because there are so many possible breeds this dog can be mixed with, identifying it can be difficult. However, this wikiHow will help you identify traits unique to this dog breed, and thus, identify a King Shepherd.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Body Structure

King Shepherds are typically anywhere from 25 to 31 inches (64 to 79 cm) tall, and they usually weigh somewhere between 75 to 150 pounds (34 to 68 kg). ^{[4]
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The head of a King Shepherd should be proportionate to their body, and you should also notice that, between their eyes, their head is fairly wide. ^{[5]
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Examine the dog's ears. King Shepherds should have medium-sized, high-set, thick, pointed ears that have a base which is relatively wide. The dog should carry their ears a little forwards and erect, and they should also be firm-feeling. ^{[6]
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- However, if the dog is between 4-6 months old or older on occasion, they don't carry their ears in a fully erect manner.^{[7]
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King Shepherds should have eyes that are almond in shape and medium-sized. Their eyes should not be protuberant, and instead, they should be fairly aslant. They should be as close in color as they can be to the coat found in that area, being typically a brown-colored shade, anywhere from quite light to dark-colored. ^{[8]
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King Shepherds should have a tail that reaches to the dog's hocks or further, with feathering that is thick. The dog should carry their tail downwards with a little curve, but when they are moving or excited, their tail should be raised, creating more of a curve but not passing the vertical. Their tail should also not curl upwards on or lie on their back. ^{[9]
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King Shepherds should appear robust, muscular, and a little long, with a gait that appears easy overall. ^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

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Check the dog's coat color. King Shepherds typically have two different coat colors or more, and some main possible colors include red, fawn, black, sable, or brown. ^{[11]
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- On the dog's chest, you may notice spots that are white in color and small. ^{[12]
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- When the dog is born, they change colors and then eventually receive their last coat, which is when they stop changing colors. ^{[13]
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King Shepherds may have a long-haired or coarse-haired coat. If the dog has a long-haired coat, it should appear wavy and be long. If the dog has a coarse-haired coat, it should appear to be straight. ^{[14]
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King Shepherds have double coats that are thick, and therefore, they are known to shed. Brushing the dog's coat multiple times each week or more often can help to decrease this. ^{[15]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Noting Temperament

King Shepherds typically do well with children, particularly if they've been raised together, and other pets and dogs, though socialization from early on can still be helpful. ^{[16]
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King Shepherds are known to be quite trainable dogs overall. ^{[17]
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A reason why King Shepherds are trainable is that they are known to be intelligent. However, this also means that they may become bored quickly when you are training them. They will also need a good amount of mental stimulation, which games like tug of war or fetch can help with. ^{[18]
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King Shepherds tend to have a lot of energy, and thus, they usually need a lot of exercise every day, such as through games of fetch, hikes, or walks. ^{[19]
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King Shepherds are driven dogs who enjoy having a job of any size to do.^{[20]
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Tips

Consider dog DNA testing if you would like to find out your dog's breed. DNA testing can help confirm whether or not your dog is a King Shepherd.

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