5 Dogs That Look Like German Shepherds

Dogs! These four-pawed creatures are undoubtedly the most loved pets of all time. Their goofiness, unconditional love, loyalty, agility, and intelligence is what makes them so special. Today there are more than 340 breeds of dogs as recognized by Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and many more unrecognized ones.

One of the popular and widely spread dogs is the great German shepherd. Also known as Alsatian, German Shepherd is intelligent, skilled, devoted and unmatched in courage. The dog’s well-built body structure, broad shoulders, strong legs, and muscular thighs make it an excellent rescue dog, herder, military dog, a drug detector. This dog is it’s owner’s best friend as it is incredibly faithful and loving. The average lifespan of the breed is 9 to 13 years. But did you know there several breeds of dogs that are very similar to a German Shepherd in appearance and behavior? Few of them exceed your favorite German Shepherd in reputation and here’s a list of them

1.Belgian shepherd

While German Shepherds are dogs from Germany, the Belgian shepherds are from Belgium and popularly called as Belgian sheepdogs. The dogs are skilled herders and accurate trackers. Their strength, energy and remarkable brilliance make them perfect police watchdogs. The Belgian shepherds can be trusted around little children owing to their stable emotions. The color of the coat is usually solid black or black with white patches on the neck and cheeks. The dogs require regular exercise and training, by a firm owner is recommended, to maintain them in the best condition.

2.King Shepherd

These giant shepherd dogs are natives of the U.S.A. They live up to their name and are truly king-size in build, height, power, and valor. America dog breeders Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer developed this breed from American, European German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamutes, and Great Pyrenees. These huge beasts are larger, heavier and more muscular compared to German Shepherds, yet less aggressive or violent. Their life span is also higher about 10 to 11 years. The breed’s long weather resistant fur and sable coat make the most ideal pet.

3.Dutch Shepherd

They are tough dogs that have been bred by Dutch farmers to help them adapt to adverse climate. They are worthy shepherd dogs renowned for their effectiveness in guarding. They are very protective about their owners and friendliest pets. However, if deprived of daily exercise and vigorous walks they can turn out to be rebellious and destructive. With their elegant silvery gray hair with rich tan stripes, Dutch shepherds are one of the most beautiful breeds of dogs in the world.

4.Shiloh Shepherd

Shiloh Shepherds are extremely rare and still stand officially unrecognized by major international kennel clubs. They are the closest to German shepherds in looks in spite of coming from the Alaskan bloodline. Apart from being more massive in size they also possess better hips. They further have a prolonged life span of 12 to 14 years. These dogs do well even in small households and apartments and are thus low maintenance pets.

5.Bohemian shepherd

These dogs have their roots in the Czech Republic and are called by a variety of names like Chodský pes, Czech Sheepdog, Bohemian Herder, and Chodenhund. Their existence came to be only in 1984 and FCI and other dog kennels haven’t approved to recognize them as an official breed yet. Bohemian shepherds are the calmest among the shepherd group and the friendliest and least stubborn as well. Their small size, easy nourishment, sound health is why most dog lovers are wishing to take care of these dogs.

Who knew your all-time favorite German Shepherd shared so many similar looking cousin dogs? All the breeds are exceedingly superior and fun loving. While few are experiment hybrids, others are natural breeders. If you were thinking of finding a German Shepherd, we have opened you up to so many more types that are very similar to them. So go ahead and look into each shepherd dog and find your best match, bring him home and find your ‘happily ever after’, for when you think about it- ‘ the world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as deeply as a dog’ – MK Clinton.