The German Shepherd is an iconic breed with a history of loyalty and courage. This breed has been a long-time favorite for service, police and military work, and just as a beloved pet.
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A few breeds may fit the bill if you’re looking for a dog with similar qualities to the German Shepherd.
Let’s take a look at some of the dogs that resemble German Shepherds in looks and temperament.
Contents
- 1 History of the German Shepherd
- 2 Dog That look like German Shepherds
- 3 1. Northern Inuit Dog
- 4 2. Carpathian Shepherd Dog
- 5 3. Miniature German Shepherd
- 6 4. Eastern European Shepherd (Byelorussian Shepherd)
- 7 5. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- 8 6. Belgian Tervuren
- 9 7. The Shiloh Shepherd
- 10 8. Berger Blanc Suisse (White Shepherd)
- 11 9. Dutch Shepherd
- 12 10. King Shepherd
- 13 11. Belgian Malinois (Belgian Shepherd)
- 14 12. Panda Shepherd
- 15 13. Bohemian Shepherd
- 16 Related Questions
- 17 Conclusion: Dogs That Look Like German Shepherds
History of the German Shepherd
The breed was developed by an ex-cavalry officer named Max von Stephanitz in 1899, who wanted to create a herding dog that could be used for both homes and farms.
The resulting breed is a medium to large size dog with a strong, muscular frame and an intelligent, loyal temper. The German Shepherd is known for its loyalty, obedience, and protective nature.
This is why the breed is so popular with families and police departments and often serves as a working dog in the military and search and rescue operations.
These dogs are also often used as guide dogs and therapy dogs. It has a short, thick coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, black and tan, and sable.
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German Shepherds are highly intelligent and curious but can also be stubborn and independent. They need a lot of exercises and mental stimulation to stay happy and can surprisingly be lazy. They are also very alert and watchful, making them great guard dogs.
When it comes to appearance, the German Shepard has a strong and well-muscled body that is slightly longer than it is tall. They have a wide head with a black nose, a double coat of medium-length fur, usually black and tan, and a bushy tail.
The average German Shepherd stands between 22-26 inches tall and weighs between 50-90 pounds. This breed usually lives for 9 to 13 years and was recognized by AKC in 1908.
Dog That look like German Shepherds
Explore our finding:
1. Northern Inuit Dog
They are loyal, intelligent, and protective, making them great family pets. Northern Inuit Dogs are friendly, outgoing, and eager to please, so they make wonderful companions.
These dogs were first bred in the United Kingdom in the 1980s as a cross between Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and German Shepherds.
The breed was intended to look similar to the German Shepherd but with a more wolf-like appearance. Northern Inuit Dogs are larger than the average German Shepherd, with a muscular body and thick, double fur coat.
Northern Inuit Dogs are great for active families, as they have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercises.
They are good with children but need to be supervised when playing, as they can be quite boisterous. They are also good with other pets but need to be socialized from a young age to be comfortable around them.
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These dogs are intelligent and learn quickly and respond well to obedience training. They can also be trained for various activities, such as agility, search and rescue, and tracking. Northern Inuit Dogs are devoted to their families and make good watchdogs.
| Stats | Northern Inuit Dog |
| Temperament | Dependable, Friendly, Intelligent, loyal, Gentle, Calm |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
2. Carpathian Shepherd Dog
Originating in Romania, this natural guardian and an ancient breed have been used extensively as a guard and herding dog.
This breed’s thick double coat is either short or long and comes in a variety of colors and combinations.
The Carpathian Shepherd Dog is a medium to large, muscular breed with a broad head and long muzzle. Its ears are folded over, and its eyes are almond-shaped and dark.
It is also a breed that needs an experienced and knowledgeable owner, as its strong will can be difficult to manage. Providing consistent and firm training and socialization from an early age is important.
| Stats | Carpathian Shepherd Dog |
| Temperament | playful, brave, intelligent, loyal, fierce guardians |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
3. Miniature German Shepherd
The Miniature German Shepherd is the perfect choice for those who want the noble and intelligent qualities of a German Shepherd but in a smaller size. These dogs are highly adaptable and make excellent watchdogs.
