What Dog Breeds Are Similar To A German Shepherd?
The German Shepherd is a highly sought after dog breed due to its intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. These noble dogs make great companions and are often seen in military or police work.
But if you’re looking for a similar breed with the same characteristics as the German Shepherd, then this list of 10 Dog Breeds Similar to German Shepherds is for you.
From the Belgian Malinois to the King Shepherd, these breeds share many of the same qualities as a German Shepherd, such as trainability, intelligence and loyalty. Read on to learn more about each breed and find out if one of them could be right for you.
1. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a close relative of the German Shepherd, and it’s easy to see why. Both breeds have a similar body shape, with an athletic build and square muzzle. They also share some characteristics that make them both excellent working dogs, such as intelligence, trainability, and loyalty. The Belgian Malinois is usually slightly smaller than its German Shepherd relative, and their coat colors can differ slightly. The Malinois can range from light fawn to mahogany.
2. King Shepherd
The King Shepherd is a relatively new breed that was created by crossbreeding German Shepherds with other large herding breeds. They possess many of the same traits as a German Shepherd, such as intelligence, trainability and loyalty. The King Shepherd is generally larger in size than its German Shepherd relative, with a thick double-coat that can range from black to tan or white. They have an elegant appearance, with a noble head, strong jaw and upright ears. They are highly alert and protective of their owners, making them an excellent choice for guard dogs.
3. Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd has a lot in common with its German Shepherd ancestor. They have a strong, athletic build and an intelligent expression on their face that is characteristic of the German Shepherd breed. As far as personality goes, Shiloh Shepherds are loyal, trainable and protective – all traits shared by the German Shepherd. The Shiloh Shepherd is a larger breed than the German Shepherd, with a longer coat that comes in shades of gray, silver, black or gold.
4. Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd is another close relative of the German Shepherd. Like its German counterpart, the Dutch Shepherd is a loyal and intelligent breed that is highly trainable. They have a sturdy build with an athletic body type and a noble head. The Dutch Shepherd’s coat can range from black to fawn or brindle, in both long-haired and short-haired varieties.
5. East European Shepherd
The East European Shepherd is an older breed that has many similarities to the German Shepherd. They have a large, muscular body with a square muzzle and upright ears. Their coat can range from pale to dark sable, although some do possess black or white markings. The East European Shepherd is a loyal, protective breed that is easy to train. They are highly alert and make excellent guard dogs.
6. Belgian Tervuren Shepherd
The Belgian Tervuren Shepherd is similar to the German Shepherd. Like its counterpart, this long-haired breed has an athletic, muscular body with a square muzzle and upright ears. The coat can range from black to fawn, and they often have white markings. The Belgian Tervuren Shepherd is an intelligent and loyal breed that is easy to train. They are alert and protective of their owners but also enjoy spending time with people, making them great family pets.
7. Carpathian Shepherd
The Carpathian Shepherd is closely related to the German Shepherd. They have a strong, muscular build with an alert expression on their face that is characteristic of the German Shepherd breed. The coat color can range from black to grey, and they often have white markings. The Carpathian Shepherd is a loyal and intelligent breed that is easy to train. They are highly protective of their family and territory, making them excellent guard dogs.
8. American Alsatian
The American Alsatian is a large breed that has many similarities to its German Shepherd ancestor. They have an athletic build with a strong muzzle and upright ears. The coat can range from black to tan, but they often have white markings. The American Alsatian is an intelligent and loyal breed that is easy to train, making them great pets for families.
9. Bohemian Shepherd
The Bohemian Shepherd breed has a strong, athletic build with an intelligent expression on their face that is characteristic of the German Shepherd. The coat can range from black to fawn, and they often have white markings.
10. Northern Inuit
The Northern Inuit is a relatively new breed, but it shares many of the same characteristics as the German Shepherd. They have an athletic build with a strong muzzle and upright ears, and their coat color can range from black to tan – often with white markings.
Conclusion
Overall, each of these dog breeds share many similarities with the German Shepherd, including a strong athletic build, an intelligent expression on their faces, and loyal and protective personalities. These qualities make them all excellent choices for guard dogs and loving family pets.
