The German Shepherd is widely recognized and highly popular among dog breeds worldwide. The breed is commonly called the Alsatian in Great Britain and certain parts of Europe. These dogs are highly intelligent and possess unparalleled devotion, courage, and intelligence.
Dogs that resemble German Shepherds
German Shepherds possess remarkable strength and exhibit high levels of energy. The front legs and shoulders of the animal are well-developed with strong muscles, while their thighs are robust and sturdy.
They have a tall rectangular body structure, measuring approximately two feet and two inches in height. German Shepherds are widely regarded as some of the top breeds for police and military service dogs.
In addition, they excel in herding, search and rescue operations, and detecting drugs. They are companions who are loyal and faithful.
These qualities contribute to their popularity. However, there are individuals who desire a dog that possesses traits similar to a German Shepherd but also exhibits a range of other characteristics.
- Larger and more potent.
- It has less hair and does not shed.
- Smaller in size and better suited for flat living.
- They require less physical exercise and are suitable for owners who need more experience.
- They are less aggressive and are good with strangers, kids, and other pets.
- It is cool and calm, but it is also larger in size.
- able to endure temperatures below zero
- can endure warm climates
- for more or fewer years to live
Please research other dog breeds that have similar physical characteristics to German Shepherds based on the specific requirements provided. Continue reading to discover a variety of dog breeds and learn about their unique characteristics.
Belgian Shepherds
Belgian Shepherds, also known as the Belgian sheepdog or Chien de Berger Belge, have their origins in Belgium. These herding dogs are medium to large-sized and possess high intelligence, making them quick learners.
These dogs are known for their strength and high energy levels, making them well-suited for tracking, obedience training, and search operations. These qualities make them exceptional watchdogs or police dogs.
Belgian Shepherds require daily walks and exercise. If individuals are receiving adequate exercise, they will thrive in an apartment.
These dogs need a strong owner and are not advised for new or inexperienced owners. If trained and socialized early on, they are good with children. However, they tend to be reserved around strangers and other pets.
German Sheperd | Belgian Shepherd | |
---|---|---|
Origin | Germany | Belgium |
Height | 55-65 cm | 56-66 cm |
Weight | 22-40 kg | 20-30 kg |
Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding, AKC Herding |
Life Span | 9-13 years | 10-14 years |
Coat | Long, rough, wired hair. | Moderately long double coat with ruff fur. |
Color | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver color are considered a fault. | Solid black, black with white patches on the neck and chest |
Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA |
King Shepherd
King Shepherds are a breed of large shepherd dogs. American dog breeders Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer were responsible for their development.
This breed was created using American and European German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, and Great Pyrenees. The official breed club was established in the year 1995.
King Shepherds are more considerable and possess greater strength and muscle mass compared to German Shepherds. They are known for being less aggressive in comparison, as well as highly intelligent and quick learners. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, power, loyalty, and relatively lower aggression levels.
German Shepherd | King Shepherd | |
---|---|---|
Origin | Germany | USA |
Height | 55-65 cm | 64-81 cm |
Weight | 22-40 kg | 34-68 kg |
Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding |
Life Span | 9-13 years | 10-11 years |
Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Long, coarse, weather-resistant hair |
Color | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver color are considered a fault. | Multiple varieties of sable |
Recognition | APBI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA, KCBG, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, FCI, AKC, UKC | ARBA, AKSC, WWKC, ERBDC, SKC, APRI, DRA |
Dutch Shepherd
Dutch Shepherd dogs are a breed of herding dogs that were specifically bred by Dutch farmers and shepherds to thrive in challenging conditions.
Dutch Shepherds are highly regarded as one of the top shepherd dog breeds due to their exceptional skills in herding, agility, obedience, and guarding. Great companions, dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature towards their owners and family.
Early training and regular physical and mental exercise are necessary for them, as without them, they may develop destructive and stubborn behaviors.
German Shepherd | Dutch Shepherd | |
---|---|---|
Origin | Germany | Netherlands |
Height | 55-65 cm | 55-62 cm |
Weight | 22-40 kg | 23-32 kg |
Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding |
Life Span | 9-13 years | 12-15 years |
Coat | Long, rough-wired hair | Three types: short, long, wired |
Color | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver color are considered a fault. | Various gray/silver with dark tan stripes |
Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | CKC, FCI, UKC, NKC, APRI, ACR, DRA, AKC/FSS, ACA |
Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd is a rare breed of dog that is not currently recognized by any major kennel club. This breed is currently in the process of being developed and requires recognition.
Shiloh Shepherds bear a striking resemblance to German Shepherds, but their bloodline includes Alaskan Malamute ancestry. Therefore, they are larger in size and possess more prominent hips.
The International Shiloh Shepherd Registry Inc. (ISSR) was established in 1991 as the first official breed club for Shiloh Shepherds.
