King Shepherd Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the King Shepherd?

The King Shepherd is a relatively new breed, developed in America by David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts Cross started in 1990, with the American King Shepherd Club being established in 1995.

Still, in development, the breed is a hybrid of German Shepherds and other breeds that can include the Akita, Alaskan Malamute, or Great Pyrenees.

The aim was to create a dog similar to the German Shepherd, only larger and with few health issues.

Who are King Shepherd dogs best for?

Despite their size, the King Shepherd breed makes a great family pet. They are friendly with strangers, get on well with kids, and can even get on well with other pets like cats.

The breed is high-energy and needs a lot of exercise. For this reason, it would be better suited for those without mobility issues. Their size also makes them more challenging to control on the lead, so they are not advised for older people.

How much grooming does a King Shepherd need?

King Shepherds are heavy shedders, so daily brushing can help reduce dog hair around the home, on clothes, and furniture. As all dog owners know, there will inevitably be hair on your clothes, no matter what you do.

Their thick, double coats can get tangles, so regular brushing will also help with that. You will not need to bathe your dog too often, which is good news because of the size and effort of getting it in a bathtub and drying it afterwards without getting soaked.

An outside hose can be a great way to clean the dog, and quarterly baths or cleaning should be sufficient unless it gets dirty when out on walks or playing.

Do King Shepherd bark much?

King Shepherds are not known as problem barkers, but they can be vocal on occasion.

They can bark when being territorial and strangers or other animals approach your home. They can also become vocal when they seek attention, and this can happen if they are lonely or bored.

They can also bark if they get startled, but generally speaking, you shouldn't have an issue with barking, especially with early training and socialisation.

Do King Shepherd bite?

With large dog breeds, they must be trained not to bite from an early age. Smaller dogs can get away with more aggressive tendencies, although this should not be permitted because they are smaller and can cause more minor damage. The damage a large breed dog can cause can be severe, even life-threatening.

If your dog is showing aggressive tendencies, you must try to diagnose the triggers and speak to your vet to find out if there are underlying problems. A dog behaviourist should also be consulted to work out the best course of action to take.

What is the temperament & personality of a King Shepherd?

These dogs can be imposing at first sight because of their size, but they are very friendly good-natured dogs. They are typically calm and loyal, but training is still necessary because of their size. Even friendly exuberance can cause concern or hurt someone who isn't expecting it.

What is the weight & size of a King Shepherd?

The average size of a King Shepherd should be 63.5 to 68.5 cm for females and 68.5 to 79 cm in height for males. The weight should fall somewhere between 41 and 68 kilos.

How much training does a King Shepherd need?

King Shepherds respond well to training and positive reinforcement, making them great pets. They are highly intelligent dogs, making obedience training and housebreaking easier.

What are some of the most common health issues for a King Shepherd?

Even though King Shepherds were bred to try and eliminate some of the health conditions that German Shepherds suffer from, there are still some conditions that they are more susceptible to than others.

The health problems most associated with the King Shepherd breed include;

• Von Willebrands Disease - Von Willebrand's Disease, or vWD as it is also known, is an inherited disorder that affects bleeding in humans and some dogs. The issue is caused by a lack of protein that helps with clotting.

• Hypothyroidism - Hypothyroidism can cause obesity in dogs and is caused by a lack of thyroid hormones being produced that help regulate the metabolism. Other symptoms can include lethargy, issues with their coat, skin infections, slow heart rate, and lameness.

• Joint Dysplasia - Joint dysplasia is most common in the hips of dogs but can occur in the elbow. It is when the joint and bones grow at different rates, so they don't fit as they should. This can cause pain when walking the dog.

• Eye Issues - Eye issues like Chronic Superficial Keratitis, also known as pannus, can affect King Shepherds. The condition sees scar tissue and blood vessels causing issues with the cornea.

• Allergies - No matter what breed you have, looking out for allergies can help to improve your dog's quality of life. Whether the allergy is airborne, ingested, or through touch, diagnosing the cause and removing it from the dog's life can help with breathing, a running nose and eyes, or skin conditions.

• Bloat - Bloat might sound trivial, like when you eat too much, but it can be fatal for dogs. It is caused by the stomach filling with gas and twisting. This stops the food in the stomach and gas from leaving and cuts off the blood supply. It can be very painful for dogs and can kill them in hours if it is not treated.

What is the lifespan of a King Shepherd?

The average life span is around 10 to 11 years for King Shepherds. Giving your dog as long a life as possible depends on the lifestyle you provide for it.

Regular vet checkups are advised for all breeds, and this lets your vet check for any potential problems and treat them quickly. A good healthy diet that supplies the dog with all the nutrients it needs is essential, as is regular exercise.

How much should you feed a King Shepherd?

As you might imagine, a King Shepherd eats a lot for a large dog. You will need to keep a close eye on its diet as the breed is known for overindulging and piling on the pounds.

Your dog's diet should consist of healthy fats, vegetables, proteins, and ground bones. You can speak to your vet or breeder to draw up a diet plan for your dog.

A King shepherd typically needs around three to four cups of high-quality dry food every day. Splitting this food into smaller amounts throughout the day helps to stop your dog from getting hungry between meals and prevent bloat.

A diet plan from a vet or breeder when you first get a King Shepherd puppy is essential. The dog needs the right nutrients to promote muscle and bone growth, and you will then be able to alter it as your dog grows.

What is the price of a King Shepherd in Australia?

You should expect to pay over $2,000 for a King Shepherd puppy, and prices will vary depending on the breeder, the dogs' lineage, and also the dogs involved in the breeding process.

It is important that you do your homework and find a responsible breeder. You might find cheaper options, but this can sometimes mean you would have to deal with an unscrupulous dealer.

A good dealer will be able to provide you with all the papers you need and prove the dogs' bloodline. This is important in finding out how at risk the puppy is from hereditary issues.

A respectable breeder will give you peace of mind that the puppy you buy is healthy, looked after, and is the breed it is being sold as.