King Shepherd
From United States, developed from 1990 by Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer.1
At a glance the quick version
Converted from Dogtime: males 90-150 lb, females 75-110 lb.
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
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
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 Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a King Shepherd. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
You might also like
German Shepherd Dog
Shiloh Shepherd
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Alaskan MalamuteLike what we are building? Buy us a coffee.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Dogtime: King Shepherd dogtime.comused for all fields (no registry standard found online)
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.