King Shepherd

Rare breedShort profile

From United States, developed from 1990 by Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male41 to 68 kg1

Weight, female34 to 50 kg1

Height, male69 to 79 cm1

Height, female64 to 69 cm1

Lifespan10 to 13 years1

Sizelarge

Converted from Dogtime: males 90-150 lb, females 75-110 lb.

loyal and devoted to family

intelligent and trainable

calm gentle-giant nature

Coat and looks how to spot one

thick double coat

A large, heavy-boned shepherd type with a dense double coat of medium length.1

Coloursfawnredblackbrownsablecombinations of these1

Personality what they are like

A big, steady family dog that is loyal, watchful and affectionate. It is smart and friendly, bonds closely with its people and is often described as a gentle giant.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate to high: around 60-90 minutes a day of walking, hiking or active play.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush about three times a week and bathe only when needed; the double coat sheds a lot.1

Home where they are happiest

Its size and exercise needs suit a home with room to move and regular outdoor time.1

Company who they like around

Thrives on close contact with its family and does best as part of daily household life.1

The story where it all began

The King Shepherd was developed in the United States starting in 1990, when breeders set out to create a larger shepherd dog. German Shepherd and Shiloh Shepherd lines were combined with Great Pyrenees, Alaskan Malamute and sometimes Akita, and a breed club followed in 1995.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
A breed club for the King Shepherd was set up in 1995, five years after breeding began.1
2
King Shepherds have worked in herding, detection, rescue and service roles.1
3
Its background mixes German Shepherd and Shiloh Shepherd lines with Great Pyrenees, Alaskan Malamute and sometimes Akita.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named 'King Shepherd' to reflect its larger size and regal bearing compared to the German Shepherd, from which it was developed.2

Name ideas for your new friend

KingShepGentleBuddyRexMooseDukeLoyalBearGiantHugShadow

A day in the life told by a King Shepherd

I wake up and stretch, my tail wagging as I pad to the kitchen. My human gives me a scratch behind the ears and says, "Good morning, big guy." We head out for a walk, and I sniff every bush and lamp post, making sure our territory is safe. At the park, I meet my dog friends and we chase each other in circles. Back home, I curl up on the couch with my human, watching the street. When the mail carrier comes, I give a low woof, just to show I'm on duty. At night, I sleep at the foot of the bed, guarding my family while they dream.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

ARBA / AKSC and others: Recognised by the American Rare Breed Association, the American King Shepherd Club and several smaller registries; not recognised by the AKC.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a King Shepherd. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my King Shepherd, and at what times?

Feed your King Shepherd at least two meals a day on a consistent schedule. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Free feeding is not recommended for puppies.3

What should a King Shepherd eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality large breed dog food. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as these are especially toxic to dogs.4

How often should I bathe a King Shepherd?

Bathe your King Shepherd only when needed, roughly every two to three months. Over-bathing can strip natural oils from their double coat.1 5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a King Shepherd need brushing?

Brush your King Shepherd about three times a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. This helps manage their thick double coat.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a King Shepherd's nails, and how often?

Trim your King Shepherd's nails every four weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a proper nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a King Shepherd need?

Your King Shepherd needs 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise, such as walks, hiking, or active play. They are an active breed that enjoys outdoor time.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a King Shepherd's teeth and ears?

Brush your King Shepherd's teeth daily or at least two to three times a week using dog toothpaste. Check their ears every two weeks and clean gently without inserting anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a King Shepherd live?

King Shepherds typically live between 10 and 13 years. With good care, they can enjoy a long, happy life.1

Is a King Shepherd good with children and other pets?

Yes, King Shepherds are known as gentle giants and are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized. They are loyal and affectionate family dogs.1

Can a King Shepherd be left alone?

King Shepherds thrive on close contact with their family and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They do best as part of daily household life.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.