Their size is ideal for those who wish to have a smaller dog, as they are typically around 30 – 50 pounds. Despite their size, they are still very active and agile, making them great companions for those who love to spend time outdoors.
| Stats | Miniature German Shepherd |
| Temperament | intelligent, loyal, calm, affectionate |
| Lifespan | 9-13 years |
4. Eastern European Shepherd (Byelorussian Shepherd)
This dog breed was developed in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe during the early 1900s. This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic.
The East European Shepherd is a large dog breed with a long, thick coat and a muscular body. They have long heads and pointed ears and are usually either black and tan or solid black.
They have an intelligent and alert expression and have been used for various tasks, including herding, guarding, and search and rescue.
They are loyal and affectionate towards their owners and are often used as service dogs.
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| Stats | Eastern European Shepherd |
| Temperament | Versatile, hardy, playful, loyal, watchful, protective |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
5. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
This breed is a large and powerful herding and guard dog, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, originating from the Caucasus Mountains region. This breed looks like a German Shepherd.
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a hardy breed that can cope with a variety of climates and terrain. They are strong and agile, with a well-muscled body and a firm, compact frame.
These dogs have high pain tolerance, making them ideal for guarding flocks and herds.
This impressive guard dog is large and powerful, standing 27 inches tall and weighing up to 170 pounds. Its thick, weather-resistant coat comes in various colors, ranging from white to cream to grey.
| Stats | Caucasian Shepherd Dog |
| Temperament | Strong, Powerful, devoted, Alert, bold, Calm, Quick |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
6. Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren Shepherd is an elegant and graceful breed. They have a thicker coat than the German Shepherd and a wider muzzle.
They are known for their intelligence and ability to learn quickly, making them a great choice for agility and obedience competitions. They are also incredibly loyal, making them a great companion for all types of families.
| Stats | Belgian Tervuren Shepherd |
| Temperament | Observant , Intelligent, Energetic, Alert, Obedient, Protective |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
7. The Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd is a large breed developed in the 1970s by crossing various purebred dogs, including the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute.
The result is a breed with many of the same qualities as its parent breeds, such as high intelligence, loyalty and trainability.
However, they tend to be less aggressive than their German Shepherd counterparts. They are also larger and have an impressive double coat which helps them stay warm in cold climates.
As family dogs, they make excellent companions due to their friendly and gentle nature. However, they can be quite protective when protecting their owners or territory.
| Stats | Shiloh Shepherd |
| Temperament | Trainable, Gentle, Companionable, Loyal, Intelligent, Loving |
| Lifespan | 9-14 years |
8. Berger Blanc Suisse (White Shepherd)
The White Swiss Shepherd dog is not the same breed as the German Shepherd but developed from crosses between various European herding dogs and the German Shepherd.
They have strong protective instincts, making them good guard dogs. They are known for their intelligence and loyalty, highly trainable and eager to please their owners.
The White Shepherd is an active and energetic breed that loves to play, making them great companions for children and adults alike.
They are also relatively easy to groom and maintain, as they don’t need special care beyond regular brushing and bathing.
While they may look similar to the German Shepherd, the White Shepherd has many unique features that make it stand out.
| Stats | White Swiss Shepherd |
| Temperament | Attentive, Aloof, Lively, alert, friendly |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
9. Dutch Shepherd
This Netherland dog is a medium-sized dog with a strong, athletic body and strong muscles. They have a wedge-shaped head, with erect ears and almond-shaped eyes.
Their coat can be either short or long and comes in three colors: brindle, black and tawny, each with its own unique markings.
