Live Life Team
This is a modern dog, created in the 1990s by two American breeders, Shelly Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer. It is a large breed that was developed by crossing German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes and Great Pyrenees. The official breed club was established in 1995.
A large, powerful dog, the King Shepherd is tall and robust, with strong solid limbs, but not overly muscular. The legs are long, and the belly slightly tucked up. The height is 25-30 inches (64 -74cm) at the withers, and the weight is 90 -175 lbs (41- 69 kg). It has a deep, broad chest and a strong, straight back. The head is wide and slightly rounded, with broad, prick ears. The expression is bright and alert, with large almond eyes that are brown in colour.
The dog’s coat is thick and double layered, of medium length and well feathered along the tail. The colour varies, including both mixed and solid shades, but must always be bright and well defined. There are two distinct coat varieties, coarse and long-haired. The dog resembles a large German Shepherd in appearance. It was originally called the King Size German Shepherd, which became shortened to King Shepherd Dog.
Its feet are small, compact and extremely hard. Dew claws are present but are usually removed. Its hardiness and strength make it suitable for a wide range of working conditions, but like the German Shepherd it is classified as a herding dog.
An intelligent, loyal breed, the King Shepherd is best suited to an active working environment.
