The German Shepherd is one of the most popular and recognizable dog breeds in the world. It is not uncommon to see them in numerous households, and this popularity can be attributed to their features, which include intelligence, loyalty, versatility, and bravery. 

German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs but overtime, these dogs have shown their ability to adapt to a wide range of tasks easily and you can now find them in other aspects of life, including police work, search and rescue, military duties, and service dogs for the visually impaired., 

Beyond their working abilities, German Shepherds are also cherished as loyal and protective family companions. Their strong sense of duty, combined with their protective instincts, makes them excellent guard dogs. 

A matured German Shepherd Dog has a muscular, and impressive physical appearance. They stand at an average height of about 25 inches from the shoulder and also weigh between 55 to 85 pounds. 

They have a strong and slightly elongated body, with a deep chest, firm back, and powerful hindquarters, designed for endurance and speed. The breed’s broad head and alert, erect ears add to their confident and attentive expression, while their double-layered coat provides protection and enhances their robust appearance. 

However, while a lot of aspiring dog owners would love to own a German shepherd, not all of them will eventually achieve this. This is why we are writing this blog post, to enlighten and open your eyes to several dog breeds similar to the German Shepherd. 

These similar breeds often possess slightly different qualities, which may be more appealing to certain individuals. These traits can include being larger and more robust, smaller and more compact, easier to care for with lower grooming needs, less shedding, longer life spans, or a better ability to handle cold temperatures.

Without further ado, let’s begin!

TOP 5 DOGS SIMILAR TO A GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

King Shepherd

The king shepherd is one the dog breeds very similar to a German Shepherd. They were developed by two American breeders Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheime, by crossbreeding the German Shepherd with Malamutes or Great Pyrenees.

The king shepherd looks so much like German Shepherds. However, they differ in certain physical and intellectual features. The king shepherds are gigantic and bigger than German shepherds. An adult king shepherd weighs about 145 pounds and their height is about 25 – 30 inches from the shoulder. 

They also excel as herding dogs, thanks to the German Shepherd traits deeply ingrained in them. However, they tend to be less aggressive compared to GSDs, which may be influenced by the characteristics of breeds like the Malamute or Great Pyrenees. 

Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch shepherd is another popular dog breed very similar to German Shepherds. They were bred originally by Dutch farmers and herders to help in herding their cattle and sheep in tough conditions. 

Dutch shepherds are very tough and energetic dogs. They are highly intelligent and require enough physical and mental stimulation because they have a lot of energy to expend. 

They are very similar to GSDs in terms of physical features. An adult Dutch shepherd stands at an average height of about 25 inches from the shoulder and also weighs between 55 to 90 pounds.

The slight feature that keeps them different from the GSD is their lighter and shorter coat which sheds a lot. Hence, if you are looking forward to getting this dog, you should be ready to brush them regularly to keep their hair under control. 

Aside from needing regular grooming, they also require enough exercise that can keep them tired because these dogs are highly energetic and not giving them enough physical and mental stimulation makes them bored and destructive. This breed is also known for its longevity. Their average lifespan is about 2-5 years longer than that of a German shepherd.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is very similar to the German Shepherd, particularly in terms of appearance, intelligence, and working capabilities. 

Like the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is a highly versatile and energetic dog, known for excelling in roles such as police work, military service, and search and rescue missions.

They share a similar body structure with GSDs, however, the Malinois is generally more slender and agile, with a slightly shorter coat.

In terms of temperament, the Belgian Malinois is just as loyal, protective, and intelligent as the German Shepherd, but often more intense and energetic. They require a great deal of mental and physical stimulation, making them well-suited for experienced dog owners or those looking for a high-energy companion. 

American Alsatian

The American Alsatian is a breed that shares some similarities with the German Shepherd, but it stands out in its unique way. While it has a similar wolf-like appearance, the American Alsatian is bred primarily as a companion dog rather than a working dog. 

This breed is larger and heavier than the German Shepherd, with a calm and laid-back temperament that makes it great for families looking for a gentle, loyal companion without the high-energy demands of a working dog.

Unlike the German Shepherd, which is known for its drive and work ethic, the American Alsatian is much more relaxed and less intense. They are easy-going, quiet, and require less exercise, making them ideal for those who want the physical appearance of a German Shepherd without the need for constant mental and physical stimulation. 

If you’re drawn to the look of a German Shepherd but prefer a dog that’s more suited to a calm household environment, the American Alsatian could be a perfect fit.

Belgian Tervuren Shepherd

The Belgian Tervuren Shepherd originates from the village of Tervuren in Belgium, and they are recognized and recorded as a member of the Belgian Shepherd family by the AKC in 1960. 

The Belgian Tervuren looks very similar to a German Shepherd dog. However, they are smaller in size. An adult Belgian Tervuren weighs about 65 pounds at max and also stands tall at about 23 inches. 

Like the GSDs, Belgian Tervuren are very intelligent, and they are also used in herding, tracking, and search and rescue operations. 

These dogs are also not suited for someone who barely leaves his apartment. They are highly energetic, and they require enough daily physical and mental stimulation to keep them tired or occupied. 

Conclusion

The German Shepherd remains one of the most beloved and versatile dog breeds you will probably find in every household. However, there are several dogs similar to German shepherds and they also offer unique traits and qualities. 

The five dog breeds similar to a German shepherd that was revealed in this article include the king shepherd, the Belgian malinois, the Dutch shepherd, the American Alsatian, and the Belgian Tervuren. Each of these breeds has unique features that make them different, whether it’s a larger build, a calmer temperament, or lower maintenance needs. 

Whether you’re looking for a loyal companion or an active working dog that looks similar to a German Shepherd dog, there’s likely a breed on this list that can suit your needs.

Do you have any of these dogs or are you considering getting one? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Feel free to share your thoughts, or ask any questions about these breeds in the comments below. Let’s get the conversation started!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dog breeds that have similar loyalty, strength, and intelligence to a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds are renowned for their loyalty, strength, and intelligence. However, other dog breeds house all these qualities, too; some of these dog breeds are labradors, border collies, Australian shepherds, and rottweilers. 

What breed of dog is similar to a German Shepherd in terms of Intelligence, loyalty, and appearance?

The Belgian Malinois is similar to the German Shepherd in terms of intelligence, loyalty, and appearance. They share a similar body structure and are both highly versatile working dogs, excelling in tasks like police work and search and rescue.

What are some good dogs that look like the German Shepherd but do not shed and are not aggressive 

A good option for a dog that looks like a German Shepherd but doesn’t shed much and isn’t aggressive is the Shiloh Shepherd. This breed is known for its gentle temperament and minimal shedding, especially if you choose one with a plush coat. 

Another great option is the American Alsatian, which has a similar wolf-like appearance but is calm, laid-back, and low-shedding. Both breeds make excellent companions without the high-energy aggression or shedding of a traditional German Shepherd.