Despite their similarities to the German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherds are known for being more independent.
| Stats | Dutch Shepherd |
| Temperament | Reliable, Alert, Affectionate, Loyal |
| Lifespan | 11-14 years |
10. King Shepherd
King Shepherds are relatively new breeds. This breed is native to the United States. It is quickly becoming a popular choice for those looking for a hardworking, loyal companion and a family dog.
They have a strong work ethic and are willing to do whatever it takes to please their owners.
King Shepherds have a long, thick coat typically black, stable, and red but can also be brown or solid white. They can weigh up to 130 pounds.
| Stats | King Shepherd |
| Temperament | Friendly, calm, Confident, loyal |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
11. Belgian Malinois (Belgian Shepherd)
This breed originated in Belgium and is known for its intelligence, agility, and strength.
It has a long, pointed snout and a short, thick coat with a distinctively ruddy tone. The Belgian Malinois was originally bred as a guard and working dog and is still used in police and military settings today.
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The Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and loyal, making it a great choice for families with children and other pets. It is an energetic breed that requires plenty of exercises and mental stimulation.
Although the Belgian Malinois may be similar to the German Shepherd in appearance, it is easily distinguishable by its pointed snout and ruddy coat. The Belgian Malinois may be perfect for you if you’re looking for a loyal, intelligent, and active dog.
| Stats | Belgian Malinois |
| Temperament | Smart, Obedient, Protective, Friendly |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
12. Panda Shepherd
This hybrid was first discovered in a single GSD bloodline, where it occurred naturally. As its name suggests, the Panda Shepherd is 35% white, giving it a unique panda-like appearance.
The coat pattern is unique to this particular breed, and it has dark eyes, a black nose and lips, which contrast with its white fur. Its ears are wide and pointy, and it has an athletic build with strong legs.
The Panda Shepherd makes an excellent guard dog due to its loyal temperament and protective nature. It’s also highly intelligent and easy to train.
| Stats | Panda Shepherd |
| Temperament | Alert, Confident, Obedient, Intelligent, Loyal |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
13. Bohemian Shepherd
This medium-sized breed originates from the Czech Republic and is known for being lively and quick. They weigh 35 to 60 pounds and are renowned for their herding abilities.
Bohemian Shepherds are very intelligent and can learn quickly. They are also incredibly loyal and require human companionship.
This breed is highly adaptable and can be a great fit for many different types of households. The Bohemian Shepherd is an excellent companion whether you have a large family or just a few people.
| Stats | Bohemian Shepherd |
| Temperament | Inteeligent, Trainable, Active, Courageous |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
Related Questions
Why Does My German Shepherd Howl Like a Wolf?
If you’ve heard your German Shepherd howling like a wolf, you may have wondered why they do this. After all, these dogs aren’t wild wolves, so why are they howling?
The truth is that howling is simply a part of your German Shepherd’s DNA.
Here are the main reasons why your German Shepherd may be howling.
Anxiety
One of the main reasons why your German Shepherd may be howling is anxiety. If your dog feels scared or uneasy, it may resort to howling to express its feelings.
Suppose your dog is howling due to anxiety. In that case, it’s important to observe its behavior and try to figure out what is causing it to feel so uneasy.
Boredom
Another common reason your German Shepherd may be howling is boredom. If they are left alone for long periods, they may resort to howling out of boredom and loneliness.
To combat this problem, ensure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. This could include taking them for a walk, playing fetch, or even introducing puzzle toys.
Excitement to See the Owner
If your German Shepherd is howling when you come home, it might be because they are excited to see you. They may be letting off some steam to express their joy at seeing you again.
If this is the case, reward your German Shepherd with extra cuddles and praise when they howl in response to your presence.
Hurt
It is also possible that your German Shepherd may be howling in response to pain or discomfort.
If you notice that your German Shepherd is howling more than usual or seems to be in distress, it’s important to check them for any signs of injury.
If you can’t find anything, take them to the vet to make sure everything is okay.
Conclusion: Dogs That Look Like German Shepherds
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