Shiloh Shepherds are known for their high intelligence and abundant energy. This breed requires ample exercise and open space to run and play.
Without enough physical activity, they may exhibit destructive and aggressive behavior. However, if they receive enough exercise, they will thrive in an apartment setting.
German Shepherd | Shiloh Shepherd | |
---|---|---|
Origin | Germany | USA |
Height | 55-65 cm | 71-76 cm |
Weight | 22-40 kg | 36-59 kg |
Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding |
Life Span | 9-13 years | 12-14 years |
Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Long, rough hair |
Color | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver color are considered a fault. | range of colors, including tan with two or three different hues |
Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | ARBA, TSSR, APRI, NSBR, SSBA, and DRA |
Bohemian Shepherd
The Bohemian Shepherd, also called the Czech Sheepdog, is a medium-sized dog known by various names such as Chodský pes, Czech Sheepdog, Bohemian Herder, and Chodenhund.
The breed is not recognized by the FCI or other major kennel clubs outside of the Czech Republic. Since 2013, Bohemian Shepherds have been permitted to participate in Danish kennel club shows.
This dog closely resembles a German Shepherd but exhibits a friendlier and less aggressive temperament. Bohemian Shepherds are characterized by their smaller height and less muscular build compared to German Shepherds.
In addition, these animals require minimal care and do not have any significant health concerns. There is a limited number of dogs of this breed available, as the breeding for this particular dog only began in 1984.
German Shepherd | Bohemian Shepherd | |
---|---|---|
Origin | Germany | Czech Republic |
Height | 55-65 cm | 42-55 cm |
Weight | 22-40 kg | 16-25 kg |
Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Companion |
Life Span | 9-13 years | |
Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Long, thick fur with a rich undercoat |
Color | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver color are considered a fault. | Black, brown, and tan with yellow shades |
Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | DRA |
Byelorussian or East European Shepherd
The Byelorussian Shepherd is a breed of dog that belongs to the shepherd group. It is more prevalent in regions outside of the Western world, particularly in the Russian subcontinents. Several names know this dog, including Byelorussian Ovcharka, Vostochnoevropejskaya Ovcharka, VEO, and East-European Shepherds.
These dogs were specifically bred and trained to thrive in extremely cold weather conditions. The first dog was developed in 1930 by crossing a German Shepherd with a native Russian breed known as Laika, an Owtcharka-type dog.
German Shepherd | Byelorussian Shepherd | |
---|---|---|
Origin | Germany | Russia |
Height | 55-65 cm | 62-76 cm |
Weight | 22-40 kg | 30-60 kg |
Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding, Guarding |
Life Span | 9-13 years | Up to 13 years |
Coat | Long, rough-wired hair | Long, rough coat |
Color | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver color are considered a fault. | Shamrock with mask, Zonar-grey, Zonar-red, black |
Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | N/A |
The Northern Inuit Dog
This dog is a unique crossbreed that was developed in the UK to resemble a domesticated wolf. They were bred by crossing German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and Inuit dogs. The dog has a medium build and resembles a wolf in shape and appearance.
The Northern Inuit dog is known for its non-aggressive and friendly nature. However, it is important to train them from an early age to prevent them from developing stubborn and determined behaviors.
German Shepherd | Northern Inuit | |
---|---|---|
Origin | Germany | England |
Height | 55-65 cm | 63.5 -76.2 cm |
Weight | 22-40 kg | 25-38 kg |
Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding |
Life Span | 9-13 years | |
Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Short, dense, double coat |
Color | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver color are considered a fault. | Whether wearing a white face mask or not, pure white, black, or sable |
Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | DRA |
Belgian Tervuren Shepherd
Belgian Tervuren Shepherds are members of the Belgian Shepherd family of dog breeds from the village of Tervuren in Belgium. Since 1960, they have been recognized by the AKC as Belgian Tervurens.
Belgian Tervurens are square-proportioned canines that are smaller than German Shepherds, despite their initial appearance that is extremely similar to that of the latter breed.
Tervurens are athletic, clever, and spirited dogs that do well in the outdoors. They make excellent dogs for work in protection, herding, obedience, agility, tracking, and search and rescue.
German Shepherd | Belgian Tervuren | |
---|---|---|
Origin | German | Belgium |
Height | 55-65 cm | 53.3 – 62.2 cm |
Weight | 22-40 kg | 27-34 kg |
Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding, AKC Herding |
Life Span | 9-13 years | 12-14 years |
Coat | Long, rough, wired fur | The dense undercoat, long and straight outer coat with black tips |
Color | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver color are considered a fault. | Rich fawn to russet mahogany or shades of gray with black tips. White patches on the chest, neck, and toes are acceptable. |
Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, KCGB, CKC, AnKC, NKC, NZKC, ABTC, CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, and NAPR |