Common Health Problems
While King Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, theyre still prone to certain health issues like most breeds. Responsible breeders will test parent dogs for inherited diseases to prevent passing problems on to puppies; however, this breeds genetic variation does offer additional protection against genetic disorders.
The following are common conditions that King Shepherds may experience:
King Shepherd Care
If youre looking for a low-maintenance dog, the King Shepherd may not be the right pet for you. Between their grooming and exercise requirements, King Shepherds need lots of time, energy, and attention in order to thrive.
King Shepherds are a high-energy breed that needs extensive exercise. Strenuous activity for at least one hour per day is a must. These dogs thrive in active, single-family homes with lots of space to run, walk, explore, and play.
Because theyre also very intelligent, King Shepherds benefit from exercise routines that incorporate mental stimulation. Playing games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek are great ways for owners to keep this breed entertained. These dogs also excel in canine sports like agility training. King Shepherds can become bored very easily, so its vital to keep them engaged—and exercised—to prevent them from becoming destructive.
King Shepherds have thick, double coats that shed heavily. Brushing your dog several times per week (or even daily) can help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy, clean, and tangle-free.
When it comes to baths, the King Shepherd only requires standard bathing every three to four months. Check your dogs ears and clean its teeth regularly to prevent infections. If your King Shepherd is especially active, running and walking can help keep their nails worn down, but trimmings should be performed as necessary.
King Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, making training relatively simple for owners that are consistent and engaging. Basic obedience lessons can start in puppyhood between eight and 16 weeks of age, while more involved training should continue through the dogs life. Because King Shepherds are so eager to please their family members, they can learn simple commands fairly quickly. Begin socializing your dog when you first bring it home to ensure it stays friendly and well-mannered with strangers and other animals.
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History of the King Shepherd
The term “designer breed” may include dogs like Labradoodles and Yorkipoos, but it also refers to the giant, rugged-looking King Shepherd. Originating in the United States in the 1990s, these dogs were originally bred to create a German Shepherd mix that had fewer health issues than a purebred German Shepherd.
American breeders David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts-Cross first bred a German Shepherd with a Shiloh Shepherd (a hybrid of German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes) to elevate the best qualities of the German Shepherd. In order to achieve the long-haired look they wanted, the breeders also incorporated long-haired German Shepherds from European lineages. These European lines didnt just give King Shepherds their distinctive coats, but they also boosted genetic variation. This was essential to reduce the risk of genetic issues that have become common in longstanding lineages because of inbreeding.
Because King Shepherds are a relatively new breed—and still fairly rare among American families—they are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are, however, recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA), World Wide Kennel Club (WWKC), and Eastern Rare Breed Dog Club (ERBDC), among additional smaller organizations.