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
how to spot oneKing Shepherd coat and colours
thick double coat
A large, heavy-boned shepherd type with a dense double coat of medium length.1
Coloursfawnredblackbrownsablecombinations of these1
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksKing Shepherd exercise needs
Moderate to high: around 60-90 minutes a day of walking, hiking or active play.1
where they are happiestKing Shepherd at home
Its size and exercise needs suit a home with room to move and regular outdoor time.1
who they like aroundKing Shepherd with people and other pets
Thrives on close contact with its family and does best as part of daily household life.1
the hands-on bitsKing Shepherd grooming and care
Brush about three times a week and bathe only when needed; the double coat sheds a lot.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.2
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.3
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.14Pet 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.1Pet 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.4Pet 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.1Pet 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.4Pet 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.
per year, in your countryWhat a King Shepherd costs
Running costs for a King Shepherd, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the King Shepherd legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the King Shepherd in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
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
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named 'King Shepherd' to reflect its larger size and regal bearing compared to the German Shepherd, from which it was developed.5
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.
where it all beganKing Shepherd history
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
German Shepherd Dog
Shiloh Shepherd
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Alaskan Malamute